How Much Does It Cost to Move a Pool Table?

Average Cost to Move a Pool Table

Estimating Pool Table Moving Costs

Many factors affect the cost of moving a pool table. You’ll need to consider the size and weight, the cost of hiring a moving company, packing materials, purchasing insurance, and additional services, to name a few. 

Another price to consider if you’re looking to move your pool table to a specialty room in your home. The cost of building a game room is anywhere from $3,000 to $34,000. 

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your pool table will significantly impact how much you’ll pay to move it. Here are a few factors that’ll determine your overall pool table moving cost:

Make and Model 

Make sure to have the make and model of your pool table on hand when you contact a furniture moving company near you. This information provides vital details about the difficulty of the pool table move, including your particular unit’s dimensions, weight, and specific assembly instructions. 

Slates

Entry-level pool tables are made primarily of wood and fiberboard, but more substantial units use slate under the felt of the playing surface. Slate is a heavy and delicate material that’ll impact moving costs if your table uses this material. These tables usually have one large piece of slate or three smaller pieces. The latter is easier and less expensive to move because it’s easier to handle. 

Pockets vs. Ball Return

Due to the size and weight of most pool tables, movers typically disassemble them for transport. Your costs will rise if disassembly and reassembly are more difficult due to having an elaborate ball return system vs. simple pockets.

Hire Nearby Movers to Move Your Pool Table

If you’re planning to move your pool table—even from one room to another in your home—you’ll want to pay for the cost to hire furniture movers to ensure everything is safe and moved correctly. On the low end, you can expect to pay around $70. If your pool table is heavy, you can pay as much as $610. If you’re moving your pool table within your house, you can expect to spend around $400.

Location and Destination

The next factor in determining moving costs is where your pool table is now and where it needs to go next. Depending on how easy it is to move and how far away you’re moving the pool table, we’ll cover the costs below.

Ease of Access

If a moving company has to grapple with the following obstacles, you’ll likely incur a higher charge:

• Winding hallways

• Small doorways

• Stairs 

• Several floors

• Bulky items

• Special equipment

You can expect to pay between $50 and $130 per hour. If your pool table is extra heavy, movers may request higher hourly fees. 

Pool Table Relocation Cost

How much your pool table travels affects its moving costs. Moving a table from one part of the house to another is generally the least expensive option, assuming ease of access. Travel costs are often billed separately at approximately $3 per mile if traveling locally (within 100 miles) or $1 per mile for greater distances. The cost to move across the country averages $300 to $800.

Packing Materials

If you have an antique or expensive pool table, you may need special packing materials, such as cushioning and plastic wrap, or more robust materials, like cartons and crates. Your movers may take care of packing your pool table for an additional fee, or you can pay for the cost of professional packers, which is between $100 and $1,450. 

Insurance

Most pool table moving services will likely offer insurance coverage for your move. However, if you’re transporting a family heirloom or a more expensive table, you may want to invest in greater protection. If so, you can expect to pay about 1% of the pool table’s value in insurance costs. 

Tip

While not technically required, it’s a great idea to tip contractors, especially when they move heavy and complex items, like your pool table. Feel free to give your movers an extra $20 to $30 on top of a $50 tip for a hard day’s work. 

Additional Services

Many professional pool table movers are experts in understanding the mechanics of billiard tables. In addition to masterfully getting your pool table from one place to another, they may also offer varying levels of repair and restoration services.

Pool table refinishing costs include adding new felt and updating wood sealing, and you can expect to pay between $300 and $600. Pros have the proper tools and expertise to ensure a job well done. You can also consider replacing pockets or cushions. Discuss these services with your pool table movers before moving day. 

Hourly Rate

Most professional pool table movers charge a flat rate per job, but finding a company willing to charge per hour may be possible. You can expect to pay between $25 and $50 per hour for these services.

You’re more likely to find a company that’ll charge per hour for a minor job, such as moving a pool table from one part of the house to another. However, even in these cases, you may be charged extra if you have a large table or movers who need to navigate stairs and other obstructions. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Table Mover

If you’re planning to move your pool table without hiring movers, the cost varies, depending on your method of travel:

1. You’ll need to disassemble it.

2. You’ll need packing supplies, such as bubble wrap and packing tape, which you can expect to cost around $25.

3. You’ll need dollies, furniture sliders, and several strong people to help you move since pool tables can weigh thousands of pounds.

4. You’ll need to rent a moving truck, which can cost anywhere from $50–$2,000, depending on the size and how long you need it.

Your best bet is to hire a moving company for your safety and peace of mind. Because pool tables are heavy and bulky, they’re difficult to maneuver through most homes and doorways. When hiring a moving pro, you won’t need to worry about damage to your pool table, house, or yourself.

On average, movers cost between $900 and $2,400, with long-distance moving averaging between $2,600 and $6,900. And you may need to consider an additional specialty cost of $400 to $2,000 for heavy items.