How to Recover a Billiard Table: DIY or Professional Help?

Why Recovering Your Table Matters

The playing surface of a billiard table depends heavily on the condition of its felt. Over time, worn or damaged cloth can cause balls to roll unevenly, bounce unpredictably, or slow down—affecting both casual games and competitive play.

For casual players, felt may need replacing every 5–10 years, while serious or competitive players often recover their tables every 2–5 years, depending on usage.

When it’s time, you’ll face a choice: tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. This guide walks you through both options so you can make the best decision for your table.

Signs Your Billiard Table Needs Recovering

Recovering a billiard table isn’t just about looks—it’s about playability. Think of the felt as the court in a basketball game: if it’s uneven, dirty, or damaged, it ruins the entire experience. So, how do you know when it’s time to refresh your table? Let’s break it down.

Visible Wear and Tear

This is the easiest sign to spot. If your table looks rough, chances are it plays rough too.

• Tears or rips along the rails – These often appear where cues rub against the fabric during shots.

• Fraying edges – Over time, even good cloth starts to unravel.

• Bald spots – Areas where the green (or whatever color you chose) has worn thin, showing the backing beneath.

• Loose or saggy fabric – The cloth should always feel tight. If it’s sagging like an old couch, your game will suffer.

When I first noticed small frays on my table, I ignored them. But soon enough, the cue ball was wobbling on contact, and I wished I’d acted sooner!

Uneven Ball Roll

This one is less obvious but even more frustrating. If you’ve ever watched a perfect-looking shot veer off course for no reason, chances are the felt is to blame.

• Worn cloth can create subtle ridges or grooves.

• Balls may slow down faster on certain parts of the table.

• In extreme cases, the roll looks “drunk,” drifting to one side.

A good rule of thumb: if you’ve cleaned your table, leveled it, and the roll is still off, it’s time for new felt.

Stains or Odors

Billiard tables aren’t immune to life’s little accidents. Drinks spill, chalk dust builds up, and over time, even the best cleaning methods can’t bring the felt back to life.

• Deep stains make the table look shabby.

• Lingering odors—especially from spills or smoking—can cling to the cloth.

• Excess chalk and dust compact into the fibers, making the surface uneven.

At some point, cleaning is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg—it won’t fix the problem. Fresh cloth is the only solution.

According to Billiards Digest, replacing felt every few years (depending on play frequency) isn’t just cosmetic—it directly impacts accuracy and speed. That means recovering isn’t a luxury, it’s part of smart billiard table maintenance.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start recovering your table, it’s important to gather all the right tools and materials. Trust me, nothing slows down a DIY project more than realizing you’re missing something halfway through. Think of this as your recovery “toolbox”—having everything on hand makes the job smoother, less stressful, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

Essential Tools for DIY Recovery

These are the must-haves. Without them, the job is nearly impossible:

• Staple gun and staples – This is your best friend when attaching the new felt. A good-quality staple gun ensures the fabric stays tight and wrinkle-free.

• Flathead screwdriver – Perfect for prying up old staples or tacks without damaging the frame.

• Scissors – Sharp, sturdy scissors help you trim the cloth neatly around corners and pockets.

• Utility knife – Essential for precision cuts, especially around the pocket openings.

💡 Tip: Don’t skimp on quality tools. A dull blade or weak staple gun can cause mistakes that are tough to fix later.

Choosing the Right Felt

The felt is the star of this project, and your choice here makes a big difference in how the table looks and plays. Let’s keep it simple:

• Woolen cloth: Softer and a bit slower, this is the traditional choice. It’s forgiving, durable, and great for casual family play.

• Speed cloth: Made from tightly woven materials, it gives a faster, smoother roll. Players who love precision shots or competitive play usually prefer this option.

Curious about how the look of your table changes with different colors? Check out our Felt Colors Guide for inspiration!

From personal experience, I’ll say this: if you’re mostly playing friendly games at home, woolen cloth is more than enough. But if you’re serious about speed and accuracy, go for the speed cloth.

Other Supplies

Beyond the main tools and felt, there are a few extra items that will make your life easier during the project:

• Glue or adhesive spray – Helps keep the felt flat and secure in tricky spots.

• Measuring tape – Accuracy is everything. You’ll need to measure the felt properly before making any cuts.

• Protective gloves – Not strictly required, but they’ll save your hands from scrapes, staples, and glue mishaps.

