How to Install & Assemble a Pool Table

A pool table can spice up a game room and provide great times for the entire family. Before any of this can happen, however, the table generally will need to be assembled. Since many different pool table designs exist, you will want to locate the assembly guide before attempting to install your pool table. It is also important that you make sure that the room in which you are putting the pool table is big enough to play the game comfortably (you will want at least 55 inches of room on all sides).

Instructions

1

Assemble the pedestals if your pool table comes with disassembled pedestals. Pedestals tend to be held together by brackets and screws. If your pool table comes with traditional legs, ignore this step.

2

Assemble the frame if your pool table comes without the frame assembled. This will be accomplished by attaching multiple beams (sometimes straight to the pedestals) using brackets and screws. Again, if your table comes with an already assembled frame (and many do), skip this step.

3

Attach the legs to the base of the frame. Screw them in and attach any brackets, nuts or bolts that may be required to hold the legs in place.

4

Flip the table over and stand it up properly. Make any tiny adjustments needed to the legs and then completely tighten the screws, nuts or bolts.

5

Level the frame of the pool table. Use your level and some metal spacers at all four sides of the partially assembled pool table in order to make sure it is level.

6

Attach the tabletop (sometimes slate, sometimes something else, generally hard plastics or particle board) to the top of the frame. Often, the table top is in three separate sections. The sections of the tabletop are usually attached to the frame by a set of screws. Before securing the tabletop, make sure it is in the proper place. Any overhang should be equal at all sides.

7

Level the tabletop of your pool table. Use spacers to raise the side that is lowest until the table is even. This step is extremely important to the overall play of your pool table, so make sure that the table top is completely level before moving on.

8

Wax the seams off of the tabletop if seams exist (generally only for multiple-section tabletops). Use a propane torch to melt some beeswax and let it drip along the seams of the pool table (leave enough beeswax to coat a few inches to each side of the seams). You will probably want to use beeswax to cover the screw holes as well. Let the wax dry and then use a paint scraper to even everything out. Repeat this process if necessary.

9

Apply the felt to the tabletop. This is generally done using a spray-on adhesive. Be very careful to keep any bubbles from forming while applying the felt. Cut off any excess felt with scissors. Use a razor blade to cut holes on the felt where bolts will be used to hold the side pieces in place.

10

Attach the pockets and rails. Depending on the type of table you have, this can be done in a multitude of ways. What is important is that the rails are lined up properly so the balls can travel along them.