Affordable and Top Rated Pool Table Movers

Hiring a Professional Pool Table Moversou plan to move your beloved pool table to a new location, or you just want to switch things up and rearrange your current setup. Whatever your reason, moving a billiards or pool table is no easy feat. It’s a massive and expensive piece of furniture that requires a certain level of expertise to relocate safely. Sure, you could try doing it yourself, but do you want to risk scratching up your prized possession? That’s why it’s smart to hire pool table movers for this heavy-duty furniture transport job.

In this article, we’ll provide all the essential details you need to make a well-informed decision, including cost comparisons, moving tips and reasons to call in the professionals. And speaking of professionals, we’ll introduce you to CitizenShipper, the premier platform for finding top-rated and affordable pool table movers. So, let’s dive in and ensure your pool table stays in tip-top shape during your move!

DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional Pool Table Movers: Cost Comparison

Costs of DIY Pool Table Moving

Moving a pool table yourself seems like a cost-effective option, but there are several costs to consider beyond the initial price of the table itself. DIY moving requires specialized tools and equipment, which can be expensive to purchase or rent. These tools include dollies, straps and lifts, all necessary for safely moving a heavy and delicate object like a pool table.

Additionally, if you don’t have experience moving heavy furniture, you risk damaging the pool table during the move. This can lead to costly repairs or even render the table unusable. Repairing a damaged pool table can also be costly, especially if the slate bed — the most delicate part — is damaged. You may need to replace the slate and believe us when we say it can be an expensive and time-consuming task.

Another cost to consider when moving a pool table is the time and effort required. They’re not only heavy but also bulky and difficult to maneuver. Moving a billiards or pool table requires significant physical exertion, so you may need to enlist the help of friends or family members to move it safely.

Costs of Hiring a Professional Pool Table Mover

The cost of hiring a professional pool table mover varies depending on several factors, including the distance of the move, the complexity of the move and the experience of the mover. 

These factors contribute to the cost of hiring a professional mover:

Labor Cost: Labor costs are a significant cost of hiring outside help. Professional movers have the training, expertise and equipment required to move your pool table safely and efficiently. They also have the necessary insurance coverage to protect your investment in case of accidental damage during the move. This level of expertise and insurance coverage can come at a higher cost.

Travel and Transportation Expenses: Depending on the distance of the move, the mover may charge additional fees for fuel, lodging and meals. However, these expenses are often included in the overall moving cost estimate provided by the mover.

Additional Fees: Some professional pool table movers may charge additional fees for services such as disassembling and reassembling the table or preparing it for transportation. These fees may be worth it, as it ensures your table is moved safely. But it’s important to understand these costs upfront to avoid any surprises on the moving day.

Weighing the Costs

While hiring a professional pool table moving company may seem more expensive, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and expenses of moving it yourself. Moving a pool table yourself requires specialized equipment and expertise that can be costly. You may end up spending more money on equipment and repairs than you would have by hiring a professional. Without the proper training and equipment, you risk damaging your property, table or injuring yourself. Hiring a professional pool table moving company may seem like an added expense, but it can save you money in the long run. 

Tips for Moving a Pool Table

Measure the Dimensions of Your Pool Table and Doorways

Before you move your pool table, it’s essential to take the time to measure the dimensions of both the table and the doorways you’ll need to navigate through. By carefully measuring the length, width and height of your pool table and doorways, you can better understand the space you’re working with and make informed decisions about how to proceed with your move. Remember to take your time and be thorough in your measurements to avoid surprises during the moving process. If you find that the table is too large to fit through the doorways, you may need to disassemble it.

Disassemble Your Pool Table Properly

1. Remove the Pockets: One of the first steps in disassembling your pool table is to remove the pockets. These pockets are typically secured with screws or bolts; taking them off will make accessing the rest of the table much easier. You can do this by unscrewing each pocket carefully while labeling them accordingly. Labeling each pocket and its corresponding side is crucial so you know where to reattach them later. 

2. Remove the Rails from the Table: The next step is to remove the rails from the table. Typically, rails are attached to the table with bolts or brackets and a socket wrench can be used to remove these bolts. Remember to handle the rails carefully to avoid damage and to take extra caution not to strip the bolts during removal.

3. Take Apart the Playing Surface: Now that you have removed the pockets and rails, it’s time to take apart the playing surface. Be gentle, so take your time and work carefully. Begin by removing the felt from the slate. And you can get it done with a staple remover. Once you’ve removed the felt, it’s time to remove the slate from the table’s frame. Keep in mind that slate is a heavy material, so it’s best to have a few extra hands to help you lift it. Handle the slate with caution to avoid any damage.

4. Disassemble the Legs: Next, you’ll want to start by removing the legs of your pool table. This step is usually pretty straightforward and involves unscrewing the bolts that hold the legs in place. Just keep track of all the pieces and label them properly so you can easily reassemble your table when you reach your new home.

Use High-Quality Packing Materials

Moving Blankets: Moving blankets are thick, padded blankets that protect your pool table from scratches, dents and other damage during transit. You can wrap the individual pieces with these blankets to protect them.

Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap is an excellent material for protecting delicate parts of your pool table and is especially useful for protecting the rails, pockets and other small parts.