And here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: keep a small container or bag nearby for all the old staples and scraps you remove. Nothing’s worse than stepping on a rogue staple in your socks after the job’s done!

When it comes to choosing the cloth, remember that it really boils down to how you use your table. If it’s for family fun nights or casual games, woolen cloth is usually the smarter choice—it’s forgiving and long-lasting. But if you’re a serious player who loves fast breaks and precision shots, speed cloth gives you that competitive edge.

Take a moment to think about your style of play before you buy, because the felt sets the tone for every single game you’ll play moving forward.

Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Billiard Table (DIY Method)

If you’ve decided to take on recovering your table yourself, great choice! It’s a project that takes patience, but it’s also incredibly satisfying when you stand back and see your table looking brand new.

Below, I’ll walk you through each step in plain English. No confusing jargon. Just practical instructions that work.

Step 1 – Remove Old Felt

This is where the transformation begins. The old felt has to go before you can lay down the new one.

• Use a flathead screwdriver or a staple remover to gently lift out the staples holding the felt.

• Start at one corner and work your way around the table. Take your time—rushing can scratch the slate or gouge the wood rails.

• Roll up the old felt as you go. It keeps your work area neat and prevents you from tripping over loose cloth.

💡 Tip: Keep a small container handy for old staples or tacks. Nothing ruins the excitement faster than stepping on a sharp staple later!

Step 2 – Prepare the Surface

With the felt gone, you’re looking at the slate, the very foundation of your table. This step is all about giving that slate a “fresh start.”

• Wipe the surface clean with a damp (not wet) cloth to remove chalk dust and debris.

• Inspect carefully for chips, cracks, or uneven spots. Even small imperfections can mess with ball roll later.

• Don’t forget the cushions! Press on them to check if they’re still springy. If they feel dead or flat, you might want to replace them before moving forward.

Think of this step like painting a wall—you’d never slap on fresh paint without prepping first, right? Same logic here.

Step 3 – Cut and Position the New Felt

This is where excitement kicks in, because now you get to see how your chosen cloth will look on the table.

• Lay the felt over the slate, making sure the weave runs straight and not diagonal.

• Leave at least 4–6 inches of overhang around the edges. That extra material gives you room to stretch and adjust as you secure it.

• Smooth it gently with your hands so it lies flat before you start stapling.

💡 If you’re nervous about cutting, measure twice before making a single cut. Felt isn’t cheap, and a wrong cut means starting over.

Step 4 – Attach Felt to Slate and Rails

This step takes patience—and a bit of muscle! Stretching the cloth evenly is what gives the table that professional, smooth look.

• Start by stapling or gluing in the center of one side, then pull the opposite side tight and secure that center.

• Work your way outward toward the corners, alternating sides as you go. This keeps the tension even across the table.

• When you reach the pockets, cut small X-shaped openings in the felt, then fold and staple neatly inside the pocket.

Take breaks if you need to! Rushing often leads to wrinkles or uneven tension, which you’ll notice every single time you play.

Step 5 – Reassemble and Test

You’re almost there—the home stretch!

• Reattach the rails, pockets, and any hardware you removed.

• Run your hand across the table. The surface should feel smooth and tight, without dips or waves.

• Roll a few balls across the table in different directions. If they roll straight and true, you nailed it!

And let me tell you, there’s nothing better than that first game on freshly stretched felt. It feels fast, clean, and brand new—like playing in a pool hall but in your own home.

When to Call a Professional Instead

DIY can be rewarding, but it’s not always the right move. Some situations just call for a steady, experienced hand. And that’s okay! In fact, knowing when to bring in a pro can save you money, frustration, and maybe even your beloved table.

Complex Recoveries

Not all tables are created equal. Some are straightforward, while others are… well, let’s just say they’re projects in themselves.

• Multi-piece slate tables: These require precision alignment. Even the slightest mistake can throw off ball roll, and fixing it isn’t cheap.

• Antique or high-end models: If your table is a family heirloom or a designer piece, you don’t want to risk damaging the wood, cushions, or frame. Professionals are used to working with delicate or valuable builds.

I’ll be honest—if I had an antique table, there’s no way I’d touch it myself. That kind of craftsmanship deserves expert care.

Lack of Tools or Experience

Let’s face it: not everyone has a heavy-duty staple gun or the patience to stretch felt evenly for hours. And that’s okay too.

