Save money and time with this guide for a diy repairs of a billards table or to recover a pool table surface.
You can purchase pool table felt at practically any craft or fabric store or at your local billiards and gaming store. The felt can be purchased in a variety of colors and is priced by the square yard. Specialty pool retailers and gaming shops also offer a range of quality felts for increased speed and championship-level surfaces. Once you've chosen your felt, there are two methods you can use to recover your pool table. The fastest and easiest method is stapling, but can only be done if your table has a wood backing.
Once you've removed the pool table rails, stretch your felt lengthwise across the surface. Using a staple gun, start in the middle and staple the first quarter of your surface, ending at the halfway point from the neighboring pocket. Aim for one staple every two to four inches. When you finish the first corner of the table, begin on the adjacent corner by pulling the fabric as tightly as possible and stapling, again from the middle to the midpoint from the next pocket. It is vital to pull the cloth as consistently tight as possible as you proceed from corner to corner to ensure you get the smoothest surface possible. Inconsistent pulls may result in a wandering ball or the ball may run in unexpected maneuvers should the surface not be smooth.
For slate-backed tables, gluing is the method to use for replacing pool table felt. Choose a durable spray adhesive, which can be found at hardware or craft stores. Spray the adhesive approximately five inches inside of the table edge and again on the cloth itself for maximum hold. Before sticking the felt to the table, wait 30 seconds or so to allow the glue to get tacky. Once the glue is ready, press the felt to the slate. Again, secure only one side of the table at a time using consistent pulls for a smooth surface.
When the entire table has been covered by either stapling or gluing, you'll next use a sharp razor blade to cut holes in the felt for the rail bolts. Use your finger to guide you to each hole along the bottom of the table surface as you locate the three rail bolt holes. Cut the holes from the backside of the cloth to the surface.
Next, you'll need to cut pockets. Make at least three slices for each corner pocket -- four for the middle pockets. The slices should be no less than one-half inch from the edge of the wood or slate backing to ensure the cuts are not too close to the playing surface. Secure the flaps of fabric underneath the table with either adhesive or staples.
Finally, line the inside of the pocket with a one and one-half inch strip of felt for a complete look. Recovering a pool table is an easy, cost-efficient process whether you're mending a tear or creating a new surface appearance. When you own a quality table, knowing how to complete this simple process is truly an asset.
