Moving a pool table (or any type of billiard table) isn’t as simple as you might think. They’re annoyingly heavy and easily scuffed if mishandled. If you’re not careful, you might end up tearing the pool table cloth or scratching the surface and sides.
You could even end up hurting yourself or the people helping you with the move. This is especially true if you’re a relocating senior.
That’s why it’s better to hire professional movers who know exactly what they’re doing. They can come in and transport your table to its new home safely and efficiently.
Why Pool Tables Are Difficult to Move
In 2023, there were 302,835 people who moved into New York. Most of them came in with their possessions, including pool tables. But that must have been difficult.
Why? Let’s start with the most obvious reason. That would be weight. Moving an entire pool table setup is back-breaking work without the right tools and expertise. And we’re only talking about standard pool tables here. Some custom pool tables are even heavier.
Maneuverability can also be an issue. There are two main types of pool tables.
- Slate Tables: Its playing surface is made from solid, 3-piece slate stone. Pool players like it for its smooth, consistent roll. This is what most professionals prefer. The downside is that it’s extremely heavy and could crack if not handled correctly.
- Non-Slate Tables: These tables use wood or synthetic boards instead of stone. These tables are lighter. However, the playing surface is prone to bending and warping if not supported properly.
Not knowing what type of table you have is a problem in and of itself. Why? Because each type of table requires a different approach. You have to carefully disassemble the table to protect the stone slate. For non-slate tables, you need to support the surface to prevent it from warping during transport.
Finally, you have to think about leveling. You’ll need precise leveling equipment to make sure your table is perfectly flat. Even the smallest alignment issues can affect ball movement.
Our Step-by-Step Pool Table Moving Process
Oz Moving can handle your pool table move from start to finish. Here’s a brief description of the process to give you a better idea of what to expect.
- Inspection and Measurements: The process starts with a detailed inspection. A pool table mover will identify whether you have a slate or a non-slate table. They’ll measure your doorways, hallways, stairs, and moving truck access points. Doing all of this planning helps avoid delays and reduces the risk of damage.
- Professional Disassembly: Your billiard table is taken apart in the correct sequence. Rails are removed first to access the playing surface. The felt is then carefully detached to prevent tearing. If you have a slate table, the movers will separate, label, and handle the slate pieces individually.
- Protective Wrapping: Each component is wrapped using heavy-duty moving pads and protective materials. Slate pieces receive extra padding. Frames and rails are covered to prevent scratches, dents, and pressure damage.
- Secure Transport: Wrapped components are loaded and secured inside the truck. The movers will secure your table in place inside the truck to prevent shifting during transport.
- Reassembly and Leveling: Your table will get set up in its new location. The movers will align and level the slates using precision tools. The rails and felt are also reinstalled. Then they’ll make final adjustments as needed before leaving you to enjoy your brand new pool setup.
How Oz Moving Protects Your Pool Table
With Oz Moving, you get movers who won’t treat your pool table like an ordinary piece of furniture. We’ll do everything we can to maintain your professional pool table setup.
We are professional pool table movers. Below are some of the reasons why.
Specialized Equipment and Padding
We use equipment designed for moving heavy and delicate items like pool tables. Our movers come with professional moving equipment like lifting straps, ratchet straps, moving blankets, and dollies.
The movers will secure your table (and its components) in thick padding to prevent damage during handling and transport.
Experienced Handlers
Our crew won’t have any issue moving the pool table thanks to their training and experience. We have established procedures for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy items. We have professional moving supplies that are suited for the job at hand.
Our process helps us minimize putting unnecessary strain on your pool table and the surrounding property.
Damage Prevention Best Practices
The last thing we want to do is have you do pool table repairs. Our moving service starts with planning. Our movers will come to your place to assess all the access points. That way, we’ll know exactly how to go about moving your table on the big day.
We keep all the components organized during disassembly and transport. Your table will be secured inside the truck to keep it from moving. We’re just as careful when reassembling tables.
Our method is much safer than DIY handling.
Why Choose Oz Moving for Pool Table Moving
You want to work with a moving company that specializes in transporting heavy items. Not only does Oz Moving have the experience, but it also has standard moving practices in place. If you’re about to rent a new apartment in New York, we can get your belongings there.
Here are other reasons why you should trust Oz Moving with pool table moves.
Experience With Specialty and High-Value Items
Pool tables are large and heavy. Needless to say, they’re difficult to handle. They require extra care during a move.
Oz Moving has the experience necessary to handle oversized household items. We’ll do a much safer job of transporting your table. We’ll do everything we can to avoid ripping your pool table cloth.
Trained Movers For Disassembly and Reassembly
Moving a pool table usually requires taking it apart and setting it back up correctly. We know how to perform a professional teardown. Our movers know how to disassemble, transport, and reassemble pool tables.
This approach helps reduce common risks, such as surface damage or improper alignment after the move.
Local and Long-Distance Service Availability
Oz Moving offers both local and long-distance moving services. So whether you’re moving your game room somewhere near or a bit further away, we have you covered. You have the option to use one company for the entire relocation.
Fully Insured Handling
Insurance coverage is optional and provides an added layer of protection during transport. This is especially important when moving large and valuable items like pool tables. It gives you added peace of mind throughout the moving process.
Cost Factors to Expect
It’s hard for any moving company to give an exact figure when it comes to its services. There are so many factors to consider. The best way to get an estimate would be to book an appointment and have our movers do a quick assessment.
Below are just some of the factors we have to take into consideration.
Table Size and Type
Pool tables vary in size and construction. That affects moving costs. For instance, larger tables require more manpower and space to handle safely.
A 3-piece slate table is heavier and usually requires full disassembly. Non-slate tables are lighter, but still require careful support during transport.
If you have a large table, we’ll need to send in more people to help with the move.
Stairs, Access Points, and Distance
Access conditions play a major role in pricing. Stairs, narrow hallways, tight doorways, elevators, and sharp turns can slow the process. Longer carry distances between the table and the truck also increase labor time.
These factors are usually reviewed in advance to help estimate the scope of work.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
Distance affects scheduling and handling requirements. This can influence overall cost. It’s easier to move pool tables locally. Long-distance moves involve additional planning, travel time, packing materials, and coordination.
Final Thoughts
Moving a pool table requires careful planning and proper handling. If you truly value a professional pool table setup, let Oz Moving handle the professional teardown and relocation.
Get a quote and book a consultation so we can start moving your game room.
