Refelting a pool table typically costs $280-$600 for a standard installation, with an average near $425; premium cloth, larger tables, and worn cushions can push the bill above $900. The final price depends on table size, cloth grade, labor, location, and whether the job includes cushion work or removal of old felt.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard refelting, 7-foot table | $280 | $425 | $650 | Cloth and installation |
| Standard refelting, 8-foot table | $325 | $475 | $725 | More cloth and labor |
| Premium cloth installation | $450 | $700 | $1,000+ | Higher-grade wool blend or tournament cloth |
| Cloth only | $90 | $180 | $350+ | DIY material price, excluding tools |
Typical refelting prices for 7-, 8-, and 9-foot tables
For a 7-foot bar-size table, a professional usually charges $280-$650. An 8-foot home table commonly costs $325-$725, while a 9-foot tournament table may run $400-$900 because it needs more cloth and careful installation. These estimates assume standard worsted or napped cloth, a slate bed in usable condition, ordinary access, and no cushion replacement.
Most standard home-table jobs land around $350-$550, including basic cloth and installation. A quote below $280 may exclude travel, removal, or tax; a price above $700 should specify premium cloth, cushion work, or other added services.
Assumptions: U.S. midmarket labor, standard cloth, slate bed in good condition, and normal room access.
What cloth, labor, and removal add to the bill
Cloth is only one part of the price. A technician also removes the old covering, prepares the slate, stretches and staples or glues the new cloth, and checks the playing surface. The table below shows common quote components; some companies bundle these charges into one installation price.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cloth, 7- to 8-foot table | $90 | $150-$225 | $300 |
| Installation labor | $150 | $200-$300 | $450 |
| Old-felt removal and disposal | $0 | $25-$60 | $100 |
| Travel or service minimum | $25 | $50-$100 | $175 |
| Cloth on rails, if separately priced | $40 | $75-$150 | $250 |
Labor and travel often account for as much as the cloth itself. Ask whether the quote covers the rails, staples or adhesive, cleanup, and any charge for a multi-piece slate bed.
How table size, cloth grade, and cushions change the quote
Table size affects both material use and installation time. Moving from a 7-foot to a 9-foot table can add roughly $100-$250, especially when the rails also need new cloth. Premium worsted cloth often adds $100-$300 over basic napped cloth; it tends to provide a faster, more consistent playing surface.
Cushion condition is another major variable. Replacing rubber cushions can add about $200-$500, depending on the table and parts, while slate leveling or seam repair may add $100-$300. If cushions are hard, uneven, or no longer rebound consistently, a cloth-only quote will not address the underlying play problem.
Measure the playing surface and identify the table brand before comparing estimates. Tables with unusual rail designs, antique hardware, or nonstandard pocket construction may require extra fitting time or specialty materials.
Why city labor rates and travel distance matter
Refelting prices vary with technician availability and local operating costs. In major metro areas, quotes can be 10%-25% above the national midrange; rural customers may pay similar or higher rates when the installer has a long drive or few nearby competitors. For example, a standard job priced at $425 in a mid-cost market could reach $470-$530 in a high-cost city.
Distance can matter more than the local cloth price. Ask whether the estimate includes travel, and whether the company charges one service fee per visit or bills mileage separately. If the table is in a basement or tight room, disclose access limitations before booking.
How long professional pool table refelting takes
A straightforward refelting appointment usually takes 2-4 hours for one experienced technician. A 9-foot table, separate rail work, slate seams that need attention, or difficult access can extend the job to 4-6 hours. Some installers send two workers for heavy slate handling, but that does not necessarily double the customer’s labor charge.
Keep the room clear around the table before the technician arrives. Moving furniture, removing accessories, and providing a clear route can reduce delays; moving or disassembling the table itself should be left to qualified personnel.
When cushion work or slate repair should be priced separately
Old felt can hide loose staples, damaged pocket liners, uneven slate seams, or worn cushion rubber. Minor pocket or rail repairs may add $25-$100, while new pocket liners can cost roughly $50-$150 for a set. More extensive cushion replacement or leveling should appear as a distinct line item rather than being bundled into a vague “refelt” charge.
Request approval before any repair that raises the estimate. A technician should explain the symptom, proposed work, and added price before starting, particularly when slate repair could add several hundred dollars.
Standard felt versus premium cloth for everyday play
Basic napped cloth can keep the initial bill lower and is commonly chosen for casual home use. A standard 7- or 8-foot replacement with installation often falls around $300-$550. Better-quality worsted cloth can bring the total to $450-$800, while tournament-grade materials and specialized colors may push a large-table job past $900.
Choose cloth based on play needs, not color alone. Ask for the exact brand and cloth type in writing, since “premium felt” is not a precise product description. Confirm whether rail cloth is included and whether the material carries a manufacturer warranty.
Ways to lower the refelting price without cutting corners
Compare at least three written estimates with the same table size, cloth brand, rail coverage, removal, travel, and repair assumptions. A low quote may omit an essential part of the job, while a higher quote may include cushion replacement or slate leveling. Ask for separate prices for optional repairs so the basic refelting cost remains clear.
Keep usable cushions and slate if they are in good condition, and avoid paying for upgrades the table does not need. Scheduling during a less-busy period may improve appointment availability, but avoid choosing solely by the lowest price; poor stretching or leveling can affect play and lead to another service call.