How to Move a Pool Table in Savannah, GA: The Complete Guide

Relocating a pool table is a challenge even for the most dedicated do-it-yourself movers. It’s one of those household items that combines massive weight, intricate precision, and deep sentimental value. Whether your table is the centerpiece of a family game room, the site of weekend tournaments, or an antique masterpiece, the stakes for damage are high. At BC Brothers Moving, Savannah’s trusted specialty movers, we make the complex process of moving pool tables simple, safe, and surprisingly stress-free. Here’s our expanded, fully detailed guide to help you master every step and avoid common pitfalls.

Why Pool Tables Require Special Handling

Pool tables aren’t ordinary furniture. They’re built for perfect level and balance, with a construction designed to last for decades when treated right. Regulation-size tables easily weigh over 700 pounds—much of that in the fragile, precision-cut slate bed. The frame, rails, pockets, and felt all have unique vulnerabilities. Improper lifting, poor disassembly, or shortcuts in transport can result in:

• Slate cracks or chips, which are costly or impossible to repair
  
  
• Torn or wrinkled felt, making play unpredictable and unattractive
  
  
• Frame or joint damage, which throws off table level forever
  
  
• Broken pockets or bent rails that ruin playing performance
  
  

That’s why pool table moves are best approached with planning, patience, teamwork, and the local expertise BC Brothers Moving brings to every Savannah home.

Tools, Materials, and Teamwork: Your Pre-Move Checklist

Before even touching your table, assemble everything you’ll need:

• Sturdy socket wrench set (for rails and legs)
  
  
• Power drill and appropriate bits for efficient screw removal
  
  
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, staple puller, needle-nose pliers for felt and pockets
  
  
• Heavy-duty moving blankets and bubble wrap for each part
  
  
• Foam padding and painter’s tape for edges and slate protection
  
  
• Reusable, sealable bags with marker labels for bolts, screws, brackets
  
  
• Furniture dollies, lifting straps or moving harnesses
  
  
• High-quality spirit level and shims
  
  
• Large cardboard boxes for rails and smaller frame elements
  
  
• At least four strong, reliable helpers—never go it alone, especially with slate
  
  

BC Brothers Moving always includes extra blankets and padding for moves through Savannah’s historic districts, where narrow stairs and tight spaces can make maneuvering tricky.

Step One: Plan, Measure, and Clear Your Path

Precision starts long before any bolts are turned. Measure each doorway, hallway, and stairwell that the table or its components will pass through, both at your old and new address. Savannah’s charming homes often present unique access challenges, so don’t leave this to chance. Move breakables, clear paths, and lay down floor protection for both homes. Communicate with building managers about elevator reservations or parking if needed. Every minute of planning pays off on moving day.

Step Two: Remove Accessories, Protect Surroundings

Start by removing all pool balls, racks, cue sticks, chalk trays, and decorations. Clean surrounding areas and roll back rugs so you have maximum working space. Any tripping hazard is a risk when maneuvering heavy components.

Step Three: Disassemble the Pool Table

a. Remove Pockets

Most pool table pockets use staples or screws. Use your staple puller or screwdriver gently—don’t force dismantling or you may split delicate wood or leather. Place all pockets and fasteners into a bag labeled “pockets” and store with the felt.

b. Detach Rails

Rails usually unbolt from beneath. Work around the table in a pattern, having one person support the rail while the other loosens bolts. This prevents rails from dropping or cracking. Mark each rail’s position for easy reassembly. Group all hardware for rails in a labeled bag.

c. Remove Felt

Felt may be stapled or glued. For staples, gently pry them up and roll the felt as you go—avoid sharp creases or folding. Never rush this step; felt is sensitive to pressure and rough handling. If it’s glued, pull very slowly to avoid stretching or tearing. Place the felt into a clean bag and avoid writing on it with marker or pen.

d. Slate Removal

This is the heaviest and riskiest part. Slate sections can weigh up to 250 pounds each. Most tables have a three-piece slate bed; mark each piece’s orientation for flawless reinstallation. Remove securing screws or bolts and recruit at least three helpers to lift and move each piece with two hands at each end. Use gloves to bolster grip, pad all corners, and lay slate flat in transit—never on its edge.

e. Disassemble Frame and Legs

Once the slate is removed, the frame is light enough for careful handling. Disassemble the legs and side panels as per your manufacturer’s instructions, taking photos if possible for future reference. Place all bolts and parts in labeled bags and tape them to matching components so nothing is lost.

