How To Replace Pool Table Felt? Follow These Simple Steps!

If you are a pool enthusiast, then maintaining your pool table is necessary. One of the most significant parts is keeping the felt in shape. Given enough wear and tear, it may develop holes or simply need to be replaced after years of usage.

Replacing pool table felt can be daunting for many people, especially if they have never done it before. However, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through all the steps you need to follow to replace your pool table felt with ease.

“The game of billiards makes me feel like I’m playing chess on a giant board.” – Jonathan Pernell

In this article, we’ll discuss everything from tools needed to step-by-step instructions on how to change out your old, worn-out pool table cloth. Once you learn how to replace pool table felt, not only will you be able to do it yourself, but you will save money on costly professional services and get back to playing a properly outfitted, smooth-playing pool table in no time.

You don’t need any previous experience to succeed in following these simple steps. So sit tight and absorb the knowledge that follows. Let’s dive into the world of pool tables and feel confident about taking care of them yourself!

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you can begin replacing your pool table felt, you will need to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. This includes:

Tools

• Staple remover tool or pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Sewing pins
• Tape measure
• Staple gun or electric staple gun

Materials

• New pool table felt in the appropriate size for your table
• Fabric glue
• Foam padding
• Clean, lint-free cloth
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

Clean the Pool Table

The first step in replacing pool table felt is to thoroughly clean your table. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any debris from the surface of the felt, and then use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe down the railings and pockets. Make sure that there is no dust or dirt left on the surface before proceeding.

Prepare the Work Area

You will need a large, flat area to work on while replacing your pool table felt. A clear garage floor or an empty room with a level floor are both good options. Lay down a few clean sheets or blankets to protect your pool table’s surface from scratches as you work. You may also want to wear gloves during the process to prevent oil and sweat from getting onto the new felt.

“Pool is not a game that admits frailties. What works one night is liable to fail miserably the next time.” -Eddie Taylor

Once you have all of your tools, materials, and a clean work area, you can begin the process of replacing your pool table felt. Make sure that you follow each step carefully to ensure that the finished product looks professional and lasts for years to come.

Remove Old Felt

If the felt on your pool table has seen better days, it may be time to replace it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove old felt so you can install new and improve your pool playing experience.

Cut and Remove Old Felt

The first step in removing old felt is to cut it off using a sharp utility knife. Begin at one end of the table and make a small incision along the edge of the slate. Then carefully pull the felt away from the table while cutting as needed to avoid damaging the wood underneath. It is important not to scrape the surface with the blade, since this can create rough spots or gouges that will affect gameplay.

Once you’ve removed all the felt pieces from the top of the table, use pliers or tweezers to pull up any staples still attached to the cloth or wood surface. Take care not to damage the board by prying too hard or pulling too fast. Repeat these steps until all the old felt is gone.

Remove Staples and Adhesive Residue

Next, examine the surface for any residue left over from the adhesive used to attach the old felt. Scrape away any visible glue or tape fragments using a putty knife or plastic scraper. If there are any stubborn spots or stains that don’t come up easily, rub them gently with a clean rag moistened with rubbing alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover). Avoid harsh chemicals like turpentine or other solvents, which can cause discoloration or warping of the wood.

After removing all traces of the old felt and adhesives, vacuum the playing surface thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated during the process. Make sure you get into all the corners and crevices, especially around the rails where dirt tends to collect. You can also use a lint roller or adhesive tape to pick up any remaining particles before proceeding to the next step of installation.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your pool table is now ready for new felt! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper placement and alignment. Be sure to choose high-quality billiards cloth that provides a smooth, uniform surface for accurate ball control and minimal resistance.

“Replacing the felt on your pool table is a relatively straightforward process that requires some patience and attention to detail. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that will make your game more enjoyable and rewarding.” -HomeAdvisor

Prepare the Pool Table Surface

Clean the Surface

To replace your pool table felt, you need to start by preparing the surface. First, clean the surface of the pool table thoroughly. The cloth on the pool table should only be removed after everything has been cleaned.

Use a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth to remove all dirt and debris from the surface of the pool table. Any remaining dust must also be removed using a lint roller so that there is no residue left behind. Cleaning helps reduce friction between the new cloth and old grit stuck in the old felt which could spoil the game or damage the material over time.

