3. Take Off the Felt
The felt (or billiard cloth) is either
stapled or
glued to the slate surface. For stapled felt, use a
staple remover or needle-nose pliers to remove each staple one by one. Work slowly to avoid ripping the cloth if you intend to reuse it.
If your felt is glued, it will need to be
gently peeled back. Start at one corner and move slowly to avoid stretching or tearing the material.
Helpful Hints:
- Roll the felt loosely to avoid creases.
- Mark which side was facing up so it can be reused properly.
- If replacing it, now’s the best time to measure for a new felt order.
Removing the felt is necessary to access the screws securing the slate below—and to protect the fabric during the move or disposal process.
4. Remove the Slate
The slate is the heaviest and most fragile part of the pool table. Most standard tables have
three separate slate pieces, while high-end models may have a
single-piece slate.
Use a
power drill or ratchet to remove the screws securing the slate to the frame. Screws are typically sunk deep into the slate, often filled with beeswax or putty—use a small pick or screwdriver to clear this out before unscrewing.
Once the screws are removed, label each piece with masking tape (“left,” “center,” “right”) and
lift with at least two people. Place each slate slab on a soft, flat surface.
Caution:
- Slate can weigh between 150–250 lbs per piece.
- Never lean slate upright—store flat to prevent cracking.
- Be extra careful around corners—they chip easily.
If you’re disposing of the slate, consider contacting a
junk removal
service, as many dumps will not accept broken slate without advance notice.
5. Disassemble the Frame & Legs
After removing the slate, the remaining structure will be lighter and easier to manage. Use the appropriate
Allen key,
wrench, or
screwdriver to detach the
frame apron,
cross beams, and
legs.
Organize and label hardware in individual bags for each section (e.g., legs, apron, center beam). Wrap large wooden parts in
moving blankets or shrink wrap to protect them during transport or storage.
Tips for This Step:
- Watch for hidden dowels, brackets, or glue joints.
- Photograph how legs and beams are joined for future reference.
- If disposing of the table, stack frame parts together to minimize space.
Once disassembled, you're ready to store, sell, move, or junk the table!
Can You Move a Pool Table Without Taking It Apart?
- Moving a pool table whole can damage the frame and joints, crack the slate, misalign the table, and be a safety hazard.
- If you’re relocating or disposing of a pool table, full disassembly is safer and smarter—and you can always
call a
junk removal company like 239 Haulers to do it for you.
What Tools Do You Need to Take Apart a Pool Table?
- Staple remover or needle-nose pliers
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Power drill with screw bit
- Socket wrench or Allen key
- Utility knife (if cutting worn felt)
- Moving blankets or padding
- Ziplock bags and tape for labeling hardware
How Long Does It Take to Disassemble a Pool Table?
- On average, disassembly takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on size, brand, help available, and access conditions.
Should I Save or Replace the Felt?
- Felt can be reused if it’s in good shape and was carefully removed.
- Glued felt is harder to preserve than stapled.
- New felt can improve table aesthetics and gameplay quality.
What to Do With the Table After It’s Taken Apart
- Store: Wrap and label parts, and store them in a dry space.
- Sell or Donate: List online or donate to local organizations.
- Dispose: Use 239 Haulers for responsible disposal.
Why Hire a Junk Removal Service for Pool Table Disposal?
- We bring tools and manpower for safe disassembly.
- We clean up and
haul everything away.
- We donate or recycle whenever possible.
- Same-day or next-day availability.
FAQs About Pool Table Disassembly
Can I Disassemble a Pool Table By Myself?
You can do parts of it yourself, but the slate is extremely heavy and should always be lifted with help.
What If My Pool Table Is Damaged or Missing Parts?
Junk removal services like 239 Haulers can still take it off your hands—even broken or incomplete tables.
Is There a Way to Recycle an Old Pool Table?
Yes, wood and metal components can often be recycled. We handle sorting for you.
Here's a how-to video from Home Depot!
