Frequently Asked Questions
Proper Maintenance Guide
Right off the bat I’ve realized pool and billiards requires the least amount of maintenance compared to most games these days. With electronic games high on the list in popularity, pool is a refreshing change to connect with family and friends of all ages and requires little upkeep. With that being said, we still receive common questions on how to care for the table and cues.
Dust and lint can end up on your cloth and prevent accurate play. To keep your table free of debris you can use a pool table brush with special fibers that won’t ruin the cloth. It’s best to brush in one direction from the head of the table to the foot. (The side you break from is considered the head). Brushing in a back and forth motion will cause the cloth fibers to pill and disrupt ball accuracy during play.
2. If I spill on the pool table cloth can it be easily cleaned?
The quick answer is “not really”. That being said spills do happen. Start with a clean damp cloth and blot up (don’t rub) the stain as best you can. Sometimes it’s a slow process, but it usually works. If that doesn’t work you can slowly work up to harsher cleaners if needed. Peters doesn’t specifically recommend any cleaners because of the damage they can do to the fibers in the cloth (which in turn affect the play of the game). If it’s a very stubborn stain and is noticeable we can recover your table with new cloth if needed.
The best thing to do is have areas close by for your kids and guests to put a drink and keep snacks.
3. My kids like to sit on the edge of the table. I’m assuming this is not good for the table?
Yes, you’re correct. The rail cushions can’t hold the weight. Rail cushions are held on with glue and when sitting on top of the rail it puts pressure on the glue joint and causes it to break which causes the cushion to sag and move. If the cushion is not in the correct spot the pool balls will not bounce as intended. It's hard to call the corner pocket if you have no idea where the ball is going to actually go!
Replacing the cushion is not an easy task. Ricks has professional services crews that can replace it for you.
4. How do I know if I need new cushions on my table?
In recent times both Olhausen and Brunswick brands carry a lifetime warranty on the cushions so on new tables you don’t have to worry about it. If you have another brand or an older table you can test it by bouncing a ball across the table the short way. If the ball bounces across 4-5 times you’re good. If the ball doesn’t bounce and cushions feel like a rock, most likely you need new cushions.
5. Can I use pledge to dust the wood portion of my table?
We do not recommend pledge or any other cleaning product on the rail surface of your table. A clean damp cloth is all you need to clean dust and finger marks. Pledge or other wood cleaning products can fade the table cloth.
6. What’s the best way to store my pool cues?
The best way is stored upright in a cue rack and not leaning on the edge of a table. We see a lot of broken tips from cues falling on the ground. Gravity also takes its toll and warps cues that are left leaning against something.
7. I need new carpet. Can I move the table out of the way on my own?
Not recommended. When our crews set-up a table they’ve leveled it with shims. Sliding the table even a short distance will break the shims loose and create an uneven table. Not to mention we’ve heard plenty of stories where a leg cracked and/or breaks or a slate joint is disrupted. It’s best to have a professional move it for you. Peters offers a variety of services such as putting the table on dollies or even taking it apart and setting back up once carpet is complete. Our own bonded and insured professional service crew guarantees their work.
8. How do I know if I need new cue tips?
If your tip is less than the thickness of a dime, you need a new tip. Ricks stocks tips and has services to replace them for you.
9. I see white dot marks on my table. Is something wrong with my cloth?
No, this is normal to see especially if you have tournament grade cloth like Simonis. The white marks are actually heat marks created from the cue ball. Simonis cloth is made from worsted wool which is a smoother, flatter weave and allows the ball to roll farther, faster and more accurate.
Carpet or Hardwood Floor?
Installing a Pool Table on Carpet
First, understand that all carpet (even thin carpeting) normally rests on some type of foam padding. It does two things; protects your carpet from collecting moisture beneath the surface and adds added comfort.
Installing a Pool Table of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is a better solution for pool tables but you’re not completely off the hook. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause your flooring to shrink and expand slightly. This can be enough to throw off the alignment of your table.
How do I determine the size of my Pool table?
Two of the main concerns and questions billiard/ pool table customers ask is if their available space is large enough for a pool table, and which size table is best for the room area.
What Size Pool Table Do I Need?
9 Foot Requires a Minimum Room Size of 13’8″ x 17’10”
Choosing a Pool Cue Size:
If you don’t have quite the necessary room size listed above, or you have a pole or obstruction in the room, you can always purchase a 36″ 42″ 48″ or 52″ cue stick.
Call or Text Rick directly at
(647) 961-1637 or email us at
rick@ricksbilliardtables.com if you would like to discuss the required room size We are happy to work with you to find the perfect furniture for your game room!
How do I determine the room size?
Pool Table Preperations?
* Remove any vehicles that may hinder the path or removal/Installation of the Pool Table.
* Runners/Blankets are used to protect floors, walls & railings, to the best of our ability.
* Insure there is ample room for our team to work on or around the table.
* After showing the location of the pool table, please allow them to work independently.
* Remove any box's or Items from on top or below the Pool Table.
* Our Team must work with shoes (Safety) unfortunately booties are more of a risk.
* Animals should be located to another area, our team will be constantly entering/exiting.
* Walkways/Pathways need to be cleared/salted and any ice removed.
* The Pool Table is the only item that we move.
* Take all Accessories, when you make the purchase, or to the delivery location.
* Ping Pong/Dining Tops are NOT part of a Pool Table, they are considered accessories.
* Our team must have electrical power at all location.
* We do not install or remove lighting fixtures. (Insurance Reasons)
* We do not install or remove wall accessories or items. (Insurance Reasons)
* We do not work on Pool Tables if they are outside with no protection from the elements.
* The installation/Relocation of the Pool Table must be heated.
* We except must forms of payments (Personal cheques excluded)
* Paying by E-transfer, please transfer prior to completion (May/can take up to 2 hours)
Legalities
(Please note your form submisson will be considered a "Legal Binding Contact, even without a signature" and by submitting your form, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Have More Question's?
Call/Text Rick directly at (647) 961-1637 if you would like to get answers to questions you may have.
We are more then happy to work with you to find the perfect furniture for your Game Room!