Can You Put a Pool Table on Carpet?

Oftentimes the best rooms in which to put a pool table are the rooms that need carpeting the most. Converted garages and basements are common areas for pool tables, but they also benefit the most from carpet. So, it’s no surprise that a common question among pool enthusiasts is, “Can you put a pool table on carpet?”

You can absolutely put a pool table on carpet. However, keep the following in mind before you do so. You will have to level the table more than once as the carpet settles. Also, there’s no getting rid of the divots a pool table leaves.

Read on to learn all you need to know about placing a pool table on carpet.

Installing a Pool Table on Carpet

There are several ways to consider installing a pool table on carpet. Not only does carpet provide warmth and comfort to the room, but it can also help protect the table (and other furniture) from moisture that seeps up from the floor. This is done with underlay padding that is placed under the carpet.

Plus, carpet can protect the billiard balls in the event that they drop off the table. Carpet can also keep the table from sliding, as is possible on concrete or hardwood flooring.

So, let’s take a look at the different ways to safely and effectively install a pool table on carpet.

Can You Install Carpet Under or Around an Existing Pool Table?

It is possible to install carpet under an existing pool table, but it makes things markedly difficult. Some carpet installers are likely to insist that you move the table. Others will gladly add on to the pricing estimate, taking into account the extra work they’ll have to do to work around the pool table.

Traditional Carpet vs. Carpet Tiles Under a Pool Table

Traditional carpet requires the installation of a separate underlay padding. It also requires that the carpet be stretched for proper installation. This can make installation under an existing pool table very difficult and time-consuming. Every time you lift the pool table, even one side at a time, it increases the risk of damaging the table.

Carpet tiles, also called carpet squares, are a great solution for installation under a pool table. They are pre-backed, meaning they don’t require any extra padding. They are ready to be installed and don’t need to be stretched. They fit together like regular tiles, so you’ll still be able to see the seams, but you won’t have to lift the pool table as often. They’re also fairly easy to install, meaning you can tackle the job yourself instead of paying a professional.

If you must install carpet under an existing pool table, carpet tiles are the way to go. Or, you can square off the area around the pool table and have carpet installed around it. Most people aren’t crazy about this option since it looks strange unless you also install carpet tiles or some kind of hard flooring under the pool table itself.

How to Move a Pool Table for New Carpet

If you’re installing wall-to-wall carpet, you’ll likely need to move the table. There are two ways to do this, and your particular situation will dictate which is best for you. The first is to pay to have the table disassembled, moved, and then reassembled after the carpet has been installed. You can do this yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as it’s a tough and very involved job.

The other option is to move the pool table without taking it apart. This option won’t work for most people, given that doorways are too small to fit most pool tables through. And, moving a pool table without taking it apart can damage the frame. You definitely want to avoid tipping the pool table on its side or moving it more than a short distance. If you need to move it up or down stairs, you’ll have to take it apart.

If you have the option to move it without taking it apart, you’ll want to use four furniture dollies or sliders to do the job, along with four or five friends to lift the table gently onto them.

Related Article: Can You Move a Pool Table Without Taking it Apart?

Placing a Pool Table on New Carpet

Moving a pool table out of the way for carpet installation is only half the battle. Once the carpet is in, you have to move the table back. If you’ve had the table taken apart, you’ll just need to specify exactly where the table is to go and then have it reassembled there. But, if you’ve moved it without taking it apart, you’ll want to get it on the new carpet without damaging the table or the carpet.

Dragging a heavy pool table across brand new carpet can cause damage, so it’s best to put down a layer of protection to use when rolling the table and dollies over it. You can use a heavy-duty cloth, like movers use, for protection. You can also use plastic carpet runners or even carpet furniture sliders.

Leveling a Pool Table on Carpet

One of the biggest drawbacks of placing a pool table on carpet is the need to level it more than once. As the table settles into the carpet and the foam underneath, the table will become slightly tilted. Depending on the thickness of the carpet and the underlay, this can take from days to weeks. Even months, in extreme cases!

For best results, let the table sit for at least 24 hours before you level it for the first time. You can use shims or levelers for this if your pool table doesn’t have levelers in the legs.

Shims and Levelers

There are all different kinds of shims available for leveling pool tables. But, using shims will require you to lift the pool table repeatedly, especially on carpet.

You can check that the table is level by using a carpenter’s level at different parts of the table. You can also use a small pane of glass and a marble placed around the table. If the marble rolls, you’ll know the table isn’t level.

After leveling the table the first time, wait a week or two and then check it again to see if the table has settled more on the carpet.

How Long Does it Take For a Pool Table to Settle on Carpet?

How long it takes for a pool table to settle on carpet depends. For plush carpet and a thick underlay padding, it can take months in some cases. The weight of the pool table also influences this. Most pool tables should be settled on carpet within a few weeks.

How to Protect the Carpet

You may have heard that pool tables can damage your carpet. It’s true. Pool tables leave divots in the carpet. They can also transfer some of the wood stain from the legs to the carpet underneath. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent the divots from developing in the carpet. At least not with a slate pool table. They’re just too heavy.

You may be able to prevent the divots if you have a lighter pool table. One that weighs under 300 pounds. You’ll have to use carpet protectors and even then it’s not a guarantee. If you’re putting a pool table on carpet, I would accept the fact that there will be divots in the carpet until you replace it.

But, you can prevent the wood stain on the legs from getting on the carpet by using the carpet protectors mentioned below.

Pool Table Carpet Protectors

Although you can’t protect your carpet from developing a divot from the pool table legs, you can protect it from becoming stained from the finish on the legs. Not all pool tables require these types of carpet protectors.

If your table has wooden legs that will be in contact with the carpet, you can use a set of these rubber carpet protectors. Just make sure they’re big enough to fit under the leg since pool table legs come in many different shapes and sizes. Another good option is to use a rug under your pool table.

Can You Put a Pool Table on a Rug?

You can definitely use a rug under a pool table. If you use a rug on top of carpet, know that it will take time for the pool table to settle fully. The rug is just one more layer between the table and the floor and it will take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months for the table to settle.

If you’re placing the rug on top of a hard floor, like concrete or tile, then you’ll have less of an issue with the table settling. But again, how long it takes will depend on the material and thickness of the rug.

Final Thoughts

It is definitely OK to put a pool table on carpet. In most cases, you’ll have to have the table moved or risk lifting it up a few times. You’ll also have to level the table a few times as it settles on the carpet over time.

The best type of carpet for pool tables is generally commercial-grade. This type of thin carpeting won’t wear down with foot traffic as much as common household carpet. The divots that are left behind won’t be as noticeable, either.

A great way to install carpeting around or under a pool table is by using carpet tiles. You may end up with seams under the legs, but it’s a small price to pay if you don’t have to disassemble and reassemble the table to install the carpet.

In the end, putting a pool table on carpet is a great choice for a family game room or a lounge area. The right carpet can last you a long time and can help protect the pool table, as well.