How to Assemble a Billiards Table

The best way to assemble a billiards table is to hire a professional to do it, but that can be expensive. You can put the table together yourself by following these simple steps. Take your time, and make sure the billiards table is perfectly level. Even a slight tilt will drastically affect the quality of play.

Things You'll Need

  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Paint scraper
  • Propane torch
  • Beeswax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip the billiards table cabinet over, and place it on the floor where you will be assembling it. It is best to set the billiards table directly in the middle of the room. Approximately 68 inches should be between the edge of the table and the wall so that people have room to shoot. You will not be able to move the billiards table once it is assembled, so choose your location carefully.

    • 2

      Affix the legs of the table to the cabinet's brackets, securely tightening all bolts. Turn the billiards table cabinet over, and check its location in the room one last time.

    • 3

      Set one piece of slate in the center of the table. Use a tape measure to verify that there is the same amount of space on each side of the center slate. Carefully set the remaining two pieces of slate in place on the table, making sure they fill the open spaces completely.

    • 4

      Level the slate top of the billiards table. First check the slate with a level to determine which side of the table is higher. Raise the lower side of the table by inserting shims under the corners. Re-check the slate and insert additional shims if necessary. Repeat this process until the table is level. Tighten each screw evenly. Re-check the level to make sure the table has not shifted.

    • 5

      Use a propane torch to melt beeswax onto the seams between each of the slate pieces. Fill in any screw holes or indentations with wax. Allow the wax to dry overnight. Scrape off the excess wax with a paint scraper to leave a smooth, flat surface.

    • 6

      Lay the felt on the billiards table's bed. Cut holes in the slate panels for the bolts. Align the rails and pockets, then securely tighten all screws and washers. Staple or screw in the pockets on the underside of the table, depending on which method your table uses.