“Yeah, we move furniture. A pool table’s just another heavy thing, right?”
Wrong.
If you’ve spent good money on your pool or billiard table—or inherited one with memories—you already know it’s not just furniture.
It’s a precision piece of engineering. A 3-piece slate table, for instance, can weigh over 400kg and crack if tilted the wrong way. The felt can stretch. The rails can misalign. And the legs? One bad lift and your table could be permanently damaged.
So how do you make sure the pool table removalist you’re hiring actually knows what they’re doing?
You ask the right questions before it’s too late.
Here are 7 must-ask questions that’ll instantly reveal if your mover is qualified—or just winging it.
1. “Have You Moved Pool Tables Before? How Often?”
Simple, but powerful.
You don’t want someone who’s willing to move a pool table. You want someone who’s experienced. Ask them directly how many tables they’ve moved in the past year. Was it a one-off? Or is it something they handle regularly?
Red flag: If they say, “It’s just like moving a couch,” hang up.
A qualified removalist will treat a pool table like a piano or antique—delicate, technical, and demanding specialist handling.
2. “Do You Dismantle and Reassemble the Table, or Just Shift It Whole?”
Here’s where most DIY-ers and cheap movers fail.
Proper pool table removal involves dismantling the table first—removing the pockets, rails, felt, and slate slabs carefully—not lifting it as a whole. Even short-distance moves can warp the frame or crack the slate if this step is skipped.
A qualified removalist will explain the dismantling and reassembly process clearly. They’ll also make sure everything is leveled and refitted correctly at the new location.
Bonus points if they offer re-felting or leveling services too.
3. “What Tools and Equipment Do You Use?”
Moving a pool table isn’t about brawn—it’s about tools and technique.
Ask your mover about the equipment they’ll be bringing. A proper pool table removalist should have:
- Slate lifters
- Heavy-duty dollies
- Furniture blankets & corner protectors
- Leveling tools
- Power drills and hardware kits
If they mention using “a few strong guys and a van,” that’s a huge red flag.
This question alone will separate the specialists from the amateurs.
4. “Do You Offer Insurance That Covers Pool Table Damage?”
Even professionals can make mistakes. But only the real pros take accountability.
Ask if they have specific insurance that covers damage to pool or billiard tables during transport. Not just general furniture damage.
Pool tables aren’t cheap. Whether it’s a vintage model or a tournament-grade slate table, any crack or scratch can set you back thousands.
If they hesitate or downplay the need for insurance, move on.
5. “Can You Provide References or Reviews from Previous Pool Table Moves?”
The best movers have happy clients who will vouch for them.
Ask for testimonials—or better yet, check online reviews specifically mentioning pool table moves. Look out for keywords like “careful,” “reassembled perfectly,” or “table is still level.”
A qualified mover will have a trail of trust behind them. If they can’t show that, you’re right to be cautious.
6. “Do You Level the Table After Reassembly?”
A pool table that isn’t leveled is basically unusable.
Leveling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. A half-centimeter off and your shots start drifting unfairly.
Professionals use proper leveling tools and spirit levels to make sure your table plays as it should. If your removalist doesn’t mention leveling at all—or worse, tells you to “fix it yourself”—they’re not qualified.
Your game deserves better.
7. “What’s Your Pricing Structure—Is It All-Inclusive?”
Pool table moving often comes with hidden charges if you’re not careful—like extra fees for stairs, dismantling, or assembly.
A specialist will be upfront with costs. They’ll give you a clear, fixed quote based on:
- Table size and type (e.g., 3-piece slate vs MDF)
- Pickup and delivery access (e.g., stairs or tight doorways)
- Reassembly and leveling
Ask what’s included and get it in writing. If it feels vague or rushed, that’s a sign of trouble.
Don’t Be Fooled by a Low Quote
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option—especially if they throw in free moving blankets and smiles.
But remember: a cheap mover can become a very expensive mistake.
Fixing slate cracks, torn felt, or broken legs can cost more than the move itself. So think of hiring a professional not as a luxury—but as insurance for your investment.
Trust the Pros Who Treat Your Table Like Their Own
A pool table isn’t just something you shove in the back of a truck. It’s a handcrafted piece of sporting equipment. It requires technical dismantling, secure transport, and precise reassembly.
By asking these 7 questions, you’re not just protecting your table—you’re making sure you work with a business that respects what they’re moving.
So next time someone says, “Don’t worry, mate, we’ve got this,” make sure they actually do.
Need a team that ticks all the boxes?
Hire certified pool table removalists who understand the weight, value, and sentimental importance of your table. Whether it’s a local move or interstate shift, we bring the right tools, trained hands, and years of experience to every move.
Because moving a pool table isn’t just logistics—it’s a craft.