Pool table felt is one of the most vulnerable parts of your table during a move. Whether you have tournament-grade Simonis cloth or a standard woolen.
# How to Protect Pool Table Felt During a Move
Pool table felt is one of the most vulnerable parts of your table during a move. Whether you have tournament-grade Simonis cloth or a standard woolen blend, the felt can tear, stretch, or develop permanent creases if handled carelessly. In Miami's humid climate, felt also absorbs moisture quickly, which can cause it to sag or develop mildew if exposed during transit. Protecting it properly during your move can save you $300 to $800 in re-felting costs.
Understanding Your Felt Type
Not all pool table cloth is the same, and each type has different vulnerabilities during a move:
- 1Woolen felt is the most common type found in home game rooms. It's thicker and more forgiving, but it pills and stretches more easily. Woolen felt can often survive a move intact if handled carefully.
- 2Worsted cloth (like Simonis 860 or 760) is thinner, faster, and more expensive. It's also more delicate. Worsted cloth doesn't pill, but it tears more easily if snagged and shows creases more readily.
Knowing which type you have helps your movers decide whether to remove it or leave it attached during disassembly.
When to Remove the Felt
Our Pool Table Moving team recommends removing the felt in most cases, especially for:
- 1Long-distance moves where the slate will be in transit for hours
- 2Moves that require storage between pickup and delivery
- 3Tables with felt that is already showing wear or loose spots
- 4Any move during Miami's rainy season (June through November), when humidity peaks above 80%
If the felt is newer and in excellent condition, and the move is short and local, we can sometimes leave it attached to the slate and add extra protective layers. But removing it is almost always the safer choice.
Proper Felt Removal Technique
Removing pool table felt without damaging it requires patience. The cloth is typically held in place by staples along the underside of the slate. Our team uses flat-head staple pullers rather than pliers, which can snag and tear the fabric. Each staple comes out individually with steady, even pressure.
Once the staples are out, we roll the felt around a cardboard tube, never fold it. Folding creates sharp creases that affect ball roll and are nearly impossible to smooth out. The rolled felt goes into a breathable fabric bag or is wrapped in clean cotton sheeting. Plastic wrapping is a bad idea in Miami's heat because it traps moisture and can cause mold growth during even a short transit.
Protecting Felt That Stays On
If we determine the felt can safely stay attached during a local move, we take these precautions:
- 1Cover the surface with a clean cotton sheet, then a layer of moving blankets secured with painter's tape (never duct tape, which leaves residue)
- 2Wrap the entire slate section in stretch wrap over the blankets to create a moisture barrier
- 3Stand the slate upright during transport so nothing presses against the playing surface
- 4Keep climate control running in the truck if available, or schedule the move during cooler morning hours
After the Move: Inspecting Your Felt
Once the table is reassembled, check the felt carefully before your first game. Run your hand across the entire surface and feel for:
- 1Lumps or ridges near the staple lines
- 2Loose spots where the cloth has stretched
- 3Damp patches that indicate moisture exposure
- 4Small tears or snags, especially near the pockets
Minor stretching sometimes tightens up after a day or two in an air-conditioned room. But if you notice tears, persistent wrinkles, or any mildew smell, re-felting is the right call.
Benefits of Professional Pool Table Moving
Working with experienced Pool Table Moving specialists provides:
- 1Expertise: Proper felt removal, slate handling, and reassembly with precision leveling
- 2Equipment: Specialized staple pullers, felt rolling tubes, and climate-aware packing materials
- 3Insurance: Coverage for your table and its cloth during every phase of the move
- 4Efficiency: Same-day disassembly and reassembly for most local Miami moves
Ready to Get Started?
Request your free quote today. Read our customer reviews to see why Miami families trust Rapid Panda Movers to protect every part of their pool table.
