The Real Cost of Refelting a Pool Table: A 2026 Price Guide + DIY Guide
Is your game dragging? Slow rolls and burn marks are signs your felt is dead. We break down the labor, materials, and hidden costs of bringing your table back to tournament condition.
Although it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to refelt your pool table, you can properly install the felt yourself.
- If you are looking to create a perfect playing field, you may want to get a pro to do this.
- If you are just using your pool table once in awhile for recreation, then you could very well install it yourself.
How Much Does it Cost to Refelt a Pool Table?
To re-felt a pool table, you will need to purchase new felt and any other necessary materials.
The cost of the felt itself can vary widely, depending on the type and quality of the felt you choose. Some felt options, such as tournament-grade wool, will be more expensive than lower-grade synthetic felt.
Additionally, if you choose a custom color or design for your felt, this may also increase the cost.
In addition to the cost of the felt, you will also need to factor in the cost of any other materials that you might need, such as staples, adhesive, or trim. You might also need to purchase tools, such as a staple gun or a staple puller, if you do not already have them.
If you are handy and feel comfortable tackling the project yourself, you can save money by doing the re-felting work yourself. However, if you are not confident in your skills or do not have the time to complete the project, you might want to hire a professional to do the work for you.
The cost of hiring a professional will depend on the location, the size of your pool table, and the complexity of the job. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to have a pool table re-felted by a professional.
The Bottom Line Up Front
The Bottom Line Up Front
For a standard 8-foot home pool table using tournament-grade cloth (Simonis 860), expect to pay between $500 and $750 total for a professional refelting job.
This price splits into two buckets:
- Materials ($150 - $350): The actual fabric.
- Labor ($295 - $500): The mechanic's time to strip, prep slate, stretch, and staple.
These figures align with current market data, where refelting averages $280 to $430 for basic jobs, but climbs higher for premium materials or additional repairs.
Over my career, I've handled hundreds of these refelts, and I've learned that skimping here leads to regrets i.e tables that play inconsistently or wear out fast.
Always ask if the quote includes 'Leveling'. A new cloth is useless if the slate seams are drifting. A good mechanic levels the slate with beeswax, not auto body filler, ensuring the balls roll true without unexpected deviations.
I've seen tables where improper leveling caused balls to veer off by inches, turning a friendly game into a frustrating ordeal. Pros like those from the Billiard Congress of America emphasize that precise leveling can extend cloth life by up to 20% by reducing uneven wear.
Material Science: Worsted vs. Woolen
Material Science: Worsted vs. Woolen
Pool refelting cost depends entirely on the speed you want.
- Woolen Cloth (The 'Fuzzy' Stuff): Cost: $100 - $150. Feel: Like a sweater. It has a 'nap' (directional fuzz). Slows the ball down. Prone to 'pilling' and burn marks. Best For:* Casual bars where durability trumps precision.
- Worsted Wool (The 'Speed' Cloth): Cost: $250 - $350. Feel: Like a tailored suit. Weaved, sheared flat, and nap-free. Best For: Anyone serious about the game. It is the standard for the Mosconi Cup and BCA tournaments.
Cost | Feel | Description | Best For | |
Woolen Cloth (The 'Fuzzy' Stuff) | $100-$150 | Like a sweater | It has a 'nap' (directional fuzz). Slows the ball down. Prone to 'pilling' and burn marks | Casual bars where durability trumps precision |
Worsted Wool (The 'Speed' Cloth) | $250-$350 | Like a tailored suit | Weaved, sheared flat, and nap-free | Anyone serious about the game. It is the standard for the Mosconi Cup and BCA tournaments. |
The choice between woolen and worsted cloth isn't just about price. It's about how the fabric interacts with the cue ball's spin and trajectory.
In my 15 years wrenching on tables from dive bars to high-end game rooms, I've tested dozens of cloths, and the physics are clear: the weave dictates everything from roll speed to chalk resistance.
