Moving a pool table can be a challenging task due to its weight and fragile components. Here’s what you need to know:
- DIY Costs: Around $50–$200 for supplies and rentals. You’ll need tools, helpers, and time to disassemble and reassemble the table. Risk of damage or injury is high.
- Professional Movers: Costs range from $375 to $1,500 depending on the table type, distance, and complexity. Professionals handle everything, including disassembly, transport, and reassembly. Services often include insurance for added protection.
- Factors Affecting Cost: Table type (slate vs. non-slate), distance (local vs. long-distance), accessibility (stairs, tight spaces), and optional services like re-felting ($280–$430).
For short local moves with help, DIY might save money. For heavy, slate tables or longer distances, hiring professionals ensures safety and convenience.
1. DIY Pool Table Moving
Moving a pool table yourself can save you some cash, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Knowing what’s involved can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Cost
If you’re looking to cut costs, DIY moving is a budget-friendly option. Renting a truck for a local move might set you back around $30, plus about $1 per mile. Add in packing materials and equipment rentals, and you’re still looking at spending less than $100. And if you already have some supplies or can borrow a truck, your expenses could drop even more.
Expertise and Risk
Taking apart a pool table isn’t as simple as it sounds – it requires some know-how. You’ll need to carefully disassemble the rails, remove the felt, and handle the slate pieces with care. Checking the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand is a must, especially for slate tables, to avoid damaging the table or injuring yourself.
Time and Effort
Be prepared to invest plenty of time and energy. You’ll need at least 3–5 helpers, and disassembling the table alone can take an hour or more. Reassembling it will take just as long. Don’t forget to plan your route and measure doorways, hallways, and other access points to avoid unexpected hiccups.
These factors highlight why some people opt to leave the job to professional pool table movers.
2. Professional Pool Table Movers (e.g., Two Twigs Moving)
Hiring professionals to move your pool table takes the stress – and the heavy lifting – off your shoulders. Companies like Two Twigs Moving specialize in these tricky jobs, using the right tools and know-how to handle the process smoothly.
Cost
Opting for professional movers does come at a higher cost compared to doing it yourself, but you’re paying for expertise and peace of mind. According to Angi‘s January 2025 report, the average cost to move a pool table is $650, with most people spending between $375 and $1,500. Local moves usually fall between $200 and $600, while long-distance relocations can range from $600 to $1,500 or more.
Several factors play into the final price. The size and weight of your pool table are major considerations, along with the distance of the move. Accessibility challenges, like stairs or tight spaces, can add extra fees. These variables highlight why professional movers are invaluable for such a specialized task.
Expertise and Risk
Professional movers bring a level of expertise that goes far beyond what you can achieve with a DIY approach. They know how to carefully disassemble slate tables, handle fragile felt, and move heavy parts without causing damage. This reduces the risk of harming both your pool table and your home. Plus, their services often include moving insurance – typically about 1% of the table’s value – which provides financial protection in case something goes wrong.
Time and Effort
When you hire professionals, they take care of everything from start to finish, saving you hours of effort. A DIY move might require rounding up a group of helpers and spending a whole day – or more – on disassembly and reassembly. In contrast, teams like those at Two Twigs Moving have efficient systems in place. They use specialized tools to ensure proper installation and even adjust your table’s level so it’s ready for play as soon as it’s set up.
Additional Services
Professional movers often offer extra services that make the process even easier. For example, they can handle disassembly and reassembly, which typically costs between $75 and $250, or refelting, which ranges from $280 to $430. They even offer over 30 felt color options to customize your table. Two Twigs Moving can also manage specialty scenarios, such as moving the table to a storage facility, relocating it to another room in your home, or temporarily removing it for renovations like flooring installation. To top it off, they provide service guarantees, giving you added confidence in their work.
Pros and Cons
Choosing between moving a pool table yourself or hiring professionals often comes down to weighing cost savings against safety and convenience. Each approach has its own set of benefits and challenges that can shape your overall experience.
DIY moving is undoubtedly the more budget-friendly option, with estimated costs ranging from $50 to $200 for supplies and tool rentals. It also allows you to work on your own schedule. However, the challenges are significant. Pool tables are heavy, making the risk of personal injury and property damage quite high. Beyond the physical demands, you’ll need to rent or buy specialized tools, gather a group of helpers, and spend time learning how to properly disassemble and reassemble the table. These factors can turn a seemingly simple project into a time-consuming and potentially risky endeavor.
