How to Get Rid of a Pool Table? Tips And Tricks

Got a pool table that you no longer need? But wait!

These things are quite heavy and not something that you can casually drag to the curb on trash day. Luckily, you have plenty of simple options, ideally meeting your needs, from selling to donation.

In the following discussion, we are going to have a detailed talk on how to get rid of a pool table, along with other relevant topics, so you can finally have it done, stress-free. Continue reading!

Can You Get Rid of a Pool Table Yourself? 🔗

Pool tables are usually large, heavy, and built to stay perfectly level and sturdy. This means that taking them apart requires much patience, muscle power, and the right equipment.

But with a little preparation and know-how, DIY pool table removal is also possible. Things to know about:

Slate vs. Non-Slate 🔗

• Slate pool tables use thick slabs of stone that can weigh anywhere from 150 to 450 lbs each. Hence, most full-size tables have three pieces of slate, which means you could be dealing with over 1,000 lbs total.
• Non-slate tables, often found in budget models or kids’ game rooms, are much lighter. They typically use MDF or plywood instead of stone, making them easier to move but nowhere near as durable.

Tools Needed 🔗

• Socket Wrench
• Power Drill
• Staple Remover
• Moving Blankets
• Dollies or Sliders

Size and Typical Weight 🔗

• 7-foot “bar size” tables: around 700–800 lbs
• 8-foot standard tables: 850–1,000 lbs
• 9-foot tournament tables: 1,000+ lbs

Why Is It Risky? 🔗

• One wrong move and you may be seriously injured with crushed fingers, strained backs, or broken toes.
• Even with blankets, a misstep can leave dents, scratches on the floors and walls.
• Can crack if dropped or twisted, and a cracked slate is unusable.
• They are bulky as well, making them tough to grip and maneuver through doorways.

Best Ways to Get Rid of a Pool Table (Most Common Options) 🔗

Frankly speaking, there’s no right way on how to dispose of an old pool table, instead it depends on the condition, how fast you want to get rid of it, and whether you want to clear space or make a little money.

Now, let’s take a quick look at some of the most common options people use for pool table haul away:

Sell the Pool Table 🔗

Selling is always one of the best ways to make some money, especially if it’s in good condition. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and specialty billiard forums are some of the common platforms to sell them.

Donate the Pool Table 🔗

Donating the pool table is a great call if you are short on time or simply want to give it away for a good cause to those who are in need. For example, local community centers, churches, schools, senior centers, nonprofits, and shelters. Plus, there is also a tax deduction in making a donation.

Give It Away for Free 🔗

If you want the fastest, easiest removal with zero hassle, giving the pool table away for free can be an excellent option.

Here, you don’t have to deal with any sort of selling or negotiating. Craigslist Free section, Facebook Buy Nothing groups, local neighborhood, and community groups are some great places to list the free items.

Hire Professional Pool Table Movers 🔗

Don’t want the heavy lifting? Hiring professional pool table movers is the best bet possible. From disassembly to recycling, they do everything!

And for the cost, it totally depends on the size of the table and complexity associated with it.

Hire a Junk Removal Service 🔗

Junk removal services are the fastest solution for broken, outdated, or not worth selling tables. For the pricing, it depends on the table size and the space it takes up.

Recycle or Repurpose the Pool Table 🔗

Prefer an eco-friendly or creative route? Recycling or repurposing your pool table can be a good call. As slates can be used in several creative ways, such as garden stepping stones, outdoor tabletops, and so on.

How to Disassemble a Pool Table? 🔗

Disassembling a pool table might seem tough, but once you know the right way, the whole process becomes super easy:

• Start by removing the six rails that run around the edge of the table.
• Once the rails are off, your next task is to detach the felt, using a staple remover or flathead tool.
• Afterwards, slowly, remove the slate. They are quite heavy and can crack if dropped, hence better to take in two people at least.
• Once it’s removed, using the bolts/screws, break down the frame and legs one by one.
• Lastly, for storage, keep slate pieces flat on padded surfaces and store felt in a dry, cool area. Whereas for transporting, load the slate first and ensure everything is tightly secured.

Can You Leave a Pool Table on the Curb? 🔗

While this may seem like the easiest option, most are heavy and bulky for standard curbside pickup. Still, there are a few alternatives that might work out:

Local Regulations 🔗

Most trash and sanitation services won’t take them as they might exceed weight limits, containing multiple materials along with requiring special handling.

