Moving a pool table isn't simply a matter of several strong people picking it up at both ends and moving it from point A to point B. Pool tables are bulky, extremely heavy, and also surprisingly delicate and intricate. If your pool table is already assembled, it will need to be properly disassembled to avoid damage while moving and then reassembled when it reaches its new location.
Even if you could conceivably move a pool table yourself, it is highly recommended that you use an experienced professional. Depending on the materials, a pool table could range anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds or more. If your pool table is made with a single slab of slate, moving it without professional help is even more risky because the massive weight of the table can do real damage to your home or, worse, your bones. While some general moving companies offer to move pool tables, it's generally best to hire a professional who specializes in installing, servicing and moving pool tables. Less experienced movers may damage the slate or the balance, which detracts from the table's quality of play. Inexperienced movers may also damage parts that require professional repair, all in all costing more than it would have to hire a professional pool table moving company from the start.
A number of factors can affect the overall cost of moving a pool table. The moving company will ask about the distance you are moving it (including any stairs to navigate), the size of the table, the model and make of the table, whether the table has pockets or a ball return system, the age of your pool table, whether it has one or three pieces of slate, and more. Add-on services such as refelting or upgrading parts can also increase the cost.
Most pool table movers charge a flat fee rather than an hourly rate. The price usually includes disassembly and breakdown of the table, moving, and setup in the new location. The flat rate will vary by company and may range from $300 to $450 or more, depending on the type of pool table you have. Geographic location will also affect pricing. For example, the national average cost to move a pool table is $300-$380, while the average cost in one of the pricier neighborhoods in San Francisco ranges between $350 and $450. The moving company will generally quote a flat fee based on the specifics of your pool table and your move.
The cost for moving a pool table usually depends on the distance and logistics of the move. An in-house move is the cheapest, but you may be charged extra based on the number of stairs the table must go up or down. If you want to move the table to a storage facility or another home, there may be an added cost for mileage, fuel and tolls. The shorter the distance, the more likely those costs could be waived. Pool tables can also be disassembled and crated to move across the country. If you are moving your pool table long-distance, the weight of the table and the miles it will travel will be major factors in cost.
When you contact a mover, be sure to have the make and size of your pool table handy because these details will affect the cost. Pool table sizes range from 5 feet to 12 feet; the larger the table, the more costly the move due to the added weight and difficulty of disassembling and reassembling larger tables. Most pool tables are 7 feet, 8 feet or 9 feet. Commercial tables coin-operated pool tables found in bars and businesses are usually 7 feet by 3.5 feet. Many homeowners choose the mid-range pool table, which is 8 feet by 4 feet. Professional pool is most often played on a larger table of 9 feet by 4.5 feet, and some people prefer this size for their home table if they have the room for it.
As an example of tiered pricing based on table size, Billiards of Glendale, Arizona, charges $239 to move a 7-foot table, $249 for an 8-foot table and $299 for a 9-foot table. Mileage and stairs are extra.
Confirm that the mover is a licensed installer or dealer of the make of your pool table. You'll want to make sure the mover can 'tune' the table properly in its new location.
If a ball return system is part of the pool table, the mover may charge an additional fee of $25 or so. Costs can vary depending on whether your table has leather or plastic pockets. Each of these components requires special skill to remove and then reassemble, which is also why it's best to have a licensed and insured professional handling the job.
If the pool table is not set up in a standard position, it might cost more to move. For example, Proper Pool of Philadelphia charges an extra $100 if a pool table is on its side or upside-down with the legs removed. If you are moving your pool table to a new location and want to have a billiards light above the table, some pros recommend having the light installed before the table arrives.
Some movers offer various pool table improvement services once the table is moved to its new location. For example, new felt for a pool table can cost an extra $100-$500, depending on the type of felt used. You can save money by having the pros fix or upgrade components while your pool table is already disassembled. You may want to upgrade or replace pockets, switch out your felt, replace cushions, refinish wood elements on the table, and more.
Some movers charge additional fees based on the number of pieces to be moved and reassembled and the thickness of the slate on the table, as well as the quality or age of the pool table.
Professionals can obtain certifications for various aspects of repairing pool tables but not for moving pool tables. However, many movers offer warranties or guarantees for their work, so ask your mover about it. Many movers offer these assurances as part of their standard pricing. Most reputable pool table movers offer a 30-day level warranty on their service work.
Don't attempt to disassemble the pool table yourself before the mover's arrival. You could incur more charges because of improper disassembly, which will require extra time and labor on the part of the mover. Also, before the move, discuss with the mover the costs for any repair or refurbishing you might want, so that you aren't surprised by your bill on moving day.