Shooting pool can be a wonderful source of entertainment for you, your family, and your friends. In addition to allowing you to learn a wide variety of games, shooting pool will also help you develop your hand-eye coordination. But unfortunately, when it comes time to move your pool table, you will need a totally different type of skill set. This is especially true if you own a one piece slate top table. Not only are they some of the most expensive types of tables on the market, they are some of the most heavy and fragile as well. Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to moving it.

Move It Yourself/Set It Up Yourself

Although, the average weight of a one piece slate top pool table can vary based on the manufacturer, as well as the type of cabinetry of the table, they average between 650 and 900 pounds. If you have several really strong friends and you know what you are doing, you could possibly attempt to move your pool table yourself. While this may save you a little bit of money upfront, it could prove to be detrimental if you end up cracking or dinging your slate, which could make your table unplayable. 

The first step to properly moving a pool table is to break it down into individual components. Make sure you label each of these components when you remove them from the table, and keep all of your pieces together in one place. This will aid you in reassembling your table when you arrive in your new home. You will probably need the following tools.

• Staple remover
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Sockets
• Power drill
• Safety goggles

When you get ready to remove the slate off of your table, remember that it is a piece of stone that is very, very heavy. Make sure that you have your help in place before you attempt to remove the slate from the table. Ensure that you have quilts or blankets ready to wrap your slate in to reduce the chances of it getting broken when you are placing it on the truck. Once you get to your new location, reverse the process and put it back together again. Make sure you take the time to ensure that your table is leveled, because if not, you may find yourself shooting uphill on the eight ball.

Move It Yourself/Have A Professional Set It Up For You

Another option that you have is to break down and move your table to your new location yourself, and then have a billiards professional to come in and reassemble your table for you. This is a great option that will allow you to save a few dollars by doing the move yourself, but that will also ensure that your table is put back together correctly, leveled, and ready for serious play.

Having a professional set your table back up can also be a great option if you are replacing the felt on your table as a part of the move. While you may save some, you can still count on paying around $300 to refelt your table, and it will cost even more if you need new rail cushions. 

Hire A Professional Moving Company

The best and the easiest thing way to move your pool table from point A to point B is to hire a professional residential mover to get the job done. Not only will they know how to break down your table, they will know how to set it back up and level it when it arrives at your new home. 

Professional movers will have the equipment and supplies necessary to ensure that your slate will safely make the move in one piece. The best part about hiring professional movers is that you don't have to worry about throwing out your back, or having to hear your friends complain for the next few days about how bad theirs hurt from lifting your heavy table.