Even when bulk pickup is available, there are often strict limitations on size, weight, and the type of items allowed. Some areas require that large objects be broken down, while others require scheduling in advance or a fee. Hence, always make sure to check your local waste management guidelines so you avoid the risk of penalties. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry later on!

Alternative Curbside Options 🔗

If curbside disposal is the goal, there are some alternative options you can try out:

• Most cities provide special pickup services for oversized items, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee.
• Once broken down and moved to the curb, adding a big “FREE” sign can attract passersby. Ideal for busy neighborhoods and with lighter, non-slate tables.

How Much Is a Used Pool Table Worth? 🔗

Prices vary widely depending on the table’s size, materials, brand, and overall condition. Some barely make $100, while high-end models can sell for hundreds or even thousands. Below is a list of the factors that affect the value:

• Older tables might hold value if they are high quality, but worn-out models can be hard to sell.

• Slate tables are more valuable as they offer better quality and durability.

• Well-known brands like Olhausen, Brunswick, and Diamond typically sell for more.

• New or recently replaced felt adds value, while torn ones lower it.

• Cues, balls, racks, covers, and lights can increase value when included as a bundle.

What to Do If the Pool Table Is Damaged? 🔗

A damaged pool table can feel like a headache, especially if it’s no longer usable or worth selling. Here’s what you can do with it:

• If the damage is minor (worn felt, loose rails), you may be able to repair the table affordably and bring it back to life.
• In case the slate is cracked or the legs are unstable, recycling is usually the ideal call. As slate, wood, and metal can all be repurposed.
• If too damaged to fix and you want it gone, junk removal services are the quickest way to handle it.
• Don’t want to pay? Consider offering the table for free pickup, such as Craigslist, Facebook groups, or FreeCycle.

Cost Comparison 🔗

Before making the final call, here’s a quick breakdown of the overall costs to help you compare at a glance:

• Selling can make you earn anywhere from $100 to $1,000+. The only catch is to find a buyer and help with disassembly.
• Donating is completely free, and many organizations offer free or low-cost pickup, if in a good condition. You may also qualify for a tax deduction, which adds extra value.
• Hiring professional movers usually costs $250 to $600, depending on size, distance traveled, and slate type. Most reliable and stress-free option!
• Junk removal services charge between $150 and $450, based on the space it occupies in the truck. Ideal for damaged or unsellable tables and offers the fastest, most hands-off solution.
• If you are willing to do the work, disassembling the table yourself and using curbside bulk pickup or recycling centers can be free or very inexpensive.

Read More: How Much Does Junk Removal Cost​

Choosing the Best Option for Your Situation 🔗

Different situations call for different solutions. This is how you can decide which removal option fits your needs:

• Junk removal: It’s the fastest and most simple method, often available the same day.
• Selling: If you want to make some money, selling is the ideal option. Such as, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or billiard forum.
• Hiring professionals: Slate is heavy, fragile, and dangerous to move without experience.
• Free pickup: If the tables are damaged, it’s better to give them for free pickup listings or junk removal.
• Eco-friendly disposal: Slate, metal, and wood can all be reused creatively, and many recycling centers also accept them.

Concluding Words 🔗

Getting rid of a pool table doesn’t have to be complicated, instead, with the right option, you can finally pick the ideal one that fits your budget, timeline, and most importantly the energy level. So, be it giving it a second life or simply clearing the space fast, there’s always a hassle-free solution for you!

FAQs 🔗

How Hard Is It to Remove a Pool Table? 🔗

Well, it can be quite challenging, especially for slate tables. After all, the weight, size, and number of pieces make disassembly tricky without help.

Can You Move a Pool Table Without Taking It Apart? 🔗

Of course not! Fully assembled tables are extremely heavy and might damage floors, walls, or the table itself if moved without disassembling.

Can One Person Disassemble a Pool Table? 🔗

Not recommended. Many parts, like the slate pieces are too heavy for one person to lift safely.

Do Pool Table Movers Dispose of Old Tables? 🔗

Absolutely. In fact, many professional movers even offer pool table pickup and disposal services to a recycling center for an additional charge.

How Long Does Disassembly Take? 🔗

With the right equipment and two people, disassembling a table typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the model and condition.

What Do You Do With an Old Slate? 🔗

Slate can be reused for workbenches, garden stones, tabletops, countertops, and or recycled at stone-handling facilities.