Billiard table reupholstery

Every billiard table will need to replace the cloth at some point. Considering how often the table is used, the cloth can be subject to wear and tear and must be replaced up to 4 times annually. If the table is installed at home and properly cared for, the canvas can last more than 5 years. But in billiard clubs with active loads, the felt needs to be replaced much more often.

How to reupholster a pool table

Most often, felt is subject to uneven wear. The areas that begin to wear the most are the boards and pockets. In addition, the cloth can become very dirty, there may be traces of various drinks on it, the surface can be burned by a cigarette, or its integrity may be damaged by a blow from a cue. In any case, the table needs reupholstery.

Naturally, you can try to do this work yourself, without seeking the services of specialists. But the final result of the work that was carried out by an amateur and a master with extensive experience and professional secrets will differ significantly. Since a specialist will not only be able to replace the covering, but also adjust the billiard table, tighten it or change all the bolted connections.

Tools and materials

In order to tighten the table, you need a regular set of tools, as well as fastening elements. Required:

• moisture-resistant impregnation;
• sandpaper;
• epoxy composition for putty;
• nitro varnish;
• furniture bolts;
• self-tapping screws;
• staples for covering the fabric;
• wood glue;
• confirmations.

Tools you will need:

• square;
• roulette;
• pencil;
• clamps;
• level;
• drills (in particular, Fostner drill);
• electric drill;
• Bulgarian;
• wood saw;
• screwdriver;
• electric jigsaw;
• pliers;
• set of wrenches;
• milling cutter;
• stapler;
• putty knife;
• brushes or roller.

Important points and nuances when working

The cloth on the billiards table plays an important role in the entire design. The base can be assembled very quickly, but stretching will require care. If the table is very large, you need to take into account both the location and the diameter of the pockets.

Most often, the reupholstery is done with green fabric, which is stretched and fixed to the main slab using a furniture stapler. The cloth should not slip or have a weak hold; only in this case will players be able to enjoy billiards.

You also need to remember about the finishing of the sides. It is necessary to attach rubber strips around the perimeter of the joint to the already assembled table. The height of the pool table will not in any way affect the size of the sides; they must comply with the general rules.

Reference! If the constriction is done correctly, the balls will fly off at high speed, which makes the game much more interesting.

Replacing the cloth on a billiard table yourself can be done in a fairly short time. There are no special conditions when carrying out this process; the most important thing is to correctly remove and then fix the new cloth. The rubber bands must be treated with a special sealant or completely replaced. Disassembly can be completed in approximately one hour.

Reupholstering a billiard table with your own hands: step by step

The step-by-step instructions are as follows:

1. First you need to disconnect the pockets and remove the board.
2. Measure the board, then cut a strip from the cloth taking into account the obtained dimensions.
3. It is necessary to ensure that the coating is clean, no object can get under the material; when turning the board over, you need to walk over the surface with a soft brush.
4. It is much more comfortable to reupholster the canvas and work in general if you lay the board not just on a flat surface, but on some low hill.
5. In areas of bends, the cloth must be cut with a knife in such a way that it is possible to bend the fabric without leaving any unevenness or gaps. The staples are fixed at different points on the inside, so there will be no bumps that will interfere with fixing the board level. To fix the bracket more firmly, you need to tap it carefully and without applying significant force with a hammer.
6. To make a pocket in a pocket, you can use two different methods. The pocket can be made using wood glue or a furniture stapler. As a rule, they start from the side parts.
7. Carefully stretch the fabric over the surface, fold the edge of the material near the pocket and secure it on the back of the side with 3 staples, but not directly in the pocket.
8. Cut the fabric above the pocket so that the strip can be wrapped around its inner surface. Pull the material taut and secure the staple at the end of the cut. The part of the cloth that remains on top must be wrapped in a pocket. Moreover, maintain tension and do not allow gaps to appear. Secure with staples to the part that is adjacent to the table surface.
9. When covering corner pockets, certain difficulties may arise.After stretching the canvas onto the table, you can secure it in the corner pockets in this way: trim off the excess material, leaving only a piece that can be folded, make 3 cuts and fix each one separately. Before doing this, of course, carefully stretch the cloth so that creases and cracks do not appear. The re-stretching of the sides with the corner pockets is done in exactly the same way.

Attention! Snooker tables are covered with new fabric, as are the sides with corner pockets.

A billiard table, which has been covered with material taking into account individual preferences, will be an excellent element of the interior of any room. The fabric can be easily cleaned, and most importantly, the table will look presentable and beautiful. For visual instructions, you can watch special videos.