Factors that impact the cost to refelt a pool table
From the pool table's size to its slate thickness, there are several factors that will drive the cost up or down.
Pool table size
Size also determines both initial pool table cost and subsequent re-covering costs. Larger tables require more felt and take longer to re-cover. Professional pool tables are 9 feet long, says Bruce Wortman of Classic Home Billiards, while most furniture-style pool tables are 8 feet long.
Pro tip: When buying a pool table for a home, measure the room you plan to put it in to make sure the table you want to buy will fit. A new pool table can cost anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 or more, depending on what type of finishes it has. Custom pool tables are the most expensive.
Pool table fabric
The type of fabric used to re-cover a pool table affects the overall cost of the job. Felt used for recovering pool tables is a wool blend that's different from the felt available at craft stores.
Classic Home Billiards uses a standard wool felt with a nap for many of its customers. There's also an upgraded tournament-grade felt, which can be made with a nylon blend or pure worsted wool. This felt is more expensive and has less nap, which means the balls travel faster. For a fancy spin on the standard pool table look, you can opt for a two-tone felt application, with one color for the table surface and another color for the rails.
If you're providing commercial tables for tournament-level players or just want to play your home game at the next level, choose your felt according to the World Pool-Billiard Association tournament equipment regulations. The cloth used "must be non-directional, nap-free billiard fabric which will not pill or fluff, composed of between 80% and 85% combed worsted wool, and between 15% and 20% nylon. 100% combed worsted wool fabric is preferred. No backed cloth will be allowed. Only the colors of yellow-green, blue-green or electric blue are acceptable for WPA competition."
Travel fees
On average, re-covering a pool table takes between two and four hours. Some pool table specialists charge a travel fee, so be sure to clarify whether it's included in the quote or not.
How often should you refelt a pool table?
When cared for properly, quality pool table felt can last approximately a decade. Pool table professionals can repair, restore and recondition personal and commercial pool tables. Replacing felt is actually one of the more frequent requests from businesses and homeowners.