5 Essential Steps to Refelt a Pool Table Flawlessly

Have you ever felt like your pool table is looking a little worse for wear? The felt may be faded, torn, or simply not as smooth as it used to be. If so, it may be time to refelt your pool table. Refelting a pool table is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can make your table look and play like new again. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to refelt a pool table. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right felt for your table and how to care for your pool table once it has been refelted.

Replacing the felt on your pool table is not a difficult task, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. If you are not comfortable working with tools, you may want to hire a professional to do the job for you. However, if you are up for the challenge, refelting your pool table is a great way to save money and get your table looking its best. Additionally, it is a good idea to replace the felt on your pool table every 5-10 years, depending on how often you play. This will help to keep your table looking and playing its best.

There are a few different types of felt that you can use to refelt your pool table. The most common type of felt is worsted wool. Worsted wool is a durable and long-lasting material that is available in a variety of colors. Another option is nylon felt. Nylon felt is less expensive than worsted wool, but it is not as durable. Finally, you can also use a blend of worsted wool and nylon. This type of felt is a good compromise between durability and cost. Once you have chosen the type of felt that you want to use, you can begin the refelting process.

Dismantling the Pool Table

### Removing the Slate

Begin by removing the slate from the table frame. This is a heavy and delicate component, so it’s essential to handle it with care. Use a slate lifting tool or a couple of strong planks to carefully lift the slate off the frame. Place the slate on a flat, stable surface where it will not be damaged.

### Disconnecting the Rails and Cushions

Next, remove the rails from the table frame. These are the long wooden or metal sidepieces that hold the cushions. Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen the bolts that connect the rails to the frame, then gently pry them loose. Once the rails are removed, disconnect the cushions from them. Cushions are typically attached to the rails with nails or screws.

### Removing the Legs and Frame

Finally, disassemble the legs and frame of the pool table. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the bolts and screws that hold the legs to the frame. Once the legs are removed, you can carefully separate the frame into its component pieces.

Preparing the Rails

Preparing the rails is crucial for a successful refelting project. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your rails are ready for the new felt:

1. Remove the Corner Brackets

Locate the corner brackets that hold the rails in place. Using a wrench or socket wrench, carefully unscrew and remove these brackets.

2. Remove the Cushions and Side Rails

With the corner brackets removed, you can release the cushions. Grasp one side of a cushion and gently pull it away from the rail. Repeat this process for all cushions. Once the cushions are removed, detach the side rails from the table by lifting them away.

3. Clean and Inspect the Rails

Wipe down the rails with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect the rails for any cracks, dents, or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s important to repair them before refelting the table to prevent future problems.

4. Apply New Cushion Glue

Apply a thin layer of cushion glue to the rails where the cushions will sit. This glue will help secure the cushions in place and prevent them from slipping.

5. Insert the Cushions

Align the cushions with the rails and press them firmly into place. Ensure the cushions are level and flush with the table surface.

6. Reattach the Side Rails

Lift the side rails back into position and secure them to the table using the bolts or screws. Tighten the fasteners until the rails are snug but not overtightened.

7. Reinstall the Corner Brackets

Align the corner brackets and thread the screws into the rails. Tighten the screws until the brackets are secure.

Removing the Old Felt

Before you can begin installing new felt, you’ll need to remove the old felt. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the table.

To remove the old felt, you’ll need the following tools:

A staple remover
A crowbar
A utility knife
A vacuum cleaner

Once you have your tools, follow these steps:

Start by removing the staples that are holding the felt in place. Be careful not to damage the table when removing the staples.
Once the staples have been removed, use the crowbar to pry the felt loose from the table. Start at one end of the table, and work your way around until the felt is completely loose.
If the felt is stuck in place, you can use the utility knife to cut it loose. Be careful not to damage the table when cutting the felt.
Once the felt is loose, use the vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the table.

Staple Removal Tips

When removing staples, it is important to be careful not to damage the table. Here are a few tips for removing staples safely:

Use a staple remover that is designed for removing staples from wood.
Place the staple remover under the staple, and use your thumb to push down on the lever.
If the staple is difficult to remove, you can use a crowbar to pry it loose.


Safety Precautions Wear safety glasses when removing staples. Be careful not to slip and fall when using the crowbar. Do not use excessive force when removing staples or prying the felt loose.

Safety Precautions

Wear safety glasses when removing staples.
Be careful not to slip and fall when using the crowbar.
Do not use excessive force when removing staples or prying the felt loose.

Installing the New Felt

Step 1: Remove the Old Felt

Remove the rails and pockets and remove the old felt, pulling it taut. If the felt is glued down, use a razor blade or adhesive remover to carefully dissolve the adhesive.

