How Much Does It Cost to Move A Pool Table?

If you’re moving to a new home and you want to bring your pool table along with you, you should consider hiring professionals for the job. Moving pool tables is serious business. Not only are they often one of the heaviest items that people own, but the disassembly process is also very long, tedious, and complicated

Depending on the make, model, and size of the pool table, it can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Both the weight and bulkiness of pool tables make them exceptionally difficult items to move that, contrary to popular belief, isn’t as easy as taking off the legs and enlisting the help of your strongest friends to lift it. Because of the critical steps involved in the disassembly and reassembly of a pool table, it is strongly recommended to hire professional pool table movers.

Professional pool table movers will have the expertise, qualifications, and necessary tools to get the job done safely and efficiently. Though, you may be wondering how much this service is going to set you back. The average cost to move a pool table is $369. Though, you could pay as little as $200 or as much as $600, depending on a number of factors.

With that said, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to shed some light on what it costs to have a pool table moved and the process as a whole. That way, you can budget accordingly and decide whether or not you want to leave your pool table behind during your next move.

Generally speaking, the cost to move a pool table will depend on a number of factors and is determined by the moving company you hire. These factors include the distance you are moving the pool table (including any stairs that must be navigated), the make and model of the table, the size of the table, whether it has a ball return system or pockets, and whether it is a one-piece or a three-piece slate pool table.

Most pool table moving companies charge a flat rate rather than an hourly rate. The price typically includes the disassembly of the table, as well as the moving, set up, and reassembly of the table at the new location. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the flat rate will vary based on the company you hire and your geographic location. The following table displays a brief overview of the average costs to move a pool table:

The distance from Point A to Point B is crucial in determining the cost to move a pool table. As you might expect, the farther that the pool table has to travel, the more you’re going to pay. You’re also going to be charged according to the logistics of the move. In-house moves are the cheapest, though you may be charged more if the pool table has to be lifted up or down stairs. Other situations that could make maneuvering the pool table difficult may contribute to a higher cost – such as narrow hallways, no service elevator, and tight doorways.

There also may be additional fees associated with moving your pool table to a storage facility or anywhere else, including tolls, fuel, and mileage costs. Though, the shorter the distance, the more likely your moving company will waive these fees. If needed, pool tables can also be disassembled and custom crated to be moved across the country or even overseas. In the case of a long-distance move, both the weight of the pool table and the miles it must travel will be major factors in the final cost.

It’s highly likely that one of the first questions your pool table moving company is going to ask you is about the make and model of the table. This is a major factor in the cost of moving a pool table, as moving an antique Brunswick table is going to have a very different price than a new Olhausen pool table. Not only is knowing the brand of the table helpful, but also knowing the era in which it was constructed is beneficial information to pass onto your moving company.

Different pool table manufacturers and time periods impact how they disassemble and reassemble the pool table. It’s also crucial that the mover you choose is either a licensed installer or dealer of the make of your particular table. That way, you can guarantee that the moving company will be able to properly “tune” the table at its new location.

In addition to the make, model, and age of your pool table, size is important. This is another question that your professional pool table movers are going to ask. Pool table sizes typically range from five feet to twelve feet. As you might expect, the larger the table, the more you will pay to have it moved. Also, the larger the table, the more weight it is and obviously, bigger and heavier tables are going to require more resources and manpower to move than smaller, more compact tables.

Most pool tables are seven, eight, or nine feet. Coin-operated, commercial pool tables that you find in bars or businesses are typically 7 feet by 3.5 feet. Most homeowners opt for the mid-range pool table, which measures 8 feet by 4 feet. Whereas, professional pool it usually played on a larger table – 9 feet by 4.5 feet. Some homeowners prefer this size in their home, provided that they have the room for it.

Regardless, make sure that you measure your table before you start contacting pool table movers. Having this information handy ensures that you receive the most accurate quote for pool table moving services. They also need to be able to calculate how many movers will be required to carry out the job.

Additional factors that impact how the pool table is disassembled and reassembled include the types of pockets: Are there drop pockets? What material are they made out of, leather or plastic? Your movers are also going to want to know if the pool table has a ball return system or a recessed ball rack. If the table does feature a ball return system, your mover may add on an additional $25 or more to the final cost.

Each of the aforementioned components requires special skill to take apart and then reassemble at your destination. As such, it’s very important to enlist the help of licensed and insured professionals when you need to move a pool table. Put simply, any detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is important for your professional pool table movers to know. After all, no one likes surprise fees during the moving process.

Similar to the sizing of your pool table, the slate bed of your pool table is going to have a major impact on the cost to move it. More specifically, you want to inform your movers whether it is a one-piece or a three-piece slate pool table. Most pool tables in the United States are three-piece slate, though if you have an older table, it may be one piece. A one-piece slate has no seams that impact the playing field, offering a smooth surface all the way across the table. Whereas, a three-piece slate table is divided into three pieces for the ease of moving.

Although you don’t have to disassemble a one-piece slate table, the slate itself can weigh over 425 pounds. Most professional movers will tack on an additional $100 to move these types of pool tables, and even more if it has to go up or down stairs. Three-piece slate tables, on the other hand, divide the weight into three pieces – with each piece being between 130 and 230 pounds.

In most cases, if you know the make and model of your pool table, your movers will be able to determine whether it is a one-piece or three-piece slate. However, if you want to find out for yourself, you can do so by looking at your table. First, stand in front of the center pocket of your pool table and move your finger to the left of the center pocket, centering it in between the two markers (or diamonds).

Look underneath your table in this exact area where you are pointing. If you notice a seam or gap, then it is a three-piece slate pool table. If there aren’t any obvious gaps in this area, you likely have a one-piece slate table.

Some professional pool table movers offer a variety of improvement services once the table is transported and set up in its new location. For example, you could elect to have new felt installed for the table. This will run you an additional $100 to $500, depending on the type of felt that is used.

You can also save money by having the professionals upgrade and repair components of your pool table while it is disassembled. Whether you want to upgrade or replace the pockets, replace cushions, swap out the felt, or refinish some of the wood pieces, these services offered by many professional pool table moving companies as an add-on.

While it is strongly recommended that you hire professionals to handle all aspects of moving a pool table – including the disassembly, transportation, and reassembly – we understand that this may not be for everyone. If hiring professional pool table movers isn’t in your timetable or budget, it is possible to move a pool table with the assistance of some strong friends or family members. If you plan to move a pool table without the help of professionals, here’s what you need to:

Related Questions

Can household movers move pool tables?

While there are a number of general moving companies that offer to transport pool tables in addition to your household items, it’s usually best to opt for a professional that specializes in moving, servicing, and installing pool tables. Movers with limited experience could damage the slate or balance of the table, which will hinder its quality of play.

Can I move a pool table without removing the felt?

Put simply, you cannot move a pool table without taking off the felt. Pool tables are not designed to be moved in one piece. The legs, slate, rails, and even the felt must be disassembled and then reassembled at the new location. However, in rare situations, (like when the pool table is very small) you may be able to move a pool table using furniture sliders and without taking it apart.