A pool table is an excellent investment for any home, and they’re available in many sizes, colors, and styles. But how much does a pool table weigh? This is one of the most common questions that people ask when considering how to move their new purchase.
The answer will depend on what size table you buy, how heavy it is, and how heavy it can be before needing special equipment to move it. Let’s explore how much your average pool table, and table frame weighs!
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Considerations
Something to consider is how you would use your new standard-size pool table. If you plan on moving it around often, then its weight, price, and quality are factors you need to consider. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a long-term investment that won’t need frequent relocation during parties, look for heavy-duty materials like solid wood rather than laminate.
A wooden frame with a slate playing surface will make your pool table experience more authentic and make for an incredibly sturdy piece of furniture. You should choose either form over function if you’re going for a heavier style of table.
If you’re buying a standard pool table rather than just the slate and frame, then how much it weighs will depend on the different components. Moreover, when hiring professional table movers, how many people are helping move and assemble it would also be higher to avoid dangerous carrying scenarios!
A standard pool table is usually between 100 – 300 pounds but can be even heavier. Whereas, full-size slate tables can be 700 – 1,000 pounds and have features like additional cup holders and felt pockets for your cues.
How to Move a Pool Table?
The table size and weight will vary depending on the type of table you have. The tabletop, rails, pockets, and felt play a large part in how heavy your table is. For reference: an average-sized pool table weighs between 200-250 pounds.
If you need assistance moving or installing your new table, it’s best to find someone who has experience with this type of work as they can offer great insight into what might be involved.
Some options include hiring professional movers or handymen for help, but these guys come at a cost, so most people prefer to do it themselves if possible. Many things could go wrong during installation, which we’ll cover below, along with safety precautions you should take when attempting to move a table on your own.
Before we continue, let’s take a look at what comprises a pool table. The configuration can also change as per the types of pool table you’re looking at:
Tabletop
The tabletop is the surface area where you play, and it comes in either slate or wood. The size of the table usually ranges from around 4 feet by 8 feet for home use to 6 feet by 12 feet for bar tables. Slate types are made up of several thin layers, which is advantageous because if one layer breaks, another will keep things stable under heavy pressure.
Wood surfaces have been known to warp over time. However, they’re much lighter than slates, so moving them isn’t as tricky. However, wood requires more maintenance than its stone counterpart, such as sanding down uneven areas after table use or during table maintenance.
Rails
These are the sides of your table that separate ball pockets from the tabletop. They’re made up of layers with a small gap in between each one, allowing them to counter when struck by balls.
On average, they measure around 2.5 – 3.5 inches in thickness and several feet long depending on how many channels there are along their length (usually two). The weight will vary according to materials used, so some rails can be wood while others are metal, but it’s safe to say they weigh at least 10-15 pounds apiece.
Pockets
Pocket dimensions vary depending on the type of pool table. Pool tables come in different materials, sizes, and styles. Some pockets fit billiard balls, while others do not. What is a pocket dimension exactly? A pocket dimension refers to how deep or shallow that particular one has been designed to be. Players may also need to know how wide and long the pockets are.
Cushions
These are the parts you hit your ball into, and they’re either made from rubber or leather. The former is more common because it’s cheaper. However, if not cared for properly, they can break down, fold over time, or cause table playability issues after several years (i.e., balls might get stuck in their channels).
Then there’s the pocket cloth which covers table pockets and cushions. This varies depending on size, but we’ll assume a standard 6-foot table size has around 45 square feet of material. It’s enough to be considered durable yet light enough so as not to hamper table movement.
The total combined weight of all table components is around 100 – 300 pounds for portable and higher for other types. This means if you’re planning to buy a new table, you shouldn’t compromise on professional moving services. They can help set up and move the table without you stressing your back or damaging the table.
Different Types of Pool Tables and Their Weight
Slate Pool Table
A slate table, which is considered the industry standard, weighs anywhere from 650 -1000 lbs depending on the size and thickness of slate used for its top surface area. Slate provides more life into the table as it allows smoother play but can be heavier than other options such as acrylic or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard).
Most new slate pool tables are quite heavy and they’re made with better material and thicker pieces, so they last longer. Higher quality brand names tend to use less metal in their construction process, which means lighter products result in higher pounds than cheaper models and they may weigh closer to 800lbs.
Wooden Pool Tables
The industry standard for wooden pool tables is 900 pounds. The industry standard is often not always accurate as many companies tend to manufacture their product slightly heavy.
Wooden tables are more expensive than other types due to the cost of material and labor required during the manufacturing process, making them one of the most popular choices among pool players who care about performance and durability over affordability.
Metallic Pool Tables
Metallic pool tables are a great choice when looking at affordable options that still offer high-quality materials used in its construction. Higher-end models generally weigh between 500 – 600lb.
On the other hand, cheaper ones may weigh closer to 800 lbs or more depending on the thicknesses & size of the framework involved with its design. Metallic tables are much lighter than other industry standards but still provide excellent durability and performance during playtimes.
Acrylic Pool Tables
Acrylic pool tables are one of the most popular choices among pool players looking for high quality, lightweight options that offer a similar playing experience as wooden or metallic models without the hefty price tag. An acrylic table is very light which is one of its most significant selling points over industry-standard weight requirements.
The acrylic pool tables are great for kids because they can be converted to fit your needs. You could also use it as a hockey table, which means you won’t have any problems finding space! Since smaller sizes weigh less, they make moving easier if needed when upgrading your game room furniture set up all together at once rather than piece by piece.
If you have young kids playing with your family who don’t know how to take care of the table properly, an acrylic table could be the perfect choice since it’s much lighter than the industry standard. Moreover, it can withstand significant physical damage before giving way under its weight load if dropped accidentally.
Higher-end models are usually made with better materials & thicker pieces, which is industry standard for most types of pool tables available nowadays. Still, manufacturers tend to make their product slightly heavy compared to the industry average, so they offer more durability. They can withstand a higher amount of physical damage during playtimes. You would also need to learn how to care for your pool table to protect from environmental factors, wear and tear and rough play.
Conclusion
How much does a pool table weigh? This is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pool table. The more you know about how different choices can affect performance and durability during playtime, the easier it will be for you to find just what suits your needs best.
Though models may vary from company to company, some general industry standards apply across all options, with metallic tables being a popular choice among money-conscious buyers who want quality without breaking their budget! Whether you want slate, wooden, metallic or acrylic, check out our budget-conscious guide to the best pool tables here.
Remember, no matter which option you choose or why, make sure it’s going in an area where installation is feasible. If not correctly installed, they could become dangerous hazards around your home.