tools needed to felt pooltable

2 min read 10-01-2025

Felting your own pool table can save you a significant amount of money compared to hiring a professional. However, it's a meticulous job requiring the right tools. This guide outlines the essential tools you'll need to successfully felt your pool table, ensuring a smooth, consistent playing surface. Getting the right tools upfront will make the process much easier and result in a better-looking and better-playing table.

Essential Tools for Pool Table Felting

This section details the tools crucial for a successful felting job. Don't skimp on quality; good tools make the difference.

1. The Felt Itself: Choosing the Right Cloth

Type: Choose high-quality pool table felt, typically made of worsted wool. The quality of the felt directly impacts the playing experience. Look for a reputable brand with good reviews.
Color: Select your preferred color. Standard green is popular, but other colors are available.
Amount: Calculate the exact amount of felt needed based on your table's dimensions, adding extra for potential mistakes. Most suppliers provide detailed guides.

2. Measuring & Marking Tools

Precise measurements are crucial for a professional-looking finish.

Measuring Tape: A long, accurate measuring tape is essential for precise measurements of the table and the felt.
Chalk Line or Marker: Use a chalk line to create perfectly straight lines for cutting and alignment. A fabric marker is also useful for making smaller marks.
Metal Straight Edge: A long, straight metal edge is invaluable for accurate cutting.

3. Cutting & Installation Tools

These tools are necessary for accurately cutting and securely attaching the felt.

Sharp Utility Knife: A sharp utility knife with extra blades is vital for clean, precise cuts. Dull blades tear the felt.
Seam Ripper (Optional): Useful for correcting mistakes during installation.
Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are helpful for trimming excess felt in smaller areas.
Spray Adhesive: A high-quality spray adhesive designed for fabric is essential for bonding the felt to the table's surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. It needs to be strong enough to hold, but not too strong that it ruins your felt.
Roller: A heavy-duty roller is needed to smooth out wrinkles and ensure proper adhesion of the spray adhesive.

4. Additional Helpful Tools

While not strictly essential, these tools make the job easier and cleaner.

Work Gloves: Protect your hands from potential cuts and adhesive.
Drop Cloths: Protect your flooring from adhesive spills and felt debris.
Putty Knife: For cleaning up excess adhesive.
Safety Glasses: Protecting your eyes from flying debris is important.
Tape Measure: A standard tape measure can supplement the longer tape measure for smaller measurements.

Preparing for the Project

Before you begin, ensure you have a clean and well-ventilated workspace. Carefully read the instructions provided with your chosen felt. You might also want to watch a few videos to familiarize yourself with the process. This will help you get a good grasp of how to attach the felt correctly.

Conclusion: Felting Your Pool Table

Felting a pool table is a rewarding project, but proper preparation is key. By gathering all the necessary tools beforehand, you'll significantly improve your chances of success. Remember safety precautions and take your time. With patience and the right tools, you can enjoy a revitalized pool table for years to come! Remember to always consult instructions specific to your chosen felt brand.