How to Build a Pool Table at Home

A billiard table can be a relaxing addition to any house. Whether for practice or friendly competition, pool tables are in high demand. However, with the increasing cost of tables, you may opt out of buying them for financial reasons. With a few days, some tools and a bit of lumber, you should be able to build your own table for a fraction of the price.

Instructions

1

Measure out the space that you would like to build your pool table in. The room should be able to accommodate the pool table, as well as 4 feet of extra space on each side to ensure full range of motion for your pool cue. Pool tables come in three official sizes: 9, 8, and 7 feet. A 9-foot table measures 100 by 50 inches, an 8-foot table measures 88 by 44 inches and a 7-foot table measures 78 by 39 inches. Determine the height that you want your table to be. Most tables are roughly 3 feet tall.

2

Cut your piece of flat wood. Cut it into the size that you wanted your pool table to be (either the 7-, 8- or 9-foot table). Measure out and mark the length and width of your intended pool table onto your flat wood. Use a table saw to cut the wood into this size. Make sure the wood is perfectly flat. Sand the edges of the table.

3

Use a scroll saw to cut the pockets out of your flat piece of wood. Cut the pockets so that they are circles with a diameter of 4.5 inches to 5 inches wide. There should be four corner pockets and two side pockets on the long sides of the playing surface. Place them directly in the center of each side. Sand the newly cut edges with sandpaper.

4

Cut the four legs for your pool table. Set them up against each other to ensure that they are all exactly equal in height. You can enhance their appeal by placing the legs in a lathe and creating a rounded design on them if you'd like.

5

Set the legs upright onto the floor. Measure out and place them where the four corners of your pool table are going to be. Slide each of the table legs 6 inches toward the center so the legs don't interfere with your cut pockets on the playing surface. Set the table top on top of the legs. Secure the legs in place with two to three flathead screws per leg. You can also add L-brackets to the underside of the table for added stability.

6

Cut out the wooden ledges for your pool table. You will need six pieces of 50-inch wood strips. Cut out spaces for the pockets. Screw them onto the outline of the wooden table with a screw every 12 inches. They should each span the length from one pocket to the next.

7

Spray pool table adhesive onto the top surface of your pool table. You also want to spray the adhesive onto the inside edge of each of the rails. Once the adhesive is in place, lay the felt over the table. This will be easiest to do in sections. Make sure not to fold or kink the felt as you lay it, or you will have to start again. Use a rolling pin to remove any air bubbles you may have trapped under the fabric. Apply felt to the inside of the ledges as well. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a box cutter to cut the remaining felt off the table. Staple down the outside edge of the fabric for added security.

8

Attach the nets to the pockets with either a staple gun or screws. Make sure each net is large enough for at least three or four balls to fall into.

9

Level your pool table. Measure the levelness of your table every couple of inches down the entire length of your table. If you need to adjust the height of a leg/side of the table, jam wedges under the legs. Roll a ball down the center and see if it deviates from a straight path at all.