Step 2: Prepare the Slate

Use a soft brush to remove any debris from the slate’s surface. Fill any small holes or seams with a pool-table putty and let it dry. Use a cloth and ammonia-based cleaner to clean the slate thoroughly.

Step 3: Position the New Felt

Align the new felt with the slate and smooth it out over the surface. Use a razor blade or scissors to trim any excess felt around the edges, leaving about 1-2 inches of overhang.

Step 4: Glue and Tack the Felt

Start by applying a thin layer of contact cement along the edges of the felt. Use a brush to apply the cement evenly and press the felt down firmly. Use T-nails to tack the felt at the corners and along the rails. Space the T-nails evenly, about 6-8 inches apart.

Recovering the Rails

5. Glue the New Felt to the Rails

Apply a thin layer of contact cement to the underside of the new felt and the top of the rails. Allow the cement to dry for a few minutes until it becomes tacky. Align the felt with the rails and press it into place, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go. Use a small roller or brush to apply even pressure and ensure a secure bond.

Trim any excess felt around the edges of the rails using a sharp utility knife. Be careful not to cut into the wood.

For mitered rails, you will need to overlap the felt at the corners and trim it carefully to create a clean and professional finish. Use a miter saw or a sharp knife to make precise cuts for a seamless transition.

Here’s a table that summarizes the steps for gluing the felt to the rails:

Step	Action
1	Apply contact cement to the felt and rails.
2	Let the cement dry until tacky.
3	Align and press the felt onto the rails.
4	Trim any excess felt.
5	Overlap and trim felt for mitered rails.

Tensioning the Felt

Properly tensioning the felt is crucial for ensuring a smooth and even playing surface. Follow these steps to achieve the optimal tension:

1. **Lay Out the Felt:** Unroll the felt over the table and center it, making sure the edges are aligned with the cushions.

2. **Anchor the Felt:** Staple the felt temporarily along the rails at the short ends of the table to prevent it from shifting during the tensioning process.

3. **Start Tensioning:** Begin at the center of one long rail. Using a staple gun, carefully staple the felt to the rail at every few inches.

4. **Work Towards the Corners:** Continue stapling the felt, gradually moving towards the corners. Ensure that the tension is even throughout this process.

5. **Alternative Tensioning:** As you approach the corners, switch to alternating staples on opposite sides of the rail. This prevents puckering and ensures a smooth transition into the corners.

6. **Fine-Tune the Tension:** Once the felt is stapled all around, fine-tune the tension by gently pulling on it at various points along the rails. If it feels loose, add more staples; if it’s too tight, remove some.

7. **Check the Tension:** To ensure proper tension, place a billiard ball near the center of the table. If the ball rolls smoothly without any hesitation, the tension is correct.

Tensioning Tips
– Use sharp staples for maximum penetration and holding power.
– Staple at a consistent distance from the rail to create a uniform edge.
– Avoid over-tensioning, as this can warp the table.
– If the felt puckers, remove the staples and re-staple it with more tension.

Trimming the Excess Felt

Once the felt is in place and has been stretched to fit, it’s time to trim the excess material. This requires a sharp utility knife and a steady hand. Begin by carefully cutting along the edge of the table, following the shape of the rails and the contour of the pockets. Use long, smooth strokes for precise cuts.

As you trim, be mindful of the following techniques:

Follow the Contour:

Pay attention to the curves and angles of the table, especially around the pockets. Trimming too close to the edge can leave gaps, while cutting too far away can create excess felt that interferes with gameplay.

Use a Sharp Blade:

A dull blade will tear the felt, resulting in frayed edges. Use a sharp utility knife and replace the blade as needed to ensure a clean cut.

Trim Gradually:

Avoid cutting too much felt at once. Start with small cuts and gradually remove more material until the felt is flush with the table edges. This prevents overcutting and helps ensure a uniform fit.

Secure the Loose Felt:

As you trim, keep a vacuum cleaner nearby to remove any loose felt scraps. This prevents accumulation of debris that could interfere with the final installation.

Check for Gaps:

After trimming, thoroughly inspect the edges of the table to ensure there are no gaps. If any gaps are present, gently pull the felt over them and re-trim. This ensures a snug fit that prevents the ball from rolling off the table when shot.

Smooth the Edges:

Once the excess felt is trimmed, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a felt smoother to gently sand the edges smooth. This removes any sharp or rough spots that could damage the cue ball or cause discomfort to players.

Vacuum and Clean:

Thoroughly vacuum the table and surrounding area to remove any remaining felt scraps and dust. Wipe down the table with a soft, damp cloth to ensure it is clean and ready for use.