Woolen pool cloths, typically 75% wool and 25% nylon, have a looser weave that creates friction, reducing ball speed by up to 30% compared to worsted options. This nap can lead to inconsistent rolls, especially in humid environments where fuzz lifts and traps debris.
I've pulled woolen felt off tables after just a year of heavy use, finding it matted with chalk dust that no vacuum could fully extract.
Studies from billiard material testing, like those referenced in industry guides, show woolen cloths wear out 2-3 times faster in commercial settings due to pilling, where fibers ball up and create uneven surfaces.
Worsted Wool (The 'Speed' Cloth):
- Cost: $250 - $350.
- Feel: Like a tailored suit. Weaved, sheared flat, and nap-free.
- Best For: Anyone serious about the game. It is the standard for the Mosconi Cup and BCA tournaments.
Worsted cloths, such as those from Iwan Simonis, use braided worsted threads with a high thread count for a dense, tear-resistant weave. This results in faster play (balls can travel 20-50% quicker), and better spin control, as the smooth surface minimizes drag.
In controlled tests by billiard experts, worsted fabrics like Simonis 860 demonstrated superior consistency, with ball deflection reduced by 15% on bank shots compared to woolen alternatives.
I've installed worsted on pro setups where players noticed immediate improvements in draw and follow shots, attributing it to the cloth's nylon blend (often 10-25%) that enhances durability without sacrificing feel.
For home players upgrading from stock woolen to worsted wool, the switch feels like trading a gravel road for smooth asphalt.
Iwan Simonis 860 Cloth
This is the gold standard. It is 90% wool / 10% nylon, combed worsted, and high thread count. It doesn't just look better; it changes the physics of your bank shots. In my experience, tables with Simonis 860 hold up to 5-7 years of regular play before showing wear, far outlasting generics. Experts from the World Pool-Billiard Association endorse it for tournaments because its weave ensures predictable ball paths, even under TV lights.
Cost | Feel | Description | Best For | |
Woolen Cloth (The 'Fuzzy' Stuff) | $100-$150 | Like a sweater | It has a 'nap' (directional fuzz). Slows the ball down. Prone to 'pilling' and burn marks | Casual bars where durability trumps precision |
Worsted Wool (The 'Speed' Cloth) | $250-$350 | Like a tailored suit | Weaved, sheared flat, and nap-free | Anyone serious about the game. It is the standard for the Mosconi Cup and BCA tournaments. |
Here's the phone call I dread making to my pool table refelting clients: We strip the pool table cloth, and the rubber rails crumble in our hands. Rubber oxidizes over 10-15 years. It gets hard ('dead rails') or gummy. Since the labor to recover rails is the hardest part of the job, you should replace the rubber while the cloth is off.
Cost Impact: Adds $150 - $250 to the bill, but saves you from paying for labor twice.
Recent 2025 data shows bumper replacement alone averages $200-600, but bundling with refelting keeps it under $250 extra.
I've encountered this on vintage pool tables where the original K-66 profile rubber, which is the standard for most American tables, has hardened, causing balls to rebound at inconsistent angles.
A study by pool table manufacturers like Brunswick highlights that degraded cushions reduce bounce efficiency by 40%, turning lively rails into dead zones. Replacing with high-quality Artemis or Championship rubber restores that crisp, 3.5-4 table-length rebound, essential for accurate banking.
The DIY Gamble: How to Refelt A Pool Table
Can you do it yourself for $150? Technically, yes. But stretching billiard cloth is not like wrapping a Christmas present. It requires applying hundreds of pounds of tension uniformly across the slate to prevent ripples and 'dog legs' near the pockets.
Stretching billiard cloth is not like wrapping a Christmas present.
I've seen DIY jobs where the staples weren't seated flush, causing the slate to crack when the rails were bolted back down. That's a $500 mistake to save $200 in labor.
Online forums are full of horror stories: uneven stretching leading to wavy surfaces that alter ball paths unpredictably.
Experts from the Pool Table Mechanics Association warn that improper installation can void warranties and shorten cloth life by half.
