Buying a Used Pool Table? Moving & Installation Guide
Found a great deal on a second-hand pool table? Before you buy, learn what to inspect, how much moving may cost, and what it takes to get your table safely installed at home.
Get a Used Pool Table Moving Quote ↗Check for cracks, chips and obvious damage.
Consider stairs, doorways and loading restrictions.
Reassembly and leveling help restore proper play.
Is buying a used pool table worth it?
Buying a used pool table can be a practical way to get a quality table at a lower purchase price. However, the asking price is only one part of the total cost.
Pool tables are substantial pieces of equipment, particularly models with slate playing surfaces. Transporting and installing them properly requires more planning than moving ordinary furniture.
A table listed at an attractive price may still require professional disassembly, transportation, reassembly, leveling or new cloth.
Consider the purchase price, moving expenses, stairs, installation requirements and any repairs or refelting. A low asking price doesn't always mean the lowest overall cost.
What to look for when buying a used pool table
Before agreeing to purchase a second-hand pool table, gather enough information to understand its condition and transportation requirements.
Ask for clear photographs of the table from multiple angles, including the playing surface, frame, legs and any visible damage.
Should you buy a used slate pool table?
Slate pool tables are popular because their stone playing surfaces can provide a stable foundation for consistent play.
However, the slate adds substantial weight and requires careful handling during relocation.
Slate Pool Tables
Often preferred for serious recreational play. They are heavier, generally require specialized moving, and must be properly supported and leveled.
Non-Slate Pool Tables
May be lighter and easier to transport, depending on their construction. Playing characteristics and durability vary significantly by model.
One-piece or three-piece slate?
Three-piece slate tables have separate slate sections that can be handled individually during professional disassembly.
One-piece slate tables contain a single large stone slab, which may present additional transportation and access challenges.
Learn more in our slate pool table moving guide .
How to inspect a used pool table before buying
If possible, inspect the table in person while it is still assembled. This allows you to assess its condition before disassembly or transportation.
Check the playing surface
Look for visible damage, irregularities or signs of unevenness. If slate is exposed, inspect accessible areas for chips or cracks.
Inspect the frame and legs
Look for obvious damage, loose connections, missing parts or signs of instability.
Examine the rails and cushions
Check for damaged rail surfaces, loose components or cushions that appear deteriorated.
Assess the cloth
Look for tears, stains, wrinkles or excessive wear. Replacement cloth may be needed after installation.
Check pockets and accessories
Confirm that the table includes its required components and that visible accessories are in usable condition.
Test gameplay if possible
If the table is assembled and usable, observe ball movement and cushion response. This can help reveal issues requiring further inspection.
When a pool table is already taken apart, it may be harder to confirm that every component is present or assess the finished playing condition. Ask for detailed photographs and component information.
Questions to ask before purchasing a used pool table
Before committing to the purchase, ask the seller a few practical questions that could affect the moving arrangements and overall cost.
What are the exact dimensions?
Confirm the table's overall size and, where possible, its playing surface dimensions. Also measure the destination room and allow enough clearance for cues.
Is the playing surface slate?
Ask whether the table uses slate and, if so, whether it is a one-piece or three-piece design.
Has the table been moved before?
Previous moves may provide useful context about disassembly, access challenges and the table's condition.
Are all components included?
Confirm that rails, pockets, frame components, hardware and other necessary parts are present.
Are there stairs or difficult access points?
Pickup access can affect moving requirements. Ask about stairs, narrow hallways, tight corners and parking arrangements.
Sharing photographs, dimensions and pickup details allows the moving company to assess the table and provide a more accurate estimate.
How do you move a used pool table after buying it?
Most full-size slate pool tables require careful disassembly before transportation. The exact approach depends on the table's construction.
Disassembly at pickup
Rails, pockets, cloth and slate sections may need to be removed according to the manufacturer's design.
Protected transportation
Components should be protected and secured appropriately, with particular attention to heavy slate sections and finished surfaces.
Reassembly at delivery
The frame and playing surface must be correctly reassembled at the destination.
Leveling and final inspection
Slate alignment and leveling help restore consistent playing conditions.
For a more detailed explanation, see our pool table disassembly and reassembly guide .
How much does it cost to buy and move a used pool table?
The total cost of buying a second-hand pool table includes the purchase price, transportation and any optional work required to prepare it for use.
Consider this illustrative example of a standard three-piece slate pool table purchased locally in BC.
The $500 purchase price is an example, not a market valuation. This illustration excludes taxes and any additional access, stair, travel, repair or other charges. Confirm the scope and final price before booking.
Without optional refelting, the same illustrative purchase and standard move would total $1,299 before applicable taxes and additional charges.
Pool Table Movers BC uses $799 as its reference moving rate for a standard 8 × 4 three-piece slate table. Stair handling is $3 per applicable step.
Read our pool table moving cost guide for more information.
Common mistakes when buying a used pool table
Buying without checking the slate
Damage to the playing surface can affect the table's usability and may require expensive repairs or replacement.
Underestimating moving costs
A low purchase price can become less attractive once transportation and installation are included.
Ignoring room dimensions
The table may physically fit in a room but leave insufficient clearance for comfortable cue movement.
Assuming the existing cloth is reusable
Worn or damaged cloth may require replacement during reassembly.
Attempting to transport slate without suitable equipment
Slate is extremely heavy and can be damaged or cause injury if handled incorrectly.
Not confirming access before paying
Tight staircases or limited clearance can make certain tables difficult or impractical to relocate.
Buying and moving a used pool table FAQs
Is it worth buying a used pool table?
It can be, particularly when the table is in good condition. Compare the total purchase, moving, installation and repair costs before deciding.
What should I check before buying a used pool table?
Inspect the playing surface, frame, rails, cushions, cloth, pockets and hardware. Confirm dimensions, construction and access requirements.
How much does it cost to move a used pool table?
Pool Table Movers BC uses $799 as its reference moving rate for a standard 8 × 4 three-piece slate pool table. Final pricing depends on job-specific details.
Can I buy a used pool table from Facebook Marketplace?
Yes. Private listings can be an option, but inspect the table, verify its components and confirm moving requirements before completing the purchase.
Can you move a used slate pool table yourself?
Slate tables contain extremely heavy components. Professional handling is recommended to reduce the risk of injury or damage.
Should I refelt a used pool table after buying it?
Refelting may be worthwhile if the cloth is worn, torn, stained or cannot be reused after disassembly.
Does a used pool table need leveling after moving?
Yes. The playing surface should be checked and leveled as needed after relocation and reassembly.
What if the used pool table is already disassembled?
Confirm that all components are present and inspect their condition carefully. Missing hardware or damaged slate can complicate installation.
Found a used pool table? We'll help you move it.
Before you finalize your purchase, send us the table details and pickup location. Our team can help assess the moving requirements and arrange professional transportation and installation.
Get a Used Pool Table Moving Quote ↗Prefer to call? 778-656-1499