Instructions on Putting Together Pool Tables

Having your own pool table will provide your family entertainment for years to come. Most pool tables are made from a slate top, which is durable and plays well, but is also difficult to move and put together. It is usually worth the cost to have your pool table professionally assembled. If you must put the table together yourself, make sure you have plenty of help to lift and align the heavy pieces of slate.

  1. Where to Assemble the Pool Table

    • Measure the room before you put your pool table together. The table will be too heavy to move once you install the slate, so be sure you have the cabinet exactly where you want it. Ideally, place the pool table in the center of the room, 68 inches or more away from any walls or obstacles.

    Putting Together the Cabinet

    • Turn the cabinet over and set it on the floor upside down. Attach the legs to the brackets on the underside of the cabinet and securely tighten the bolts. Have a friend help you lift up the cabinet and turn it right side up. Check each set of bolts again in case they loosened up when the weight of the cabinet settled onto the legs.

    Installing the Slate

    • Most full-size pool tables are made from three slabs of slate. The slate is heavy, so make sure you have plenty of help and are using the proper lifting technique to prevent injury. Place the middle slab directly in the center of the table opening, checking the positioning with a tape measure to make sure there is room for the end slabs. Carefully drop each end slab into place and check the table surface with a machinist's level. If the table is uneven, the balls will not play correctly. Use wooden shims underneath the legs on the lower end to even out the table if necessary.

    Covering the Table

    • With a propane torch, melt beeswax sealant along the seams of the slate. Fill in the screw holes with wax so the playing surface will be perfectly smooth. Let the beeswax dry completely, then use a putty knife to remove any excess wax from the surface. Place the felt on the table, lining up the pockets with the holes in the table. Align the side and end rails, then tighten the screws that hold the felt and rails onto the table. The pockets should be either screwed into the bottom of the cabinet or stapled on, depending on the type of pool table you have.