• The risk factor: Misaligned felt or a nicked slate isn’t just frustrating—it can be expensive to repair.

• The learning curve: If it’s your first time, expect mistakes. Some are minor, but others can ruin the finish or performance of your table.

Think of it this way: just because you could fix your own car doesn’t always mean you should. The same goes for recovering a billiard table.

Time and Effort Considerations

This project isn’t a quick Saturday morning task. Even with experience, it can take several hours, sometimes stretching into a whole day. And that’s not including clean-up!

• Do you have the patience to work slowly and carefully?

• Do you have a helper? (Trust me, stretching and stapling felt goes much smoother with two sets of hands.)

• Do you actually want to spend your free time wrestling with cloth, staples, and heavy rails?

For many people, the answer is “no,” and that’s perfectly fine. Hiring a professional often means:

• Faster turnaround

• Cleaner results

• Peace of mind knowing the job was done right

Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves you a lot of stress later. And hey, you get to skip straight to the fun part—breaking in your newly recovered table with a game!

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Recovery

One of the biggest questions people have before tackling a billiard table project is: how much will this set me back? And honestly, it’s a fair question. Recovering a table isn’t pocket change, but the cost varies depending on whether you go the do-it-yourself route or hire a professional. Let’s break it down.

DIY Recovery – The Budget-Friendly Option

Doing it yourself can save money, but only if you’re prepared. Here’s where your dollars typically go:

• Felt: $100–$300 (depending on quality and type—speed cloth usually costs more than woolen)

• Tools and supplies: $50–$150 (staple gun, staples, scissors, glue, utility knife, etc.)

• Total: Around $150–$450

Sounds great, right? And it is… if everything goes smoothly. But here’s the catch: if you miscut the cloth, stretch it unevenly, or damage the slate, you may end up spending more to fix mistakes than you would’ve paid a professional in the first place.

I’ll be honest—I once helped a friend recover his table with cheap cloth and a weak staple gun. It looked good for about a week. Then wrinkles appeared, the ball roll got weird, and guess what? He ended up calling a pro anyway. Twice the cost. Twice the hassle.

Professional Recovery – Paying for Peace of Mind

Hiring a professional costs more upfront, but you’re paying for skill, speed, and results that last. Typical costs look like this:

• Labor and materials: $300–$800 for most standard tables

• Premium cloth or custom jobs: $800+ (especially for tournament-grade speed cloth or luxury tables)

NOTE: Prices shown above are just rough market estimates. Prices may vary depending on outside factors not discussed in this guide.

While the price tag might sting at first, you’re getting:

• Perfectly stretched and aligned felt

• Expert handling of heavy slate pieces

• No risk of damaging your table

• A much quicker turnaround (often completed in a few hours)

For antique tables, multi-slate setups, or if you simply don’t have the tools, this option makes a lot of sense.

Factors That Influence Price

Whether you go DIY or hire a pro, costs can change based on a few key factors:

• Table size – Bigger tables = more felt and more labor. A 9-foot tournament table will cost more than a 7-foot home model.

• Cloth type – Woolen cloth is generally cheaper, while speed cloth or branded performance fabrics cost more.

• Location – Prices vary by region. Living in a big city often means higher labor costs than in a smaller town.

• Extra services – If the cushions need replacing, pockets need repair, or the slate needs leveling, that adds to the bill.

So, Which Is Right for You?

Here’s the bottom line:

• If you’re handy, patient, and love a challenge, DIY can save money and give you bragging rights.

• If you value your time, own an expensive table, or want a flawless finish, hiring a professional is worth every penny.

At the end of the day, it’s less about the money and more about what matters to you. Do you want the satisfaction of saying I did this myself! Or do you want to skip the stress and get back to playing as quickly as possible? There’s no wrong answer—it’s about what fits your budget, skill level, and priorities.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Felt Life

Recovering a table is an investment, so naturally, you want the felt to last as long as possible. The good news? With just a little regular care, you can easily add years to its life. Think of it like brushing your teeth—you don’t wait for cavities, you prevent them. Here’s how to keep your table in top condition.

Regular Brushing or Vacuuming

Chalk, dust, and even tiny crumbs love to cling to billiard felt. Left alone, they grind into the cloth fibers and wear them out faster.

