How Much Does Refelting a Pool Table Cost? A Deep Dive

The short answer: Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $800 to have your pool table professionally refelted. However, this is a very broad range, and the final cost depends on several key factors we’ll break down in detail.

Unveiling the Cost Factors: Beyond Just the Felt

Refelting a pool table isn’t as simple as slapping on some new fabric. It’s a meticulous process that requires skill, precision, and the right tools. The price reflects the labor involved, the quality of materials used, and a few other variables. Let’s dissect them:

1. The Size of Your Table: Dimension Matters

This is the most obvious cost driver. A larger table requires more felt, and more time to install it. Standard pool table sizes are 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot. Expect a price jump as you move up in size. An 8-foot table is the most common size, and therefore, a good benchmark for comparison.

2. Felt Quality: From Budget to Ballistic Cloth

Felt isn’t just felt. It comes in a variety of qualities, each with different performance characteristics and price points.

• Wool Blend Felt: This is the most affordable option, typically found on recreational tables. It’s faster, less durable, and more prone to pilling (those annoying little fuzzballs).
• Worsted Wool Felt (Tournament Grade): This is the preferred choice for serious players. It’s made from tightly woven wool fibers, resulting in a smoother, faster playing surface that resists pilling. Brands like Simonis are the gold standard. This felt will increase the refelting cost.
• Napped Felt: Typically made of synthetic fibers or a wool blend, this felt has a directional nap similar to carpet. The nap affects ball roll. This is less common for pool tables but found on some snooker tables.

The type of felt you choose can easily double or triple the cost of the refelting job. Investing in higher-quality felt is generally worth it for improved playability and longevity.

3. Labor Costs: Skill Comes at a Price

Refelting a pool table is an art. A skilled technician will ensure a perfectly smooth, tensioned surface, free of wrinkles and bumps. They’ll also know how to properly tuck the felt into the pockets and secure it to the slate. Labor costs can vary depending on the technician’s experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Expect to pay more for an experienced, reputable technician.

4. Slate Condition: Addressing Underlying Issues

The slate is the foundation of your pool table. If it’s damaged (cracked, chipped, or uneven), it will need to be repaired or replaced before refelting. Slate repair can add significantly to the overall cost. Even if the slate appears to be in good condition, the technician may need to re-level it to ensure optimal play. This can involve shimming the slate or adjusting the table’s legs.

5. Travel Fees: Location, Location, Location

If you live in a remote area or require the technician to travel a significant distance, you may incur travel fees. Be sure to factor this into your budget.

6. Additional Services: The Full Package

Some refelting services include additional services, such as:

• Rail Refelting: The cushions (rails) around the table also need to be refelted. This is usually included in the price, but clarify this upfront.
• New Bumpers (Cushions): Over time, the rubber bumpers can harden and lose their rebound. Replacing them will enhance play.
• Table Cleaning and Polishing: A thorough cleaning and polishing of the table’s frame and legs can restore its appearance.

Refelting vs. Replacing: When is it Time?

While refelting can breathe new life into an older table, there comes a point when replacement is the more practical option. If the slate is severely damaged, the frame is warped, or the table is simply outdated, a new table may be the better investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to give you an even better understanding of the ins and outs of pool table refelting:

1. Can I refelt a pool table myself?

Yes, technically, you can. However, it’s a challenging DIY project that requires specialized tools, a lot of patience, and a good understanding of the process. Unless you’re already experienced in woodworking or upholstery, it’s generally best left to the professionals. You risk damaging the slate or creating an uneven playing surface, which can be more costly to fix in the long run.

2. How long does it take to refelt a pool table?

A professional refelting job typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the table and the complexity of the job.

3. How often should I refelt my pool table?

This depends on how often you play and the quality of the felt. A table that sees heavy use with wool blend felt may need refelting every 1-2 years. A table with tournament-grade felt that’s used less frequently could last 5-10 years or even longer. Signs that it’s time to refelt include excessive pilling, tears, stains, and a noticeable decline in ball roll.

4. What’s the difference between “cloth” and “felt” when referring to pool table coverings?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, “felt” is the more accurate term for wool or wool-blend coverings, whereas “cloth” can refer to various fabrics, including synthetics. Tournament-grade pool table coverings are technically worsted wool cloth, not felt.

5. What are the best brands of pool table felt?

Simonis is widely considered the best, known for its durability, speed, and consistent playing surface. Other reputable brands include Championship, Brunswick, and Mali.

6. Can I choose a different color felt when refelting?

Absolutely! Refelting is a great opportunity to customize the look of your pool table. Most technicians offer a wide range of colors to choose from.

7. Does the color of the felt affect gameplay?

No, the color of the felt does not affect gameplay. The quality and weave of the fabric are what matter.

8. Should I replace the bumpers (cushions) when refelting?

It’s a good idea to inspect the bumpers and consider replacing them if they’re hard, cracked, or losing their rebound. New bumpers will significantly improve the playability of your table.

9. How do I care for my pool table felt?

Regular brushing with a specialized pool table brush is essential to remove dust and debris. Avoid spilling drinks or food on the table. Consider using a pool table cover to protect the felt when the table is not in use.

10. What questions should I ask a potential refelting technician?

• How much experience do you have refelting pool tables?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• What type of felt do you recommend for my table and playing style?
• What is the warranty on your work?
• Do you include rail refelting in the price?
• Do you offer slate leveling or repair services?

11. Is it cheaper to buy the felt myself and hire a technician to install it?

While it might seem like a way to save money, it’s often not. Technicians typically get a better price on felt from their suppliers, and they may not be willing to work with felt that you provide. You also risk buying the wrong type or quality of felt.

12. How can I find a reputable pool table refelting technician?

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local pool halls.
• Check online reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp and Google.
• Look for technicians who are members of professional organizations, such as the Billiard Congress of America (BCA).
• Get multiple quotes from different technicians before making a decision.

By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you get a fair price and a high-quality refelting job that will keep your pool table playing like new for years to come. So, grab your cue, rack ’em up, and enjoy the game!