In contrast, professional movers bring expertise and the right equipment to the table – literally. Companies like Two Twigs Moving handle everything, from disassembly to careful transport, leveling, and reassembly, ensuring your table is ready for play at your new location. Most professional services also include insurance, offering financial protection in case of damage. The entire process is typically completed in 1–3 hours. The downside? The higher upfront cost, which can range from $300 to over $1,500, depending on the distance and complexity. Additionally, you’ll need to coordinate schedules with the movers. Still, for many, the peace of mind and added expertise make the cost worthwhile.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
| Criteria | DIY Pool Table Moving | Professional Pool Table Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$200 (supplies/tools) | $300–$1,500+ (varies by distance) |
| Expertise Required | High – you’ll need to learn the process | None – handled by professionals |
| Time Investment | Several hours to a full day | 1–3 hours |
| Risk of Damage | High – no insurance coverage | Low – insured and experienced |
| Physical Effort | Significant physical effort | Minimal effort required |
| Additional Services | None included | Includes leveling, re-felting, and insurance |
| Equipment Needed | Must rent or purchase tools | Provided by the movers |
For slate tables, which require precise reassembly, hiring professionals is particularly recommended. While DIY may save you some money upfront, consider the potential risks of injury or damage, as well as the time and effort involved. Think about the value of your pool table, your physical ability, and your confidence in handling the intricate disassembly process before making your choice.
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Conclusion
Relocating a pool table is all about finding the right balance between cost, risk, and convenience. While a DIY move might cost under $100 for a short local trip, professional movers typically charge between $375 and $1,500. But when dealing with something as heavy and valuable as a pool table, the decision shouldn’t hinge on cost alone.
If you’re on a tight budget and planning a simple local move with plenty of helping hands, tackling the job yourself might seem tempting. That said, it’s important to consider the risks involved – both to the table itself and to those helping. As Kaitlyn Pacheco from Angi explains:
"The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently."
Professional movers become especially useful when the move involves stairs, long distances, or the need for precise disassembly and reassembly. Companies like Two Twigs Moving offer specialized tools, insurance, and the know-how to handle the process safely from start to finish.
Distance is another crucial factor. The longer the move, the higher the risks of damage or injury when going the DIY route. For longer moves, professional services provide not only protection for your investment but also added peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the risks of moving a pool table on my own, and how can I avoid them?
Moving a pool table by yourself can be a tricky and risky task. These tables typically weigh between 700 and 1,000 pounds, and their delicate parts – like the slate, felt, and wood – can be easily damaged. Plus, improper lifting or handling can lead to personal injuries.
To minimize risks, it’s best to carefully take the table apart, ensuring all parts are secured and padded to protect against scratches or cracks. Having extra hands to help distribute the weight evenly is crucial, and moving slowly can prevent accidents. Tools like dollies, straps, and blankets are your best friends here – they can make the process smoother while safeguarding both the table and your home.
How do professional movers protect a pool table during a move?
How Professional Movers Safeguard Your Pool Table
Moving a pool table is no small feat, but professional movers have a system to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. They start by carefully disassembling the table, breaking it down into parts like the slate, legs, and rails. Using the right tools and techniques, they handle each piece with care to avoid any damage during this step.
Each component is then wrapped securely using protective materials such as padded blankets, which help prevent scratches, dents, or other mishaps. When it’s time to transport, movers rely on specialized equipment like dollies and climate-controlled trucks. These tools help reduce vibrations and shield the table from temperature or humidity changes that could harm its structure.
Once at the new location, the movers don’t just reassemble the table – they do so with precision. They ensure the table is perfectly leveled, align the rails accurately, and install the felt with care, so the table retains its quality and stays ready for play.
What should I consider when choosing between moving a pool table yourself or hiring professionals?
When you’re trying to decide whether to move a pool table yourself or hire professionals, there are a few important things to consider. Pool tables are not only heavy – ranging from 500 to 1,000 pounds – but also awkwardly shaped. On top of that, taking them apart and putting them back together can be tricky. Without the right tools or know-how, you risk damaging the table or even injuring yourself.
Professional movers come prepared with the skills and equipment needed to handle pool tables safely. They’ll carefully disassemble, transport, and reassemble your table. The cost for this service usually falls between $300 and $900, depending on factors like the size of the table and where you live. While it’s an expense, it can save you a lot of hassle and reduce the chances of costly mistakes. If your pool table requires extra care or you’re dealing with tight spaces or stairs, hiring experts like Two Twigs Moving can make the entire process much easier.
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