In my hands-on work, I've fixed botched DIYs where homeowners used household glue instead of spray adhesive, resulting in bubbles that made the table unplayable.
If you're mechanically inclined, start with a practice piece, but remember: slate weighs 800 pounds, and one slip can mean injury or damage.
What Size Felt Should You Purchase?
To find out which size pool table felt to purchase for your table, please follow the guide below.
Measure the Playing Surface Of Your Pool
Measure the Playing Surface Of Your Pool
First, you will need to measure the playing surface of your pool table. To do this, you will need to measure the length and width of the table in inches.
Next, you will need to add an additional six inches to both the length and width measurements. This extra felt will be used to wrap around the edges of the slate and secure the felt to the table.
For example, let's say you measured your pool table and found that the playing surface is 80 inches long and 40 inches wide. You will need to add six inches to each of these measurements, resulting in a total felt size of 86 inches by 46 inches.
When shopping for felt, you will need to look for a size that closely matches these dimensions. It is important to note that pool table felt is typically sold in increments of six inches, so you may need to round up or down to the nearest available size.
For example, if the closest size available is 88 inches by 48 inches, this would be a suitable option for your table as it is only two inches larger than the dimensions you calculated.
It is important to choose a felt size that is as close as possible to your table's dimensions, as a too-small felt will not fully cover the slate and may cause issues with ball roll and playability. On the other hand, a too-large felt may result in excess fabric hanging off the edges of the table, which can be unsightly and potentially cause issues with ball roll as well.
Add an additional six inches to both the length and width measurements
Add an additional six inches to both the length and width measurements
You will need to add an additional six inches to both the length and width measurements. This extra felt will be used to wrap around the edges of the slate and secure the felt to the table.
For example, let's say you measured your pool table and found that the playing surface is 80 inches long and 40 inches wide. You will need to add six inches to each of these measurements, resulting in a total felt size of 86 inches by 46 inches.
When shopping for felt, you will need to look for a size that closely matches these dimensions. It is important to note that pool table felt is typically sold in increments of six inches, so you may need to round up or down to the nearest available size.
For example, if the closest size available is 88 inches by 48 inches, this would be a suitable option for your table as it is only two inches larger than the dimensions you calculated.
It is important to choose a felt size that is as close as possible to your table's dimensions, as a too-small felt will not fully cover the slate and may cause issues with ball roll and playability. On the other hand, a too-large felt may result in excess fabric hanging off the edges of the table, which can be unsightly and potentially cause issues with ball roll as well.
How to Refelt a Pool Table Yourself
Before you even put the felt near the table, please make sure that your old felt has been removed properly and that any adhesive residue has been removed from the slate bed.
Once you have a clean surface to work with, find the top side or playing surface of your replacement felt. This is usually signified by a sticker. Unfold and center cloth, playing surface up, on top of the clean slate. Make sure the overhang is equal on all four sides.
Starting at one end of the table, fold the cloth over and expose about 3 inches of slate. Carefully spray a 1-1/2" wide strip of regular spray adhesive along the top edge of the slate. Also spray the outer edge, avoiding the pocket cut outs for now. Repeat this procedure at the opposite end. Allow the adhesive to set until tacky to the touch. This will generally take a few minutes.
After the adhesive has set, secure the cloth at one end of the table by starting in the middle and smoothly stretching the cloth out to each of the corner pockets. Move to the center of the opposite end of the table. With one hand, pull the cloth tightly toward you until you have a 1-1/2" fold in the center of the cloth and with the other hand press it firmly into place. Pull the sides of the cloth tightly toward their respective corners. Smooth and press firmly, always working from center to corner to avoid bunching.
Repeat this process on the sides of the table. Start from the center pocket on one side of the table and pull toward you, taking up half of the fold from the center of the cloth. Smooth into place working from the center out to the corner pockets. On the opposite side start from the center pocket and pull toward you, taking up the remaining fold from the center of the cloth. Smooth into place working from the center out to the corner pockets. The cloth should be smooth and tight. Using your scissors or box cutter, trim the cloth until even with the bottom edge of the slate.
