How to Dispose of a Pool Table

The growing interest in cue games has increased the demand for pool tables among private and business owners. It is now common to find pool tables in bars, clubs, sports clubs, and entertainment centres. Also, having a pool table increases a property’s value. It is a great investment for homeowners who want to sell their homes.

While having your pool table is fun and financially rewarding, disposing of an old one can be challenging. A pool table's mere size and weight make it impossible to discard! You need an experienced rubbish removal specialist to remove something this big and this heavy!

You may want to dispose of your pool table for many reasons, including being broken or water-damaged. You may also plan to update your home or renovate an old property; an outdated pool table may be in the way. But regardless of the reason you want to get rid of one, you must dispose of it properly.

This guide will show you how to dispose of a pool table and provide practical options, such as reusing, recycling, and donating it to a local community centre. Let’s proceed with ways to prepare a pool table for proper disposal.

Preparing for Pool Table Disposal

Disposal must be done in stages because of a pool table's massive size and weight. It would be best to have someone help you disassemble the table. An experienced heavy furniture disposal company can also help you prepare.

Assessing the Condition

By closely inspecting its condition, you can determine whether your pool table can be donated, sold, or disposed of. Generally, the felt surface of the table shows the most signs of wear and tear, sustaining scratches, deep marks, and damage. You can replace the felt before you can donate or sell the table.

The pockets are next to wear out, especially when frequently misused. If you’re considering donating or selling the table, you can replace the pockets with new ones. Finally, the table slate and frame are not as easily damaged but may be repaired before donating or selling the table.

Gathering Necessary Tools

You need to disassemble a pool table before you can dispose of it. To move the pool table outdoors, you must detach the slate from the frame (legs and cabinet). To accomplish this, you need these tools:

• Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
• Wrench set
• Power drill (optional)
• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Padding or moving blankets
• Furniture sliders
• Utility gloves and goggles

Planning the Disposal Process

Whether you want to sell, donate or dispose of your pool table, you must plan for its disassembly, transport and disposal. Remember these tips:

• Have at least three or four people to help you.
• Arrange for a van or a truck to help you transport the table.
• Ensure that the van has a hand truck dolly to make moving easier.
• Arrange a parking space for the moving van near your property.
• Monitor the weather. 
• Determine where to donate or dispose of the table.

If you plan to sell your table, ask the buyer to assemble and transport it. 

Disassembling the Pool Table

Disassembling a pool table may seem complicated because of its size, but trust that it becomes easier when you know where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the pockets. Use a screwdriver to detach the pockets from the rails and the slate. 
2. Detach the rails from the slate. The rails are bolted to the slate. Use a screwdriver, wrench or a drill to detach them. Set them aside.
3. Detach the felt from the surface of the table with a utility knife. You may also use a staple remover if it is attached to staples. Do this carefully to avoid tearing the felt.
4. Remove the slate from the table frame using a wrench or drill.
5. Disassemble the frame and legs. 
6. Sort the parts. Place the hardware together in a bag and label them. Tie the large pieces together.

Safety Tips

Safety should be your priority when disposing of pool tables and large furniture. Remember these tips:

• Lift heavy parts correctly. Use a dolly to carry and move these parts.
• Be mindful of surrounding areas such as walls, flooring, and furniture. Cover the table with padding or moving blankets.
• Use safety goggles and utility gloves to protect yourself from sharp objects.
• Remove all debris or any small parts left behind while disassembling the table.

Packaging Parts for Disposal

If you decide to dispose of the table, ensure that the parts are packed correctly before disposal. Follow these packing tips:

• Wrap the slate in a moving blanket and secure it with packaging tape.
• After wrapping the slate with a moving blanket, cover it with thick bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with packaging tape. Place a “Fragile” sign over the packed slate.
• Bundle smaller parts and use large pieces of cardboard to pack them.
• Roll the felt to prevent creases and damage. Place this in a bag.
• Label the pockets and all small parts in a ziplock bag.
• Label everything.

Pool Table Disposal Options

You may recycle, donate or sell your pool table instead of discarding it. 

Recycling the Pool Table

Most of a pool table's parts are recyclable. Wood may be shredded and pulped to make paper products, mulch for landscaping, or recycled building materials. Pool tables also have metal parts and slate, which may be used better. 

Locate recycling centres in your area that accept wood and timber. You may also contact a rubbish removal company with experience in recycling wood and metal parts to help you dispose of the table safely and sustainably.

Donating the Pool Table

Some charitable institutions, community centres and organisations may accept an old pool table. You can look for ways to donate your table at Freecycle, a nonprofit movement that helps people and communities find great stuff online. You may also post your pool table on social media pages like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Selling Your Pool Table

A well-maintained pool table can fetch a good price online. You can also use social media pages to find potential buyers. You can also post your table on Craigslist or run ads on local marketplace sites like Carousell. 

Hiring a Professional Removal Service

Nothing is more convenient than hiring a professional pool table removal service to help dispose of an old table.  This is the best option, especially if you don’t have the time or the skills to disassemble or transport the pool table to a recycling centre.

By searching online for a “professional pool table disposal near me”, you can find companies that can help you, such as All Gone Rubbish Removals. This pool table removal service is very convenient because they:

• Have experience with pool table disassembly.
• Can handle all the lifting of heavy components and slate.
• Use the correct tools to disassemble and transport the table.
• Use of efficient packaging materials to avoid damage.
• Provide disassembly, packing and transport.
• Aware of local regulations to ensure proper disposal of waste.
• Save you time and effort.

Environmental Considerations

How can you get rid of a pool table sustainably? The answer is eco-friendly disposal. 

Eco-Friendly Pool Table Disposal

Eco-friendly disposal practices aim to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. By recycling wood, metal, and slate, you can prevent these materials from ending in landfills. These practices also conserve natural resources, supporting the use of reusable parts.

Avoiding Landfill

Instead of sending your pool table to a landfill, consider these eco-friendly alternatives:

• Recycle wood, slate and metal components by taking these to a local recycling centre.
• Use slate and wood to make DIY projects, such as making furniture.
• Donate your pool table to a local community centre, charity, club or school.
• Sell all the reusable parts, including felt, pockets and accessories, to second-hand marketplaces and shops.

Conclusion

Pool table disposal requires careful disassembly to preserve usable parts and components, especially if you wish to donate or sell your table. Consider eco-friendly strategies to avoid discarding waste in landfills. If you need help with heavy lifting or complex disassembly, a professional junk removal service can streamline the process.

Contact All Gone Rubbish Removals for fast and reliable pool table removal services and for residential and commercial rubbish removals. Call 0427 783 277 today for a free quote for pool table disposal.