“It’s important to keep your pool table surface as clean as possible for it to last longer.” – John Lewis

Fill any Cracks or Holes

You might notice holes or cracks appearing on the surface of your pool table, especially when removing the felt. Fill these holes with wood filler and let it dry overnight. Sand the area where the wood filler was applied until it becomes level with the rest of the surface. Ensure that the surface is smooth enough before placing other things on top of it to eliminate unnecessary ups-and-downs on the overall table terrain.

If there are deep gouges requiring more than just wood-replacement filler, it may warrant further professional advice or repairs depending on how bad the damage seems at first glance because minor errors lead to irreversible damages. You would not want sharp edges or imperfections ruining your beautiful billiard balls.

“Pool tables need to be in good condition to avoid injuries or accidents during playtime.” – Matthew Desroches

Attach the New Felt

Center the Felt

The first step in replacing pool table felt is to center the new felt on the playing surface. Start by laying the new felt over the table and adjusting it until it is centered both lengthwise and widthwise. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra felt around the edges to allow for trimming later on.

“Accurate installation of the billiard cloth begins with centering it properly.” -Championship Productions

Smooth Out Wrinkles and Bubbles

Once you have centered the felt, begin smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles that may be present. These imperfections can negatively affect gameplay, so it’s important to take your time and get the felt as smooth as possible before moving on to stapling it down.

One handy trick for smoothing out wrinkles is to use a hair dryer set on low heat. Hold the dryer about 6 inches away from the felt and work slowly, using your free hand to pull the felt taut as you go.

“Wrinkles are unacceptable, whether you’re talking about the clothes you wear or the felt on your billiard table.” -Joe Pechauer, founder of Pechauer Cues

Staple the Felt to the Slate

With the felt smoothed out and looking good, it’s time to start attaching it to the slate underneath. Begin by stapling the center of each rail first, then move outward towards the corners. Make sure to pull the felt tight as you staple, but not so tight that it distorts the playing surface.

When stapling, use a staple gun meant specifically for this purpose. Typically, shorter, narrower staples work best. Aim for around 4-6 staples per inch, but adjust as needed based on how the felt is stretching and moving as you staple it down.

“The key to a great installation is stapling with care… Pulling too tight will lead to an uneven surface or even tearing.” -Brunswick Billiards

Trim Excess Felt

Once you have stapled the new felt to the slate all the way around the table, it’s time to trim away any excess material. Use a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut along the edges of the slate. Be sure to leave about 1/8 inch of extra felt overhanging the edge so that you can tuck it underneath the rails to create a clean, professional finish.

“Precision trimming skills are essential when it comes to installing pool table cloth. This step ensures that the finished product looks perfect.” -BBO Poker Tables

With these steps completed, your pool table should now have brand new, smooth, evenly-stapled felt ready for hours of billiards fun!

Stretch and Cut the Felt

Stretch the Felt

One of the most important steps in replacing pool table felt is stretching it properly. If there are any wrinkles or bumps on the surface, your game may be affected negatively. To stretch felt, you will need a staple gun and some patience.

Start by laying out the new felt flat over your pool table. Make sure that it overlaps evenly around all edges. Then, using one hand, gently pull on the opposite side of the felt while tucking it under the edge. Use your other hand to staple it into place every few inches along the edge of the slate bed.

After stapling one edge, move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Keep pulling and smoothing the felt as you go until both opposing sides are secured in place. Then do the same thing with the remaining two sides, being careful to remove any slack or wrinkles as you go.

Cut Out the Holes for Pockets

To cut holes for pocket openings, start by flipping your newly stretched pool table felt over so that the backside is facing up. You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife to get started.

Begin by cutting straight lines from each corner of the felt towards the center. These cuts should be just long enough to reach the edge of the pocket opening. Once you’ve made those initial cuts, carefully trim away any excess felt inside the area that you’ve designated for the pockets.

Be sure to leave enough excess felt around each hole so that you can wrap it tightly under and around the railings. This will help ensure that your pockets have a nice snug fit without wrinkling or bunching up over time.

“It’s important to take your time when stretching felt over a pool table. Rushing this process can lead to uneven surface levels or bunches of creased material around your pocket holes.” -Chris Mosconi (Expert Billiard Player)

Replacing a pool table felt might seem like a daunting task at first, but by following these simple steps, you’ll be able to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Remember, taking things slow and steady goes a long way towards ensuring that your new felt fits perfectly and plays smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions