*By Derek Jones | Pool Hall Pros*
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.*
My buddy Marcus bought a used pool table off Craigslist for $400. Thought he got a steal.
Then came the transport: $350. The releveling: $200. The felt replacement (it was torn underneath): $400. New rails because the rubber was dead: $600.
His $400 table cost him nearly $2,000 by the time he could actually play on it.
I’ve helped three friends buy used tables since then. Learned what to look for, what to avoid, and how to calculate the real cost before you commit. Here’s everything I wish Marcus knew before he clicked “I’m interested.”
Quick Takeaways
- Budget 50-100% extra beyond the purchase price for transport, setup, and repairs
- Always play test the table before buying—roll balls, check cushion bounce
- Slate condition is non-negotiable—cracks or warping mean walk away
- Three-piece slate tables are worth more and easier to move than one-piece
- Factor in felt replacement—assume you’ll need it unless cloth is pristine
Why Buy Used?
New pool tables cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000+. Quality tables that’ll last decades start around $3,000-4,000 new.
Used tables? You can find solid 8-foot slate tables for $500-1,500. Sometimes less if someone’s desperate to move or doesn’t know what they have.
The catch: used tables come with hidden costs and hidden problems. The savings disappear fast if you don’t know what you’re buying.
When used makes sense:
- Budget under $2,000
- You’re handy with repairs
- You can transport it yourself (or have cheap access to movers)
- You’re patient enough to wait for good deals
When new makes sense:
- Budget over $3,000
- You want warranty coverage
- You want specific customization
- You don’t want surprises
Where to Find Used Pool Tables
Facebook Marketplace (Best Option)
Most used pool tables end up here. Search “pool table” within 50 miles. New listings appear daily.
Pros: Seller profiles, messaging, local pickup
Cons: Lots of junk tables, MDF disguised as slate
Craigslist
Still active in many areas. Check both “for sale” and “free” sections—people give away tables they can’t move.
Pros: Occasionally free tables, negotiable prices
Cons: Scams, lowball culture, hit or miss
Estate Sales
Underrated source. Pool tables are heavy and awkward—estate companies want them gone.
Pros: Often priced to sell, less competition than online
Cons: Have to attend in person, limited selection
Billiard Supply Stores
Many sell used tables on consignment or take trade-ins.
Pros: Tables are inspected, some warranty possible
Cons: Higher prices than private sales
Pool Hall Closures
When halls close, they liquidate equipment. Commercial tables are overbuilt—they’re often better than home tables.
Pros: Professional-grade equipment, bulk deals possible
Cons: Rare opportunity, tables may be heavily worn
The Pre-Visit Checklist
Before driving anywhere, get answers to these questions:
1. What’s the brand and model?
Brunswick, Olhausen, Diamond, and Valley are quality brands. Generic or unknown brands are risky.
2. Is it slate or MDF?
Slate is essential for serious play. MDF (wood composite) warps and isn’t worth moving.
3. One-piece or three-piece slate?
Three-piece is easier to move and level. One-piece slate tables are difficult to transport without professional help.
4. What size?
Standard sizes are 7-foot (bar box), 8-foot (most common home size), and 9-foot (tournament). Measure your room before shopping.
5. How old is the felt?
Felt replacement costs $300-600 installed. Factor this in if cloth is worn.
6. Why are they selling?
Moving is the best answer. Upgrading is fine. “Don’t use it anymore” is acceptable. Evasive answers are red flags.
7. Is it currently assembled?
Assembled tables let you inspect and test. Disassembled tables hide problems.
What to Inspect On-Site
The Slate (Most Important)
Slate is the playing surface. It must be flat, uncracked, and properly leveled.
Check for:
- Visible cracks (deal-breaker)
- Chips on edges (minor if small)
- Seams between slate pieces (should be smooth and level)
- Water damage (staining, warping)
Test: Roll a ball slowly across the entire surface. It should roll straight and true. Any curve indicates leveling issues or warped slate.
The Rails and Cushions
Rails contain the rubber cushions that balls bounce off. Rubber degrades over time.
Check for:
- Bounce consistency—hit balls into cushions at various points
- Separation between rubber and rail wood
- Hard or dead spots (ball doesn’t bounce back properly)
- Visible cracking in rubber
Test: A firm bank shot should return the ball at a predictable angle with good speed. Dead rails kill the ball’s momentum.
The Felt
Felt (cloth) affects ball roll and speed. Replacement is common but expensive.
Check for:
- Tears, holes, or burns
- Heavy wear marks (shiny spots)
- Stains that indicate moisture damage
- Pilling or fuzzing
- Chalk buildup (can often be cleaned)
Test: Run your hand across the surface. Quality felt feels smooth and consistent. Worn felt feels slick or rough in patches.
The Pockets
Pockets take abuse. Check all six.
Check for:
- Loose pocket liners
- Torn leather or plastic
- Missing ball return components
- Damaged pocket openings
Pocket repairs are relatively cheap ($50-200 for full replacement), so this isn’t a deal-breaker.
The Frame and Legs
The foundation matters. Check structural integrity.