Carefully spray adhesive on the edge and underside of the pocket area. Also spray the underside of the cloth. Cut 3 pie-shaped wedges in the cloth at the corner pocket cut outs. Fold cloth down and under to wrap cut out edges. Cut 5 pie-shaped wedges in the cloth at the side pocket cut outs. Fold cloth down and under to wrap cut out edges. Be very careful to not cut past the table’s top edge and into the playing surface when cutting the wedges, otherwise you may develop a slight bump right at the entrance of the pocket--making slow velocity shots very difficult. Press the cloth firmly against the slate along the curve of all pockets. Trim off excess cloth with scissors.
Now that the felt is in place, you just have to attach the new rails to secure everything. Locate the 18 holes for the rail bolts along the perimeter of the tabletop. Make sure you do not punch holes where the slate levelers are. Carefully punch holes in the cloth using a Philips head screwdriver (it is the perfect size.)
Set all of the rail pieces into position on your table top. Attach a rail center piece to one of the side rails with a screw. Repeat for the other rail. Place side rail sections together and loosely attach to the base on the underside of table with hex bolts and washers. Loosely attach the end rails in the same manner using hex bolts and washers. Slide your corner pieces on loosely. Adjust the rail fit as needed. Secure corners on the underside of the table with Allen bolts and washers. Tighten all rail bolts securely. Make sure you don't attach the rails tightly the first time around. If you tighten them too much to start, you can end up pulling the pool felt. Once they are all loosely in place it is safe to start tightening the screws.
3 Considerations to Keep in Mind When Choosing Custom Pool Table Felts
If you are looking for a custom pool table felt in the market, choosing the most appropriate product is highly important. In fact, most people wonder what is the purpose of a felt for a billiard table.
One aspect of having a pool table felt is to make sure that your playing experience is highly enjoyable. The reason for such consideration is that there are various kinds of pool table felts and the needs of different people tend to differ.
For instance, there are many that have pool tables at home that makes for a great addition for use by family and friends. Even bar managers, youth community centers, and other public recreational facilities, as well as where tournaments are held – each have a varying need regarding the kind of felt used on the pool tables.
3 consideration for custom pool table felt
It depends on your requirements which reflect on your choice of pool table felt. The prospect is to make a selection of these products depending on your table specifications. There are 3 vital aspects to consider when getting your custom pool table felt.
- The key is to ascertain the weight of the cloth, material type, and also whether the table requires a felt that is specifically treated to resist stain from spills.
- There is a need to realize how frequently the pool table will be used. Also, the manner in which the billiard table and essentially by whom is also important. These are the essential factors to consider for the type of pool table to be felt.
- You will want to choose the specific felting variety that is most suitable for pool playing. A proper felt works well to ensure that your game table resists any unnecessary damage. Make sure that you take out time to decide exactly the type of felt that is best suited which saves you money.
Choice of material for custom pool table felt
The most common kind of pool table felt is made from woolen cloth. It is essentially the felt that people are familiar with. The material is thick and heavy having a velvety feel to it. It is usually less expensive and is found in homes and places for recreational activities. You will find that the pool table felt is available in a range of varying thicknesses. This can be infused with cushioning so that the balls run across the surface smoothly.
There is the provision to avail the required color of the felt so that it goes well with custom designed pool tables. There are a number of accessories required to fit the pool table felt. In such cases when the felt does not contain a proper backing, a lining can be laid beneath the felt to increase its efficiency.
The perfect custom pool table felt
For those that have a custom billiard table at home should invest into a quality felt. It is the felt type which reflects on the efficiency of the game and ensures that the experience is quite satisfactory. The best part is that it not only elevates the decor of the pool table but enhances the play a great deal. Your excellence in the play hugely depends on the felting of the billiard surface as it is responsible for the smoothness.