Putting Felt on a Pool Table

The large expanse of green on a pool table is a welcome sight to billiards and pool players all over the world, and nothing is more disturbing then the normal wear and tear suffered by the table's green felt surface after years of play. Due to the precision involved in billiards and pool, the table's surface must be absolutely flat and free of rips. You cannot patch a pool table or cover a rip. Once the felt starts to go, the only solution is refinishing the tabletop.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure and pad
  • Wrench
  • Staple remover
  • Electric staple gun
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a diagram of your pool table and measure the length and width of the table before going to buy the new felt. Remember to include the height and length of the rails and figure that in with your measurements.

    • 2

      Take the dimensions with you to the fabric store and explain that you need felt for a pool table to ensure that you get the heavy-duty felt necessary for your recovering project. You can purchase this type of felt fabric from fabric and craft stores or gaming and billiard supplies stores.

    • 3

      Remove the bolts holding the rails in place. They are located under the table. Keep the bolts in a safe place and leave the rails near the side from which you are removing them so you will know which rail goes where when it's time to reinstall them.

    • 4

      Remove the staples holding the old felt to the table and discard them. Lay the new felt in the center of the table and spread it out over the top of the table. Leave an extra foot on each side for the rails, then cut the felt.

    • 5

      Begin tacking the new felt at one end of the table using the electric staple gun, and keeping the staples neat and in a straight row. Use a staple every 3 inches along the edges. Pull the felt snugly as you go along. Continue until the edges are completely covered and tacked into place.

    • 6

      Cut the pockets out with the utitlity knife. Tack the felt into the pockets and cut off the excess. Place the liners into the holes for the pockets.

    • 7

      Smooth the felt with your hands and make sure that everything is tacked down thoroughly. Reinstall the rails the same way you removed them, making certain to screw the bolts in tightly.