Check for:
- Wobbling or instability
- Leg damage or missing levelers
- Water damage to wood
- Separation of joints
Red Flags That Mean Walk Away
Some problems aren’t worth fixing:
❌ Cracked slate — Cannot be repaired affordably
❌ Warped slate — Usually from water damage, permanent
❌ MDF or particle board bed — Not worth moving
❌ Severe frame damage — Structural repairs exceed table value
❌ Unknown brand with no markings — Likely cheap import
❌ Seller won’t let you test — They’re hiding something
Negotiating the Price
Used pool tables have three price tiers:
Free to $300: MDF tables, heavily damaged slate tables, tables where seller just wants it gone.
$300-800: Decent slate tables needing some work. Most common range.
$800-2,000: Quality brand tables in good condition. Fair price for Brunswick, Olhausen, etc.
Negotiation leverage:
- Felt needs replacement (deduct $400-600)
- Rails need rerubbering (deduct $400-800)
- You’re handling transport (worth $200-400 to seller)
- Cash payment, immediate pickup
- Table has been listed over 2 weeks
Fair offer formula:
Start at 60-70% of asking price, especially if repairs are needed. Most sellers expect negotiation.
Transport and Setup Costs
This is where people underestimate badly.
Moving Options
Professional pool table movers: $300-600
- They disassemble, transport, reassemble, and level
- Worth it for valuable tables or long distances
- Get quotes from multiple companies
General movers: $150-300
- Cheaper but may not know table specifics
- Risk of damage during transport
- You may need to level yourself
DIY with friends: $50-100 (truck rental)
- Only for three-piece slate tables
- Need 4+ strong people
- Need blankets, straps, tools
- High risk of damage if inexperienced
Setup Requirements
Slate tables require:
- Leveling (use carpenter’s level or laser level)
- Seam filling (beeswax for three-piece)
- Felt stretching and attachment
- Rail alignment
If you’re not handy, budget $150-300 for professional setup even if you transported yourself.
Hidden Costs to Budget
The purchase price is just the beginning:
| Item | Cost Range | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | $300-600 | Always |
| Releveling | $150-250 | If table was moved |
| Felt replacement | $300-600 | If cloth is worn |
| Rail recovering | $400-800 | If cushions are dead |
| Pocket replacement | $50-200 | If damaged |
| New balls | $50-200 | If included balls are chipped |
| Lighting | $100-500 | Often overlooked |
Realistic total budget: Purchase price + 50-100% for setup and repairs.
Restoration Essentials
If you buy a table needing work, here’s what you’ll need:
For Felt Replacement
New felt is the most common restoration. You can DIY with patience or hire professionals.
Championship Invitational Teflon Felt on Amazon — $140-170 | Pre-cut with rail cloth included. Teflon coating resists stains and spills. Available in multiple colors. This is tournament-quality cloth that’ll last years.
For Ball Maintenance
Used tables often come with dirty or damaged balls. Clean balls roll true.
Aramith Ball Cleaner & Restorer Bundle on Amazon — $28 | Includes both cleaner and restorer. Removes chalk buildup, oils, and minor scratches. One set lasts years with regular use.
Questions to Ask the Seller
Before visiting:
1. Is it slate or MDF?
2. What brand and model?
3. How old is the felt?
4. Is it currently assembled?
5. Why are you selling?
On site:
1. Can I roll some balls and test it?
2. When was it last professionally serviced?
3. Do you have the original accessories (cover, brush, balls)?
4. Will you help with loading?
5. Any issues I should know about?
FAQs: Used Pool Tables
How much should I pay for a used pool table?
Expect $300-800 for a decent used slate table from a private seller. Quality brands (Brunswick, Olhausen, Diamond) in good condition run $800-2,000. Add 50-100% to your budget for transport and potential repairs. Free tables exist but usually need significant work.
Is it worth buying a used pool table?
Yes, if you inspect carefully and budget for repairs. A $600 used Brunswick plus $400 in restoration still costs half what a comparable new table would. The key is knowing what you’re buying and calculating total cost before committing.
How can I tell if a pool table is slate?
Knock on the playing surface—slate sounds solid and dense, MDF sounds hollow. Check the weight listed in any documentation (slate tables weigh 700-1,000+ lbs). Look under the table if possible—slate has a dark gray appearance. When in doubt, ask the seller directly.
How much does it cost to move a pool table?
Professional pool table movers charge $300-600 depending on distance and table size. This includes disassembly, transport, reassembly, and leveling. DIY moves cost $50-100 for truck rental but risk damage and require 4+ people and proper tools.
Should I buy a one-piece or three-piece slate table?
Three-piece slate is easier to move and level. One-piece slate requires professional movers with special equipment and is harder to get through doorways. For used purchases, three-piece offers more flexibility and lower transport risk.
Bottom Line
A used pool table can be an excellent value—if you know what you’re buying.
Budget for the real cost: purchase price plus transport plus repairs. Inspect thoroughly before committing. Walk away from cracked slate, dead rails, or evasive sellers.
Do it right, and you’ll have a quality table for half the price of new. Do it wrong, and you’ll spend more fixing problems than you saved on the purchase.
Take your time. The right table will appear.
About the Author
Derek Jones
Derek has been playing APA and BCA leagues for 11 years, currently holding a skill level 7 in 8-ball. He’s helped three friends buy used pool tables (with varying success) and learned the hard way what questions to ask. When he’s not playing Tuesday night league, he works in insurance and writes about practical pool improvement for players who don’t have unlimited budgets.
View all articles by Derek Jones →
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