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If you are looking to buy a pool table, one thing you might be wondering is how heavy these tables are. And, indeed, they not only look, but can be quite heavy – especially if they have a slate bed.
In this guide, I will take a closer look at the topic, providing you some hints as to how much pool tables of different types weigh.
What Affects Pool Table Weight?
If you are wondering why different pool tables have different weights, you have come to the right place. There are two main factors which will determine how much a pool table weighs, these being the material of the pool’s bed and the size of the table.
Material: Slate vs. MDF
The real difference-maker in terms of pool table weight is the material which is under the felt table top. This material can be either slate or MDF.
Slate is of course a type of stone, and as you know, stone can be very heavy. Now, how heavy a slate pool table is will depend on the exact size and design of it. However, generally speaking, you can expect a slate pool table to weigh anywhere from 650 to 2,500 pounds.
On the other hand, we have pool tables which are made out of MDF, what is otherwise known as particle board. MDF consists of old wood shavings and scrap wood that have been specially treated and compressed down into planks, kind of like plywood. These are much lighter in weight than slate. For example, a 1,000-pound slate pool table would only weigh around 300 pounds if made with an MDF bed.
Size
Of course, the other difference-maker in terms of pool table weight is the size of the pool table.
For instance, a 12-foot pool table is going to weigh much more than a 6-foot pool table. This is nothing more than common sense and basic math. However, what is interesting to note is that even a 6-foot slate pool table is usually going to weigh more than any size of MDF pool table.
So, as you can see, the size of the pool table will make a difference, but in terms of what makes the biggest difference in weight, the size is almost irrelevant when compared to the slate vs. MDF factor.
Average Pool Table Weight
Let’s quickly talk about roughly how much pool tables are going to weigh based on their size and what materials they are made.
6-Foot Tables
On average, a pool table that is 6 feet long and made out of slate is going to weigh somewhere between 450 and 600 pounds, whereas the same 6-foot table made of MDF will weigh between 160 and 200 lbs.
Although it is 6.5 feet long, the Plank and Hide Otis pool table (slate) still makes for a good example, as it weighs just over 700 pounds.
7-Foot Tables
For a 7-foot long pool table made with slate, you can expect it to weigh between 650 and 800 pounds, whereas the same 7-foot pool table, when made of MDF, will weigh somewhere between 280 and 320 pounds.
For example, the SIMBAUSA Pool Table, which is an MDF table, weighs 320 pounds. When it comes to 7-foot slate pool tables, one good example is the Universal Billiards Black powder coat pool table which weighs 800 pounds.
8-Foot Tables
For an 8 feet long pool table made with slate, you can expect it to weigh between 900 and 1,050 pounds, whereas the same sized pool table made of MDF will weigh somewhere between 280 and 340 pounds.
For example, the Simbashopping USA is an MDF pool table that weighs 330 pounds. On the other hand, we have the Beringer Sierra Bold slate pool table which weighs just under 900 pounds.
9-Foot Tables
For a 9-foot pool table made with slate, you can expect it to weigh between 1,250 and 1,350 pounds, whereas the same 9-foot pool table made of MDF will weigh somewhere between 400 and 410 pounds.
For example, the Brunswick Billiards Gold Crown VI slate pool table weighs just under 1,250 pounds. The Ronsen slate pool table weighs roughly 1,300 pounds.
10-Foot Tables
A 10-foot slate pool table generally weighs between 1,400 and 1,600 pounds. An MDF pool table of the same size weighs between 500 and 600 pounds.
12-Foot Tables
A 12 foot long pool table made with slate can weigh up to 2,500 pounds. There are barely any 12 foot pool tables made with MDF out there, although they probably would not exceed 700 pounds.
As an example, the Xingsheng slate pool table weighs around 2,300 pounds.
A Note on the Weight of Wood Pool Tables
What you also need to be aware of is that pool tables are not made with only slate or MDF.
Yes, most are made with one of the two, but there are a select few pool tables that use real wood instead of MDF, with real wood being the much heavier of the two, while still being lighter than slate.
You can expect the wooden varieties to weigh about 1.5 to 2 times as much as regular MDF tables, or about half of what slate tables weigh.
How Many People are Necessary to Move a Pool Table?
Well, this is going to depend on who is moving the pool table and how big those muscles are. But all jokes aside, this is going to depend on how heavy the pool table is, and yes, who is moving it.
For your average MDF pool table, between 3 and 6 people should be able to move it.
For instance, if you have a 300 pound MDF pool table, 4 or 5 strong people should definitely be able to lift and move it, at least over a short distance. However, if you have a slate pool table that can weigh up to 2,000 pounds or more, it really does not matter how many people you have.
You couldn’t fit enough people around the perimeter of the pool table to lift up 2,000 pounds. We humans just are not that strong. This is why large slate pool tables are actually moved in pieces, not all at once, and they are usually moved by professionals.
Do I Need to Reinforce My Floor Before Getting a Pool Table?
For the most part no, you will not need to reinforce your floor when getting a pool table. However, there are some factors you should consider.
- First floors of houses usually always have stronger floors, while the second or third story is usually not as strong, with concrete or cement basement floors being the strongest.
- It also depends if you are getting a small 300-pound table or a huge 2,500-pound table. Chances are that the second floor of a house would not be able to handle several thousand pounds.
- It also depends on what materials your floors are made of, how far apart the joists are, and if your house is up to building codes.
You do have to use a certain amount of common sense here.
If you have a very old house with floorboards that have seen better days and you want a pool table of several thousand pounds, then you may need to reinforce the floor.
The only way to get a concise answer here for your exact situation is to consult a professional.
Summary
The bottom line is that a small MDF pool table can weigh as little as 160 pounds whereas a full-size 12-foot slate pool table can weigh in excess of 2,500 pounds.
So, when it comes to your floors and moving the pool table around, you do need to carefully consider your purchase.