Packing Tape: Packing tape is necessary to keep your packing materials in place during transit. Be sure to use high-quality tape that can withstand the weight of your pool table.

Plastic Wrap: Plastic wrap is another useful material to have on hand when moving a pool table. You can use it to wrap the legs of the table and other parts that could scratch or damage other items during transit.

Plywood Sheets: Plywood sheets can protect the slate of your pool table during transit. Place a sheet of plywood over the slate and secure it in place with packing tape.

Choose a Suitable Location for Your Pool Table in Your New Home

Measure the Room: Before moving your pool table, measure the room where you plan to put it. You’ll need to make sure there’s enough space for the table and for players to move around it comfortably.

Consider the Lighting: Ideally, you’ll want to place it in an area with plenty of natural light or a room with good artificial lighting.

Think About the Traffic Flow: It’s essential to consider the traffic flow in the room where you’ll be placing your pool table. You’ll want to ensure people can move around the table without bumping into furniture or walls.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas: Avoid putting your pool table in high-traffic areas such as hallways or doorways. These areas can be noisy and distracting, making it difficult to concentrate while playing.

Consider the Flooring: The type of flooring in the room can also affect the quality of play. Hardwood floors or tile floors are ideal for playing pool, as they provide a smooth and level surface. If your new home has carpeted floors, consider adding a carpet slider or pad to help level the table.

How Long Does It Take to Move a Pool Table?

The time it takes to move can take anywhere from two to six hours or more. But it can depend on several factors, such as the distance of the move, the size of the table and the complexity of the disassembly and reassembly process.

Distance: Moving the pool table locally may only take a few hours, especially if you hire professional movers with experience and the right equipment to handle the job. But if you’re moving long-distance, it could take several days or even weeks before it arrives at your new home.

Size: Smaller pool tables, such as bar-sized tables, can usually be moved more quickly than larger tables. A standard-size pool table (8ft) usually requires more time to move than a smaller table due to its size and weight.

The Complexity of the Disassembly and Assembly Process

If your table has a lot of parts or intricate details, it will take longer to take apart and put back together. Similarly, if your table has to be moved up or down stairs or through tight doorways, it may take longer to move.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Moving Their Pool Tables?

Improperly Disassembling the Pool Table 

Improperly disassembling a pool table can result in warping or bending of the slate, cracking or chipping of the rails or pockets and damage to the legs, aprons or frame. To avoid this mistake, take the time to disassemble the table carefully and label each piece correctly. Wrap each piece in a moving blanket or other protective material before moving it to prevent damage. If you need help with disassembly, hire a professional to do it for you. They have the experience and expertise to disassemble your table correctly and ensure it arrives in good condition at your new location.

Not Securing the Pool Table

Another common mistake people need to correct when moving their pool table is improperly securing it. If it isn’t secured, it can shift during transport, causing damage to the table or even causing an accident. To secure your pool table, you will need to use straps or other restraints to hold the pieces in place. Use enough restraints to keep the table stable and prevent it from shifting. It would be best to use high-quality straps or restraints designed for moving heavy items.

Forgetting to Level the Pool Table Once It’s Moved

A pool table that’s not level can cause the balls to roll unevenly and can make the game difficult to play. It can also cause damage to the table over time, as the weight of the table can cause it to warp or sag. To ensure it’s level, use a level tool to check the table’s surface. You should also check each leg to ensure that it’s level as well. 

Why Should You Hire Professional Pool Table Movers?

Expertise and Equipment

You probably don’t know the first thing about moving your pool table and you don’t have the expertise or equipment to do the job correctly. It’s like trying to make a meal without any cooking skills or the proper utensils! On the other hand, professional pool table movers have the experience and knowledge to make moving it a breeze. They know exactly how to disassemble and reassemble the table, pack it up safely and transport it to its new location without any damage. They also have all the necessary tools and equipment, such as dollies and straps, to move your pool table without a hitch. And this is precisely why you should hire them. Leave it to the pros with the right tools!

Insurance Coverage

When moving your pool table, accidents can happen, and unfortunately, they can be costly. Fortunately, insurance coverage can do a lot of good in those situations. But you can’t enjoy such benefits if you do not hire a professional pool table mover. These professional movers often offer insurance coverage for your beloved billiards table during transport, so you can have peace of mind knowing that any damages incurred during the move will be covered.

Saves You Time and Energy

Think about it! Moving a pool table alone can take days, even weeks, depending on your schedule and experience. Not to mention that you may have to rent or borrow equipment and spend money on packing materials. By hiring professional pool table movers, you can avoid this hassle and focus on other vital aspects of your move.

Trusting the Experts on CitizenShipper for Your Pool Table Move

CitizenShipper is a transportation marketplace that connects you with a network of professional, independent drivers and movers specializing in moving all kinds of items, including pool tables. We take great care in ensuring that only the most reliable and qualified movers are available to you. With our customers’ reviews and ratings, you can rest assured that you’re getting high-quality service from the best in the business.

Conclusion

With CitizenShipper, you can rest easy knowing your pool table is in good hands. So why take the risk of moving your it on your own? Post a listing today for a smooth and stress-free move.