How to Put a Billiards Table Together

Putting a billiards table together is a difficult task that requires a great deal of strength and patience. It is usually best to hire a professional to assemble and level a billiards table, but it is possible to do it yourself by following these six steps.

Instructions

1

In the room where you will be putting the billiards table together, set the cabinet upside down. The table will be too heavy to move when it is fully assembled, so be sure you have the cabinet exactly where you want to place your table.

2

Attach the billiards table legs to the brackets on the bottom of the cabinet. Flip the cabinet back over and double check all bolts to make sure they are tightly fastened. This will be your last chance to move the billiards table to a different spot in the room before it becomes extremely heavy.

3

Place the middle piece of slate on top of the billiards table. Measure the space on each side of this first piece of slate to make sure it is centered. Place the other two sheets of slate onto the table, one on each side of the first piece.

4

Using a machinist's level, check to make sure the slate layer is level. If it is not, use the level to figure out which side is lower. Place shims under both corners of the low side and check to see if the surface is level. Repeat this until you have raised it enough to make the playing surface perfectly level. Tighten all screws evenly and check the level one last time.

5

Melt beeswax with a propane torch and drip it along the seams of the slate panels and in the screw holes. Let the wax dry, then use a paint scraper to remove any excess.

6

Lay the felt on the billiards table's bed and cut holes in the slate panels for the bolts. Align the rails and pockets, then securely tighten all screws and washers. Staple or screw in the pockets on the underside of the table, depending on which method your table uses.