Step Four: Wrap, Secure, and Label Every Piece

• Cushion every surface, rail, slate edge, and leg with moving blankets and bubble wrap. Secure with tape or stretch wrap, never tape directly to wood, felt, or leather.
  
  
• Place hardware bags with their parts or in a dedicated “parts box.”
  
  
• Load rails and legs in boxes and use padding to fill any gaps, preventing shifting.
  
  
• Label all items based on their position and side (e.g., “left front rail”) and mark boxes for the destination room.
  
  

BC Brothers Moving always double-checks labels and secures all hardware, drawing from long experience with complex specialty moves in Savannah.

Step Five: Moving and Loading Safely

• Use dollies for slate and heavy wood; always have two hands per side.
  
  
• Walk slowly, communicate every move, and use spotters.
  
  
• Stack slate and long frame pieces flat, not upright, in your moving vehicle. Leave space around fragile parts and never load sharp or heavy objects on top.
  
  

For narrow Savannah staircases or smaller doorways, tilt and twist only as much as needed—never force, and if possible, widen doorways temporarily to reduce risk.

Step Six: Transport and Weather Protection

Savannah’s humidity, rains, and temperature shifts require extra vigilance. Never leave slate or wood exposed outside. Tarp everything during loading if inclement weather threatens, and unbox promptly at your new site to avoid warping from damp air.

BC Brothers Moving plans moves with weather in mind and protects sensitive pool table components until the moment they are reinstalled.

Step Seven: Reassembly and Leveling

a. Rebuild Frame and Legs

Assemble the frame and install legs in your chosen room. Remember: repositioning a reassembled pool table is almost impossible, so choose wisely.

b. Set and Level Slate

Use your markings and photographs to reposition each slate piece. Level the table using a high-quality spirit level in multiple directions. Shim as needed for a perfectly flat playing field. Secure the slate using screws in original positions.

c. Lay the Felt

Carefully re-lay the felt, smoothing it in all directions. If reusing old felt, pull it snug and refasten as originally attached. Fresh felt may be needed if the surface suffered any rips, wrinkles, or stretching in the move.

d. Reattach Rails and Pockets

Bolt rails back in in the order they were removed. Make sure there’s no separation at the corners and pocket areas. Screw or staple pockets in place, returning them to their original positions.

e. Test for True Play

Clean the reassembled table, then gently roll balls in every direction to test for any slope or uneven bounce. Spend time fine-tuning your level—perfect play is the reward for methodical work.

Can Pool Tables Ever Be Moved Without Disassembly?

Full disassembly is not negotiable for most moves involving doorways, tight halls, stairs, or distance. The risk of crushing legs, splitting joints, or fracturing the slate climbs dramatically for any “shortcuts.” Some commercial spaces with extra-wide access may allow sliders for short, flat moves—but even then, weight can crack floors or damage frames. Homeowners everywhere, but especially in Savannah’s classic homes, overwhelmingly find that proper disassembly preserves both table and home investment.

Why Choose BC Brothers Moving for Your Pool Table Move?

BC Brothers Moving brings unmatched local know-how, advanced tools, and caring, experienced hands to every job. Our Trusted movers:

• Know the quirks of Savannah homes, streets, and climate
  
  
• Show up with all necessary tools, padding, and team muscle
  
  
• Disassemble, wrap, load, and reassemble with precision
  
  
• Level your table for perfect play and lasting value
  
  
• Provide specialty insurance and comprehensive tracking
  
  
• Guarantee transparent communication from the quote to setup
  
  

When moving a pool table, don’t gamble with its future—trust the local experts who treat it as their own.

Local Savannah Tips for Pool Table Movers

• Confirm building and parking access 48 hours before your move
  
  
• Ask BC Brothers Moving in advance about special insurance or crating for antiques
  
  
• Consider replacing felt with the move for a “like-new” play surface
  
  
• Use this opportunity to deep-clean pockets, rails, and under-table mechanics
  
  

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Skipping photos or labeling, which doubles setup confusion
  
  
• Storing any part vertically—only flat, secure, and padded protection prevents warping or cracks
  
  
• Underestimating slate weight; never attempt alone or without lifting gear
  
  
• Forgetting to test play after reassembly, which may mask a subtle leveling issue
  
  

Ready for a Flawless Move?

Let BC Brothers Moving handle your pool table with the precision, experience, and customer care only Savannah’s top-rated moving service can provide. Our team is eager to help—call or request a quote today for a smooth, on-schedule transition from first break to the final eight ball.

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