The cost to refelt a pool table is usually $280-$650 for a standard home table, including new cloth and professional installation. Table size, cloth grade, slate condition, location, and whether the table must be moved or repaired can push the quote above $900.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard refelting | $280 | $450 | $650 | Typical 7- or 8-foot table, standard cloth |
| Premium cloth refelting | $450 | $650 | $950 | Worsted cloth and more involved installation |
| Cloth material | $50 | $120 | $300 | Price varies by fabric and table size |
| Leveling or slate repair | $75 | $175 | $400+ | Additional work beyond routine cloth replacement |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for an accessible table in ordinary condition; local labor and travel can change the total.
Cost to Refelt 7- and 8-Foot Pool Tables
For a 7-foot table, a standard-cloth refelt commonly costs $280-$500; an 8-foot table often runs $325-$600. A 9-foot table may cost $400-$750 because it needs more cloth and can take longer to stretch and staple. These totals generally include removing old felt, preparing the slate and rails, installing cloth, and basic cleanup.
A practical average for a typical residential table is about $450. Basic woolen cloth keeps the estimate lower, while tournament-grade worsted fabric, difficult access, or extra slate seams increase it. Quotes may exclude rail cushions, pocket repairs, moving, or sales tax, so the written estimate should spell out what is included.
What Cloth, Rail Work, and Labor Add to the Quote
Refelting is not just the price of a fabric sheet. The installer removes the old cloth, checks the slate, covers the bed and rails, and reassembles the table. Rail work can be priced separately, particularly when the old cloth is glued, staples are damaged, or cushions need attention.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cloth | $50-$150 | Woolen fabric for common home-table sizes |
| Worsted cloth upgrade | $150-$300 | Smoother, faster-playing fabric |
| Installer labor | $150-$350 | Removal, fitting, stretching, and reassembly |
| Rail recover | $75-$200 | New cloth on the rail cushions |
| Travel or disposal | $0-$100 | Service-area fees or removal of old material |
Ask whether the quote includes both the slate bed and all six rails. Some advertised prices cover bed cloth only, while a complete refelt covers rails too. Labor alone commonly falls around $75-$125 per hour, although many installers quote a flat job rate rather than billing by the hour.
How Table Size and Slate Condition Change Refelting Prices
Size affects both material use and labor: moving from a 7-foot to a 9-foot table can add roughly $75-$200. Cloth grade is another major variable. Woolen cloth is generally less expensive and common for casual play; worsted cloth typically costs more but has a smoother, quicker surface. Confirm the fabric type and brand rather than comparing quotes by color alone.
Slate condition can matter more than a modest difference in cloth price. A routine refelt assumes the slate is intact and reasonably level. Re-leveling may add $75-$200, while filling chips, correcting separated seams, or addressing a damaged slate section can add $150-$400 or more. Stair access, a basement location, or a table that must be dismantled can also raise labor charges.
How Much Time an Installer Needs at Your Home
A standard refelt generally takes 2-4 hours with one experienced installer; complicated rail work or slate adjustments can extend the visit to 4-6 hours. Scheduling may require a clear route to the table and enough space to remove rails and handle slate components. The table usually should not be moved immediately after service unless the installer says it is safe.
Labor and access explain why two similar tables can receive different quotes. A ground-floor table with intact rails is quicker than one in a tight basement reached by stairs. Ask whether the rate covers travel, setup, dismantling, and reassembly, and whether a second worker is needed for heavy parts. A low quote may assume the customer handles moving or preparation.
Three Pool Table Refelting Quotes With Different Specs
These examples show how size and scope affect a total. They assume normal access and no major slate damage; regional rates may differ.
| Table and scope | Materials | Labor estimate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-foot table, standard cloth, bed and rails | $80-$130 | 2-3 hours | $325-$475 |
| 8-foot table, worsted cloth, bed and rails | $180-$280 | 3-4 hours | $500-$750 |
| 9-foot table, standard cloth, leveling included | $120-$200 | 4-6 hours | $600-$900 |
Compare the scope line by line, not just the final total. The first example assumes a serviceable table and basic fabric; the second includes a higher-grade cloth. The third includes adjustment work, which can account for a large share of the price. Request separate prices for cloth, rail covering, leveling, and repairs to see where estimates differ.
When Worsted Cloth Is Worth the Higher Price
Worsted cloth is often chosen for faster, more consistent play and may add $100-$250 or more over standard fabric, depending on table size and brand. Woolen cloth is typically the budget choice for casual family use and may show wear sooner under frequent play. Neither upgrade fixes uneven slate, worn cushions, or a poor installation.
Choose fabric for playing needs, not appearance alone. Before approving an upgrade, ask for the material name, included warranty, and price difference for the whole table. If the table is used occasionally, standard cloth may be adequate; frequent play may justify the premium. A cloth warranty usually does not cover tears, burns, or damage from improper care.
Ways to Lower the Pool Table Refelting Bill
Keep the job limited to cloth if the slate and cushions are in good condition. Avoid combining refelting with table relocation unless moving is already necessary, because disassembly and re-leveling can add substantially to the bill. Clearing the room and providing unobstructed access can reduce delays, though the installer should handle delicate slate and rail work.
Get at least two written quotes with the same cloth and scope. Compare bed-and-rail coverage, leveling, travel, disposal, and tax rather than selecting the smallest headline price. Ask for the cost of standard and premium fabric as separate options. If an estimate includes repairs, request photographs or a description of the problem before authorizing work; routine refelting does not automatically require slate replacement or new cushions.