Installing the Pockets

Once you have the new felt in place and the rails are back on, it’s time to install the pockets. Start by making sure that the pockets are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Then, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the inside of the pocket and to the underside of the rail where the pocket will be attached. Carefully align the pocket with the rail and press it into place. Use a cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive.

Once the pockets are in place, you need to stretch the felt over them. Start by pulling the felt taut over the top of the pocket and then working your way down the sides. Use a pair of pliers to gently pull the felt around the corners. Once the felt is stretched, use a staple gun to secure it to the underside of the pocket. Be sure to use enough staples to keep the felt in place, but don’t over-staple it.

The final step is to install the pocket liners. The pocket liners help to protect the felt from wear and tear, and they also help to keep the balls from getting stuck in the pockets. To install the pocket liners, simply insert them into the pockets and press them into place. Make sure that the pocket liners are facing the correct way, with the smooth side facing outwards.


1. Clean the pockets and rails.	2. Apply adhesive to the inside of the pockets and the underside of the rails.
3. Align the pockets with the rails and press them into place.	4. Wipe away any excess adhesive.
5. Stretch the felt over the pockets.	6. Staple the felt to the underside of the pockets.
7. Install the pocket liners.

Finalizing the Installation

Step 8: Trimming the Excess Felt

Once the felt is in place, carefully trim away any excess material around the edges of the table. Use a sharp utility knife and a ruler for precise cutting. Avoid pulling the felt too tightly, as this can cause it to shrink and deform.

Step 9: Stretching and Smoothing the Felt

Use a soft brush or cloth to gently brush the felt towards the center of the table. This will help to distribute any wrinkles and stretch the material evenly.

Step 10: Installing the Rails and Pockets

Reinstall the rails and pockets onto the table using the provided screws or clamps. Ensure they are secured tightly and properly aligned. Adjust the pockets as necessary to ensure they catch the balls cleanly.

Step 11: Leveling the Table (Optional)

If desired, you can use a level to check the flatness of the table. Adjust the leg levelers as needed until the table is completely level.

Step 12: Final Inspection

Thoroughly inspect the table to ensure it is properly refelted and assembled. Check for any signs of damage or loose components. If any issues are found, address them promptly.

Maintaining the Refelted Pool Table

Regular maintenance is crucial to preserve the quality and longevity of your newly refelted pool table. Here are some essential tips:

Clean the Table Regularly

Use a soft brush or cloth to remove surface debris and dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as they can damage the fabric.

Protect from Moisture

Keep the table away from sources of moisture, such as spills or humidity. If liquid is spilled on the table, blot it up immediately with a dry cloth.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight can fade the felt and cause it to deteriorate prematurely. If possible, place the table in a shaded area.

Repair Punctures Promptly

Small punctures or tears can be repaired using a cue tip and a drop of superglue. Avoid using excessive glue, as it can damage the felt.

Relevel the Table Periodically

Over time, the table may become slightly uneven. Use a level to check its accuracy and adjust the leveling feet if necessary.

Brush the Felt Against the Nap

Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the felt against the grain, or nap, to remove loose fibers and restore the smooth texture.

Remove Chalk Regularly

Chalk dust can accumulate on the felt, affecting its performance. Use a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller to remove excess chalk.

Cover the Table When Not in Use

When the pool table is not in use, cover it with a fitted cover to protect it from dust, debris, and sunlight.

Use Table Conditioner

Periodically, apply a table conditioner to protect and soften the felt. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

How To Refelt A Pool Table

Refelting a pool table is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the job is done properly.

To begin, you will need to purchase a new piece of felt. The felt should be the same size as the playing surface of your pool table. You will also need a staple gun, a hammer, a chalk line, and a sharp knife.

Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the process of refelting your pool table.

First, remove the old felt from the table. To do this, use a staple gun to remove the staples that are holding the felt in place.
Once the old felt has been removed, you can begin to install the new felt. To do this, start by placing the felt on the playing surface of the table. Make sure that the felt is centered and that there is an equal amount of overhang on all sides.
Once the felt is in place, you can begin to staple it down. Start by stapling the felt in the center of each side. Then, work your way around the table, stapling the felt every few inches.
Once the felt is stapled down, you can use a chalk line to mark the edges of the table. This will help you to cut the felt to the correct size.
Once the felt has been cut to size, you can use a sharp knife to trim the excess felt. Be careful not to cut the felt too short.
Once the felt has been trimmed, you can apply a thin layer of glue to the edges of the felt. This will help to keep the felt in place.
Finally, you can use a hammer to tap the staples into place. Be sure to tap the staples gently so that you do not damage the felt.