Pool tables see heavy use over the years, and eventually, the felt surface begins to show signs of wear. Tears, stains, and worn spots can affect gameplay and make your table look tired. Replacing pool table felt might seem like a job for professionals, but with the right tools and patience, you can tackle this project yourself and save hundreds of dollars in the process.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of refelting your pool table, from gathering materials to the final installation. Whether you’re dealing with minor damage or completely worn felt, you’ll learn how to restore your table to like-new condition.
What You’ll Need to Refelt Your Pool Table
Before starting your pool table refelting project, gather all necessary materials and tools. Having everything on hand prevents delays and ensures a smooth process.
Materials Required
Pool table felt comes in different weights and qualities. Championship-grade cloth offers the best playing experience but costs more than standard felt. You’ll need approximately 3 yards of felt for a 7-foot table, 3.5 yards for an 8-foot table, and 4 yards for a 9-foot table.
Rail felt requires separate material, typically sold in strips. Purchase enough to cover all six rails with some extra for mistakes.
Spray adhesive specifically designed for pool tables provides the best bond between felt and slate. Avoid general-purpose adhesives that might damage the playing surface.
Essential Tools
A staple gun with heavy-duty staples secures the felt to the wooden rail backing. Choose staples that penetrate deep enough to hold firmly without going completely through the wood.
Sharp utility knives or felt-cutting knives ensure clean, straight cuts. Dull blades can snag and tear the felt during installation.
A sturdy screwdriver set helps remove rail bolts and other hardware. Socket wrenches may be necessary depending on your table’s construction.
Measuring tape and chalk help mark cutting lines and ensure proper felt placement.
Removing the Old Felt
Start by clearing the table of balls, racks, and any accessories. Remove the rails by unscrewing the bolts that attach them to the table frame. These bolts are usually located underneath the rails and may require a socket wrench.
Carefully lift each rail and set it aside in a safe location. Rails are heavy and can be damaged if dropped.
Once the rails are removed, you’ll see the old felt covering the slate playing surface. This felt is typically held in place with spray adhesive and possibly some staples around the edges.
Begin peeling the old felt from one corner, working slowly to avoid leaving adhesive residue on the slate. If the felt resists, use a putty knife to help separate it from the surface. Remove any remaining adhesive residue with a scraper or adhesive remover designed for pool tables.
Clean the slate thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Allow the surface to dry completely before installing new felt.
Preparing the Playing Surface
Inspect the slate for any chips, cracks, or uneven areas. Minor imperfections can be filled with slate repair compound, but significant damage may require professional attention.
Check that the slate joints are level and properly sealed. Uneven joints will create bumps under the new felt, affecting ball roll.
Measure the playing surface carefully to ensure your new felt piece is large enough. Add at least 6 inches to each dimension to allow for proper stretching and attachment.
Installing New Playing Surface Felt
Unroll the new felt and position it over the slate with equal overhang on all sides. The felt should be oriented with the nap running from the head of the table (where you break) toward the foot of the table.
Starting from the center of one long side, spray a light, even coat of adhesive on a small section of slate. Immediately press the felt into place, working out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Continue applying adhesive and pressing felt in small sections, working toward the corners. Maintain consistent tension to avoid loose spots or excessive stretching that could cause the felt to sag later.
Stretching and Securing the Felt
Proper stretching is crucial for optimal playing conditions. The felt should be taut but not overstretched, which can cause premature tearing.
Pull the felt firmly over the edges of the slate and staple it to the wooden frame underneath. Start with one staple in the center of each side, then work toward the corners, alternating sides to maintain even tension.
At the corners, fold the felt neatly to avoid bunching. Trim excess material, leaving enough to maintain a secure hold.
Cut pocket holes carefully using a sharp knife. Start with minor cuts and gradually enlarge them to fit precisely around each pocket.
Refelting the Rails
Rail felt requires different handling than playing surface felt. Each rail piece should be cut to wrap around the rail cushion with enough material to staple to the back.
Apply spray adhesive to the rail cushion and carefully position the felt, ensuring it covers the entire playing surface of the cushion. The felt should extend slightly onto the wooden backing.
Stretch the felt around the ends of the rail and staple it securely to the back. Trim excess material close to the staples for a clean appearance.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints where rails meet. Proper fit here prevents gaps that can affect ball return from the cushions.
Reassembling Your Pool Table
Once all felt installation is complete and adhesive has cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can begin reassembly.
Position the rails carefully, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points. Thread the bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten with appropriate tools.
Don’t over-tighten rail bolts, as this can compress the cushions and affect their response. Snug is sufficient.
Test the rail alignment by rolling balls along each cushion. They should travel straight without veering toward or away from the rail.
Maintaining Your Newly Felted Table
Fresh felt requires a gentle break-in to achieve optimal playing characteristics. Avoid aggressive shots and sharp objects for the first few weeks of play.
Brush the felt regularly with a pool table brush, always stroking from head to foot in the direction of the nap. This removes chalk dust and helps maintain the felt’s appearance.
Keep the table covered when not in use to protect against dust, sunlight, and accidental spills. A quality table cover extends felt life significantly.
Transform Your Game Room Today
Refinishing your pool table breathes new life into your game room while saving money compared to professional installation. The project requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are worth the effort. With proper installation and care, your new felt will provide years of excellent gameplay.
Take your time during each step, especially when stretching and positioning the felt, and rushing leads to mistakes that can affect both appearance and playability. Once complete, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you restored your table yourself, plus the improved playing experience that comes with fresh, properly installed felt.
