Proper Maintenance Guide

---

To start I’d like to mention that there is not much everyday maintenance to pool tables. A pool table is a piece of fine furniture and, if taken care of as such, it will last through generations.

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. 1. Why do I need to brush the cloth and what’s the correct way to do it?
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. (Can not be done on site) The rails have to be removed, cloth has to be taken off, cushion needs to be removed, a new cushion needs to be glued on, and cloth needs to be upholstered back onto the rail by stretching and stapling. (Which I’ve found is a pretty delicate process. Not for the DIY’ers out there).

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?

---

The short answer, hardwood floors but you can still install a pool table on carpet or a rug As you well know, a stable foundation is essential to properly level a pool table (and keeping it level for that matter). For this reason, we always recommend installing pool tables on hard surfaces like wood or concrete. If renovating the flooring in your game room isn’t an option, you can still install your table on top of carpet without any major problems by following these rules. *In order to install your pool table correctly, you will need to know how to properly level a pool table. Make sure you have a firm understanding before reading this article.
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. Over time, the padding on your carpet will compress under the weight of your pool table. Slate tables usually weigh over 800 pounds. This can happen in a few days or a couple of weeks. When this happens, your table will sink in certain areas while not so much in others, creating an unleveled table. To correct this, you will have to relevel your table out occasionally until the padding settles and is completely compressed. Keep this in mind when deciding where to put your pool table. Choosing to rearrange it in your game room later on will start this process all over again. It may take a few weeks or even a few months for your pool table to level out. Continue to adjust and tweak the table and check to make sure that everything is in order. There’s no hard and fast rule on how long it takes so the best advice is to do it once a week until you don’t notice any inconsistencies for a few weeks in a row. Following this, it’s best to check the tables’ alignment from time to time (every few months) just to be safe.
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. Some people don’t like sliding wooden or metal shims between their table and their hardwood flooring because it might scratch. It’s not uncommon for people to place area rugs in between their pool table and hardwood or even concrete flooring (like in the garage). This is a matter of choice and can definitely help preserve the integrity of your floor. Conclusion So what have we learned? Carpet okay, Wood or Solid Floors much better. You can install your pool table on top of carpet/rug but you’ll have to adjust it periodically. Although hardwood flooring offers some instinctive benefits, it’s still not bad to install a pool table on carpet, please note this could take from 1 to 6 WEEKS or more to settle. Either way, you’re going to have to Adjust and Re-level the Table at some point in Time. " This is just Good Pool Table up keep and Maintenance "

---

How do I determine the size of my Pool table?

---

What size is my billiard table? To determine your table size measure “the playing surface” from the nose of the cushion (where the ball hits) to nose of the cushion across the table in inches. Measure each direction and refer to the chart. CONFIGURATION MADE EASY Take a moment to ensure you’re choosing the Right Size table for your billiard room. Room Dimensions for a 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. Let me start with explaining how the 3 main sizes of pool tables are measured. Even though we call pool tables 7′ 8′ or 9′, the true measurement is from the nose of the cushion to the opposite cushion (both width and length). Bar Size pool tables are measured 39″ x 76″ and are called 3 1/2 x 7′ (a 7 foot table) Standard Size pool tables are measured 44″ x 88″ and are called 4 x 8′ (an 8 foot table) Tournament Size pool tables are measured 50″ x 100″ and are called 4 1/2 x 9″ (a 9 foot table) There are other sizes of billiard tables globally but these are the 3 main sizes for pool tables in the USA and Canada.
What Size Pool Table Do I Need? There are minimum room dimensions that are recommended for a pool table. These numbers are based on the standard cue length of 57″- 58″: 7 Foot Requires a Minimum Room Size of 12′ 9″ x 16′ 8 Foot Requires a Minimum Room Size of 13’2″ x 16’10”
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. For example just subtract the 52″ cue from the 58″ cue and you need 6″ less in width and length of your room.
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)

If our Team encounters any of the above issues, the service job may be cancelled and will need to be rescheduled. A Charge of $185.00 will be Applicable to the person who arranged the Servicing Job. Questions please Call us at (647) 961-1637 or email us at rick@ricksbilliardtables.com ​ Also we Only move Pool Tables Please take all Accessories from the Sellar with you when you make the purchase, or to the delivery location, as we do not move them, but if for other reasons, the items must be picked up by Rick's Billiard Tables, then " Rick's Billiard Tables will be Waived of all Responsibility of Damage to Any Items, including the Pool Table "

---

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.

---