How to Assemble a Pool Table

Pocket billiards, aka pool, is a popular recreation that, like its pub sibling, darts, has been elevated to the level of sport. With a number of the top tournaments paying out prizes in excess of $1 million, owning a pool table and dealing with the hassle of assembling it could yield a handsome payoff for a motivated player.

Instructions

1

Assess the table. The most common type of pool table is a three-piece slate table. The three pieces are the legs, the rails and the slate. Slate tables are typically 3/4 inch to 2 inches thick and 7 to 9 feet long. The slate is the hardest piece of the table to assemble, given its tremendous weight.

2

Join the legs to one another via support struts or the table body itself. The most common type of fastening device is the bolt. This will require a socket wrench. Some legs are joined to the body by means of wood screws.

3

Use an extended level to make sure the table is level. Don't wait until the slate has been lowered to make sure the table is level; you'll regret it.

4

Carefully lift the slate board and lay it in place. Watch your fingers. Use the rubber mallet to adjust the slate. Use the level once more and double-check. Adjustments can still be made, typically with toilet or plumber wedges.

5

If the table felt was not stapled across the slate beforehand, staple it in place, driving the staples into the table body. Screw or bolt down the straight rails and all pockets.