The average cost to refelt a pool table is $300, though prices can run from $250 to $350 depending on the size of the table and who does the labor.
Having a smooth surface on your pool table is oh-so-important for game night. But if you regularly host billiards tournaments in your basement, that pool table felt can become worn and damaged.
Pool felt will generally take up about half the cost of the project. So for an 8-foot pool table, you would spend anywhere between $100 to $250 on the felt.
Labor makes up the other half. For an 8-foot pool table, you’re paying between $100 and $250 to have a professional install it.
Of course, the cost of both materials and labor will increase or decrease if you go up or down in pool table size. Obviously, it would require more or less felt, and more or less labor to install it, if you have a differently sized pool table.
The larger the pool table, the more it will cost to replace the felt. Pool tables typically come in three sizes: 7-feet long, 8-feet long, and 9-feet long. Here are some average costs you can expect:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7-foot pool table | $150 – $400 |
| 8-foot pool table | $200 – $450 |
| 9-foot pool table | $250 – $500 |
While repairing individual portions of pool table felt is not common, there are patches and small hand-sewn fixes that are easy to DIY for under $10. However, when your pool table felt becomes worn or damaged, it’s best to replace the entire cloth to ensure a smooth surface for your game.
Additionally, by the time your pool table felt wears down, there's a chance that other repair costs will pop up as well. Bumper replacement, for example, costs between $300 and $900 depending on the style of your table. Rail replacement costs between $350 and $450 while general tuneups will cost between $60 and $200. Keep these repair costs in mind as you're looking for a new pool table, particularly if it's an antique.
If your pool table has a customized felt–a unique color or logo–you can expect to pay in the higher range, an average of $550, to replace your felt. Prices will also run higher for large tables that measure over seven feet long.
The intricacy of playing pool requires a perfectly level table. Leveling a pool table costs between $240 and $700 depending on the extent of the repair. Similar to moving any large item, a pool table's balance can shift ever so slightly during the transfer. Professionals can ensure that your table is at a perfect level before hosting players.
Refinishing a pool table refers to restoring the rails, cabinets, and legs, particularly if they are made of wood that has broken down over time. Depending on its size, you will pay between $300 and $600 to refinish a pool table, not including the extra $300 to refelt it.
Pool tables typically weigh between 500 and up to 2,000 pounds, so you need a professional to handle the move. Moving a pool table costs an average of $550. However, the price widely varies depending on the size of the pool table, whether it's a professional tournament table, and who you hire to do the job. Professional movers, for example, will charge between $25 and $50 per hour for each mover, but you will need to have the table professionally leveled afterward.
If you're an avid pool player, it's likely unsurprising that there are several levels of felt materials to choose from. Budget-friendly Teflon felts are ideal for amateur players while worsted cloth is best for professionals hosting competitions. Here's what to expect for each type of felt based on an eight-foot table including materials and installation.
| Felt Type | Total Average Price |
|---|---|
| Cloth Championship Invitational Teflon Felt | $250 |
| Cloth Proline 303 Teflon Felt | $300 |
| Cloth Proline 404 Felt | $300 |
| Cloth ProForm Felt | $350 |
| Cloth Simonis 760 Felt | $450 |
| Worsted Cloth Simonis 860 Felt | $450 |
| Worsted Cloth Simonis 860HR Felt | $500 |
If you refelt a pool table yourself, then all you’ll have to pay for is the felt. That means the cost of refelting is cut in half, and you’re likely only going to pay $100 to $250 to get this job done.
However, trying to DIY this project isn’t the best idea. Refelting a pool table takes specialized training, so attempting to do it yourself may not give you the results you want.
After all, we’re not talking about just putting down carpet: The surface of the pool table has to be perfect in order to properly play billiards on it. Instead, contact a pool table professional near you for a quote.
Other than doing the job yourself, there are a couple of ways you can lower the cost of your bill for refelting your pool table.
The first and possibly best option is to simply not accept the first quote you get from a pool table company. Chances are there are multiple pool table companies in your area, so call a few of them and get a few quotes.
Considering the fact that the only information they need is the size of your pool table and what type of felt you want, they should be able to tell you how much they’ll charge off the top of their head. As a result, getting multiple quotes for this project is a lot easier than more complicated home projects.
There are actually two types of felt: napped and worsted. Napped cloth is the standard material used for felt on billiards tables. It's a less expensive type of material that requires more brushing and maintenance, and it may play a little slower.
Worsted, on the other hand, is a flatter weave that allows the ball to travel a bit quicker and lasts longer. As a result, it's more expensive. To save money, go with napped (although it may cost you more in the long run since it will require more maintenance and you'll have to replace it sooner).
Yes, it is difficult to refelt a pool table because you need exact measurements and precise fitting. Unlike installing carpeting, where the only reason fitting is important is for aesthetics, exact fitting is necessary on a pool table or you can't play billiards on it properly.
Yes, you can dye pool table felt to a different color. Aside from green, red is a common color. The best way to do this is to dip a sponge in the dye and carefully smooth the dye over the fabric.
On average, replace the felt on your pool table every five to 15 years depending on how often you play. If you play more than four times a week or host frequent tournaments, you may want to get your felt replaced and your table leveled as frequently as every two years. When in doubt, chat with a local furniture upholstery specialist about what they recommend for your model.
Felting a pool table typically only takes between two and three hours when done by a professional. The amount of time it takes will come down to the age and size of your table, but the process is rarely complex. Attempting to refelt it yourself, however, will take much longer and can lead to uneven areas, so it's best to leave this one for the pros.
After each game, be sure to brush down your pool table felt with the proper tools and cover the table for protection in between tournaments. Always avoid resting food, drinks, or other items on the felt, as well. Since the chalk from the balls can slowly wear down the felt as well, avoid using chalk too close to the table itself.
