Can You Install a Pool Table Upstairs?
A Comprehensive Guide

Many people dream of having a dedicated game room, complete with a pool table, where they can host friendly matches and practice their cue sports skills. But what if the only available space is upstairs?

Can a pool table be installed on the second floor or in an attic? In short, the answer is usually yes - but there are several crucial factors to consider.

The weight of the pool table is the primary concern when considering upstairs installation. Pool tables are heavy – ranging from around 200 kg for a 7-foot table to as much as 350 kg or more for a 9-foot table.

This weight isn't just centred in one spot; it's distributed over the area of the table, reducing the pressure on any single point on the floor. Most modern homes are designed to support a distributed load of this weight on the upper floors, but older homes may not have been built to these standards.

Before setting up a pool table upstairs, you need to ensure that your flooring can support it. A structural engineer or experienced builder can assess your home's floor joists and overall construction to determine if it can handle the weight of a pool table if needed.

Getting the table upstairs can be another significant challenge. Pool tables are not only heavy, but they are also bulky and difficult to manoeuvre around corners and upstairs.

Professional movers often disassemble the table, move it piece by piece, and then reassemble it in the desired location.

Remember that the reassembly of the table should ideally be performed by professionals to ensure it is level and to maintain the warranty in many cases. Additionally, re-felting the table is often necessary after a move, which is another reason professional installation is advised.

Another factor to consider when installing a pool table upstairs is the noise. When balls break, it can create a significant amount of noise, which can be heard in the rooms below. Soundproofing measures can mitigate this, such as using thick rugs or carpeting under the table or installing noise-reducing insulation in the ceiling of the lower floor.

Like many things in your home, pool tables can be affected by temperature and humidity changes. The upper levels of a home tend to be warmer, and if they're not climate-controlled like the rest of the house, it can cause the table to warp or the felt to stretch. Make sure the room where you plan to install the pool table can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level.

Beyond the considerations of weight, access, noise, and temperature and humidity control, there are a few more factors to take into account when installing a pool table upstairs:

Floor Protection: Depending on the type of flooring in your upstairs space, you may want to consider additional protection beneath the pool table. This could be in the form of a rug or mat that can help to distribute the weight more evenly and protect the floor from potential scratches.

Moving Around the Space: As with installing a pool table anywhere, you need to ensure that there's enough room around the table for players to move and make shots without restriction. The general rule of thumb is that you need to add twice the length of a cue stick to each dimension of the pool table.

These measurements take into account the necessary space for a player to fully extend a standard 57-inch cue stick on all sides of the table without hitting walls or furniture. It's important to remember that the exact requirements may vary depending on the room's layout and the length of the cue sticks being used.

Safety: It's important to think about the safety implications of having a heavy pool table upstairs, especially if there are children in the house. The table should be situated in a safe, secure area where it won't present a risk.

Future Moves: Keep in mind that moving a pool table once it's been installed can be a difficult and expensive process. If you think there's a possibility you may want to move the table in the future (for instance, if you might be moving homes), it could be worth thinking about how feasible this would be.

Aesthetic and Functional Impact: Consider how the pool table will affect the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Will it dominate the room? Does it fit with the existing decor? Is the room also used for other purposes, and if so, how will the pool table impact these?

Building Rules and Regulations: If you live in an apartment or condo, there might be rules and regulations you need to follow regarding what can be placed in certain areas of the building, including weight restrictions. Check with your building management or homeowners association before proceeding.

Remember, each of these points could have a significant impact on your decision and the overall success of the installation. It's always worth consulting with professionals and doing thorough research to ensure you're making the right choice for your home.

Installing a pool table upstairs is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's crucial to think about the structural integrity of your upper floors, how to get the table upstairs, noise considerations, and the control of temperature and humidity in the room.

While these are challenges, they're not necessarily roadblocks. With proper planning, professional assistance, and a little bit of home preparation, you can successfully set up your pool table in an upstairs room and enjoy countless hours of gameplay with family and friends.