Home › Moving Guides › Pool Table Movers
Specialty Moving Guide · Updated 2026

Pool Table Movers:
Cost, What to Expect
& How to Find One

Pool tables weigh between 180 and 2,500 pounds. The slate alone — three pieces at 150–250 lbs each — will crack if moved incorrectly. Here is what professional pool table movers cost, what the process involves, and the questions to ask before you book.

Average cost (2026)
$650
Most pay $375–$1,500
Time required
4–6 hrs
Disassembly through leveling
Slate table weight
500–2,500lbs
Never move without pros
Get free moving quotes
3 vetted movers · 60 seconds · free
Free — no spam, no obligation.
01

Pool Table Moving Cost by Type & Distance

Most pool table movers charge a flat rate that covers disassembly, transport, reassembly, and leveling. Here is what to expect based on your table type and move distance.

Table TypeLocal MoveLong DistanceWeight
Wood (non-slate), 7–8 ft$200–$400$600–$1,200180–600 lbs
Slate, 7 ft (1-piece slate)$300–$500$800–$1,800500–700 lbs
Slate, 8 ft (3-piece slate)$400–$700$1,000–$2,500700–1,000 lbs
Slate, 9 ft professional$500–$900$1,500–$4,0001,000–2,500 lbs
With ball return systemAdd $75–$200Add $200–$500Adds 50–150 lbs
Flat rate vs hourly: Most pool table movers charge a flat rate of $300–$800 for local moves. If a mover quotes hourly, expect $50–$60/hour with a 3–4 hour minimum. Flat rate is better for you — you know the total cost upfront.

Additional costs to budget for

Add-onTypical CostWhen it applies
Stairs (per flight)$40–$75Any staircase the table must navigate
Long carry (>75 ft from truck)$50–$100No parking close to the entrance
Refelting$250–$450Optional — bundled discount common
Disassembly only (you transport)$185–$225If you want to rent a truck yourself
Storage move (to facility + out)$275 each wayIf table goes into storage mid-move
02

What Affects the Price

Slate vs wood
Slate tables cost significantly more to move. Each slate piece weighs 150–250 lbs and must be handled with specialized equipment. Wood tables are lighter and simpler.
📷
Table size
Standard sizes are 7, 8, and 9 feet. Professional 9-foot tables can weigh up to 2,500 lbs and require more movers and equipment, increasing cost significantly.
📍
Distance
Local moves are flat rate. Long-distance is typically billed at $3/mile for the first 100 miles and $1/mile after that, on top of the base labor cost.
🚪
Access & stairs
Narrow hallways, tight turns, and stairs all add time and risk. Each flight of stairs typically adds $40–$75 to the quote. A crane is required if no other access exists.
🄗
Ball return vs pockets
Tables with a ball return mechanism take significantly longer to disassemble and reassemble. Expect an extra $75–$200 vs a standard pocket table.
🕑
Timing
Weekend and peak moving season (May–September) moves cost more. Book mid-week or in fall/winter for the best rates from the same movers.
03

How the Move Works Step by Step

Professional pool table movers follow a specific sequence that protects the slate, felt, and frame. Here is what happens on moving day.

StepWhat happensTime
1. AssessMovers measure doorways, hallways, stairs, and identify obstacles before touching the table10–20 min
2. Remove pockets & railsSide pockets and rail assemblies are removed and wrapped in moving blankets20–30 min
3. Remove feltFelt is carefully peeled back. If you are refelting, it is discarded. If reusing, it is rolled and stored15–20 min
4. Remove slateSlate pieces (1 or 3 depending on table) are lifted with specialized dollies. Each weighs 150–250 lbs30–45 min
5. Remove legs & frameTable legs and frame are disassembled and padded for transport15–20 min
6. TransportAll pieces loaded separately and secured in the truck. Slate is never stackedVaries
7. ReassembleReverse order at destination. Frame, legs, slate, felt, rails, pockets1–2 hrs
8. LevelTable is leveled with precision levels and shims. Ball roll is tested30–45 min
Never move a pool table without disassembly. Moving a slate table intact — even a short distance — risks cracking the slate, warping the frame, and permanently misaligning the bumpers. The repair cost exceeds the moving cost in most cases.
04

Should You Refelt When Moving?

Since the felt must be removed anyway for the move, it costs significantly less to refelt during a move than as a standalone service. The question is whether your felt needs it.

Refelt now?Signs
✅ YesFelt is 5+ years old, shows pilling, thin spots, tears, or visible wear tracks from cue balls
✅ YesYou want a different color or upgrade to tournament-grade worsted felt
🚫 Skip itFelt is less than 2 years old and in good condition with no visible wear
🚫 Skip itTable is going into storage — refelt when it comes out instead

Standalone refelting costs $280–$450. Bundled with a move typically runs $250–$400 — a 10–20% discount because the table is already apart. Ask your mover for a bundled quote.

Felt types & what they cost

TypeCost to refeltBest for
Woolen felt (standard)$250–$350Home use, casual play
Worsted felt (tournament grade)$350–$500Serious players, faster play
Simonis (premium)$450–$650Professional/competition grade
05

DIY vs Professional Pool Table Movers

DIY Move
$50–$200
Tools & truck rental only
Cheaper upfront for non-slate tables
🚫 Very high risk of slate cracking
🚫 Requires 4–6 strong helpers
🚫 No insurance if something breaks
🚫 Leveling requires precision tools most people don't own
🚫 Repair costs if cracked slate: $500–$2,000+
Professional Movers
$375–$1,500
All-inclusive flat rate
Slate handled with specialized equipment
Insured — covered if damaged
Includes reassembly and precision leveling
4–6 hours vs a full day DIY
Option to bundle refelting at discount
🚫 Higher upfront cost

The verdict: DIY is only reasonable for small, non-slate wood tables moving a very short distance with experienced help. For any slate table, professional movers are the only sensible option. A cracked piece of slate costs more to replace than the entire moving service.

06

Questions to Ask Before Booking

?
How many pool tables do you move per month?
A specialist who moves 10+ per month is far safer than a general mover who handles one occasionally. Experience with slate handling is what you're buying.
?
Is disassembly, reassembly, and leveling included?
Some movers quote low then charge separately for each step. Get the all-inclusive price in writing before you commit.
?
Are you insured for slate damage?
Standard moving insurance pays 60 cents per pound. A 300 lb piece of slate gets you $180. Ask specifically about full value coverage for pool table moves.
?
Do you offer refelting? What is the bundled rate?
If you are considering new felt, now is the time. Ask for a combined quote and compare it to the standalone refelting cost.
07

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a pool table?+
The average cost is $650, with most homeowners paying $375–$1,500. Local moves typically run $300–$800 depending on table size and access. Long-distance moves with a 9-foot slate table can reach $4,000.
Does a pool table have to be disassembled to move it?+
Yes for any slate table. Moving slate intact risks cracking it, which costs $500–$2,000 to repair — more than the move itself. Small non-slate wood tables can sometimes be moved intact for very short distances with enough help.
How long does it take to move a pool table?+
4 to 6 hours total including disassembly, transport, reassembly, and leveling. Tables with ball return systems take longer than standard pocket tables.
Should I refelt my pool table when moving?+
If your felt is 5+ years old or showing wear, yes — it costs less to bundle with the move ($250–$400) than as a standalone service ($280–$450) since the table is already disassembled.

Get quotes from specialty movers near you

MoveWise connects you with movers experienced in specialty items. Get 3 free quotes in 60 seconds.

Get My Free Quotes →