• Use a soft-bristled billiard brush (not a stiff household brush) to gently sweep from the center outward toward the rails.

• If you prefer a vacuum, use a hand attachment with a brush head and set it on the lowest suction setting. This avoids pulling or stretching the cloth.

Quick tip: Brush your table after every game night. It only takes a minute, and the felt will thank you.

Using a Table Cover

This is hands down one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to protect your investment. A good cover keeps out dust, pet hair, sunlight, and accidental spills.

• Dust and chalk settle quickly on open tables, even if you don’t notice.

• Sunlight can fade bright-colored cloth over time, making it look tired long before it wears out.

• Pets and kids—well, accidents happen! A cover helps avoid those "oops" moments.

Honestly, the day I finally bought a fitted cover, I wished I had done it sooner. My table started staying cleaner for weeks at a time.

Controlling Humidity and Temperature

This one gets overlooked, but it makes a huge difference. Felt is fabric, slate is stone, and wood is… well, wood. They all react to their environment.

• High humidity can make the felt stretch and sag, and it can also warp the table frame.

• Excess dryness can cause wood to crack or joints to loosen.

• Temperature swings affect how tight the felt stays and can even shift slate seams slightly.

If you can, keep your table in a climate-controlled room (basements often need a dehumidifier). You don’t need to obsess over it—just aim for comfort levels similar to what you’d want in your living room.

Other Smart Habits to Protect Your Felt

These little things may not seem like much, but over time they make a world of difference:

• Keep food and drinks far, far away. Even one spilled soda can ruin a section of cloth.

• Avoid sitting on the table or letting kids climb on it. The extra pressure can loosen felt and weaken the frame.

• Teach players to chalk their cues away from the table so dust doesn’t sprinkle directly onto the surface.

• Rotate your balls (yes, really!). Using the same set over and over can create uneven wear. If you have a second set, alternate between them.

By following these billiard table maintenance practices, you’ll keep your cloth looking sharp and playing smooth for years. A little effort goes a long way—and it means you won’t be replacing felt nearly as often.

👉 Want to take it a step further? Check out our Billiard Table Accessories Guide for smart add-ons that protect and enhance your table.

FAQs About Recovering a Billiard Table

Game Room Shop's Final Thoughts: 

Making the Right Choice for Your Table

Recovering your billiard table is more than just maintenance—it’s an investment in how your table plays, looks, and feels for years to come. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying weekend games with friends, or a competitive player chasing precision and speed, the state of your felt can make or break the experience.

DIY recovery can be incredibly rewarding! You save money, learn new skills, and get the satisfaction of saying, “I did this myself!” But it’s not without challenges. It takes patience, attention to detail, and the right tools. Even small mistakes—like uneven stretching or misaligned pockets—can affect ball roll and table performance.

On the other hand, professional services bring peace of mind. Skilled technicians handle everything from delicate slates to high-end cushions, delivering results that are smooth, accurate, and long-lasting. For antique or premium tables, hiring a pro is often the safer choice. You might spend a little more upfront, but you save time, stress, and the potential cost of correcting mistakes.

Here’s how I usually help people decide:

• Consider the cost: Factor in felt quality, tools, and potential repairs if you DIY. Compare that with professional service rates in your area.

• Assess your skills and patience: Are you confident stretching felt evenly and carefully? Do you have help available for lifting rails and heavy slate?

• Evaluate your table’s value: If it’s a high-end, antique, or sentimental piece, the stakes are higher. Sometimes the extra investment in professional recovery is worth it.

Ultimately, the right choice balances cost, effort, and table value. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but taking the time to weigh your options ensures your table performs beautifully and lasts for years.

Personal tip: Even if you go DIY, consider consulting a professional for tricky steps or advice—they can save you a lot of headaches!

👉 Ready to take the next step? Check out our Pillar Guide to Buying a Billiard Table to explore top-quality tables, accessories, and tips to elevate your game room.

Meryam Shakoor

Meryam is the Sales & Service Manager of Game Room Shop. She isn't just passionate about happy customers & game rooms – she's an expert at transforming visions into reality. Her deep knowledge of game tables & arcade machines allows her to recommend the best selections for our residential and commercial customers. Meryam helps craft unique and engaging experiences tailored to each client’s vision.

Want to discuss your dream game room? For a limited time, Meryam is offering Free 30-Minute Game Room Consultations. Book yours today!