How to Refelt a Pool Table: Complete DIY & Professional Guide for 2026

Whether your pool table cloth has seen better days — faded, pilled, torn, or just worn smooth — refelting is one of the best investments you can make in your game. A fresh playing surface doesn’t just look better; it plays faster, rolls truer, and breathes new life into your table. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about refelting a pool table, from choosing the right cloth to deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional.

When Does a Pool Table Need Refelting?

Pool table cloth doesn’t last forever. Depending on how often you play and the quality of the fabric, most cloth needs replacement every 3–7 years. Here are the telltale signs it’s time:

• Visible wear marks — especially in the break area and along rail lines where the cue ball travels most
• Pilling or fuzzing — small fabric balls forming on the surface, creating inconsistent ball rolls
• Tears or burns — from miscues, cigarettes, or sharp objects catching the cloth
• Fading or discoloration — UV exposure and spills gradually change the cloth’s color
• Dead spots — areas where balls roll noticeably slower or veer off-line

If you’re experiencing any of these, a refelt will dramatically improve your playing experience.

Choosing the Right Pool Table Cloth

Not all pool table cloth is created equal. The two main categories are worsted wool and standard woolen felt, and the difference is massive.

Worsted Wool Cloth (Tournament-Grade)

Worsted cloth — like Simonis 860 — is the gold standard. The fibers are combed flat before weaving, creating a smooth, fast surface with zero nap. This is what professional tournaments use, and for good reason:

• Faster ball speed and more predictable rolls
• Lasts significantly longer (5–10+ years with proper care)
• No directional nap — balls roll true from every angle
• Better spin response and more consistent english

The Simonis 860 for 8-foot tables is our most popular worsted option at Quarter King Billiards, trusted by serious players who want a tournament-quality surface at home.

Standard Woolen Felt

Woolen felt — like Championship Challenger cloth — is the more affordable option. It has a napped (fuzzy) surface that slows ball speed. It’s a solid choice for casual players, home game rooms, and bar tables. It typically costs 40–60% less than worsted but needs replacement more often.

Predator Arcadia Select

For players who want something between budget felt and premium Simonis, the Predator Arcadia Select is an excellent mid-range worsted cloth. It plays fast, wears well, and comes in at a more accessible price point.

DIY Refelting vs. Hiring a Professional

This is the big question. Let’s break down both options honestly.

Hiring a Professional ($300–$600+ labor)

Pros:

• Guaranteed tight, wrinkle-free installation
• They handle rail cloth too (which is the hardest part)
• Most will also level the table and inspect the slate
• Done in 2–3 hours

Cons:

• Labor costs can match or exceed the cloth cost
• Scheduling wait times (especially in spring/summer)

Our recommendation: For slate tables and anyone using worsted cloth, we strongly recommend professional installation. The cloth is expensive, and a bad install wastes good material.

DIY Refelting ($0 labor, more time)

Pros:

• Save $300–$600 on labor
• Satisfying project if you’re handy
• Learn your table’s anatomy

Cons:

• Rail cloth installation is genuinely difficult
• Wrinkles and bubbles are common for first-timers
• You need a staple gun, flathead screwdriver, and patience
• If you damage worsted cloth during install, it can’t be re-stretched

Step-by-Step: How to Refelt a Pool Table (DIY)

If you’re going the DIY route, here’s the process:

Step 1: Remove the Rails

Use a socket wrench (typically 9/16″ or 5/8″) to unbolt the rails from underneath the table. Number each rail with tape so they go back in the same position. Set the rail bolts aside — you’ll need them later.

Step 2: Remove the Old Cloth

If the old cloth was stapled, use a flathead screwdriver and pliers to pull staples. If it was glued (common with worsted cloth on slate), carefully peel it off. Clean the slate surface of any adhesive residue, dust, or debris.

Step 3: Inspect the Slate

With the cloth off, check the slate for cracks, chips, or seam gaps (on 3-piece slate). Fill any seam gaps with beeswax, and verify the table is level with a machinist’s level. This is the only time you’ll have easy access to the slate surface.

Step 4: Apply New Cloth to the Bed

Center the cloth over the slate, ensuring equal overhang on all sides. Starting from the center of one long side, pull the cloth taut and staple (or apply spray adhesive for worsted cloth). Work outward from the center, alternating sides to maintain even tension. The cloth should be tight and smooth — no wrinkles, no bubbles.

Step 5: Cut the Pockets

Carefully cut the cloth at each pocket opening, leaving enough material to tuck and staple underneath. This is where precision matters — cut too much and you’ll have exposed slate at the pocket mouths.

Step 6: Recover the Rails (The Hard Part)

This is where most DIYers struggle. Remove the old cloth from each rail cushion. Apply new cloth by wrapping it tightly around the cushion profile and stapling it to the back of the rail. The cloth needs to follow the curved profile of the cushion nose without bunching. Work in small sections and keep tension consistent.

Step 7: Reattach the Rails

Bolt the rails back onto the table in their original positions. Tighten evenly and check that each rail sits flush against the bed cloth. Test ball rebound on every rail to verify proper cushion compression.

How Much Does It Cost to Refelt a Pool Table?

Here’s a realistic breakdown for 2026:

• Budget woolen felt (Championship Challenger): $100–$160 for cloth + $300–$450 for professional installation = $400–$600 total
• Premium worsted cloth (Simonis 860): $300–$420 for cloth + $400–$600 for professional installation = $700–$1,000+ total
• DIY with woolen felt: $100–$160 for cloth + staples/adhesive = $120–$180 total

Browse our full selection of pool table cloth and felt to find the right match for your table and budget.

Pro Tips for a Long-Lasting Refelt

• Brush regularly — Use a proper pool table brush (always in one direction) after every session
• Cover your table — UV light fades cloth and dust builds up between sessions
• No drinks on the rails — Spills are the #1 cause of premature cloth death
• Keep chalk off the cloth — Excess chalk acts as an abrasive on the playing surface
• Use a billiard glove — Reduces oil transfer from your bridge hand to the cloth

Ready to Refelt? Shop Cloth at Quarter King Billiards

Whether you’re going DIY or handing the job to a pro, it all starts with the right cloth. At Quarter King Billiards, we carry Simonis, Championship, Predator Arcadia, and more — in a range of colors and sizes for 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot tables. Questions about which cloth is right for your table? Contact us — we’re happy to help.