Mastering The Art Of Pool Table Balancing

A perfectly level pool table is the foundation of every good game. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned pro, the balance of your table directly affects the cue ball’s roll, the players’ shots, and the overall fairness of the game. Yet, many owners overlook this vital detail. Over time, factors such as room temperature, humidity, the floor underneath, and even repeated use can cause an uneven pool table. Fortunately, knowing how to level a pool table is a straightforward process if you’re armed with the right tools, patience, and understanding.

Cry Wolf Slate Bed Indoor Square Leg Pool Table - Midnight Blue

Why a Level Playing Surface Matters

In pool, every shot counts. A slight tilt in your table can cause the ball to roll in the same direction repeatedly, leading to frustration and unfair play. When your cue ball doesn’t roll straight or consistently veers toward one side, it’s a clear indication that the playing surface is off-balance. This also puts extra wear on the felt, as balls frequently traveling the same path wear out one area more quickly than others.

A level table not only improves your gameplay but also preserves the table’s lifespan. For most pool tables, especially those with a slate surface, consistent balance ensures optimal gameplay and reduces maintenance costs. Maintaining the table's levelness also means that every ball rolls the way it should, every time.

FMF Pool Tables

The Impact of the Floor Underneath

Before adjusting anything on your table, it’s important to understand that not all floors are perfectly level. Uneven floor surfaces—especially in older homes with wooden flooring—can gradually shift the table’s balance. This is often the hidden reason behind why a table becomes unlevel again after it was previously fine-tuned.

If the floor beneath your table has high spots or slants in one direction, you’ll need to compensate for these inconsistencies by using wooden shims or adjustable legs. These subtle adjustments can make the difference between a frustrating and a fair game.

Tools You’ll Need to Level Your Pool Table

To start, gather the tools that will help you achieve a balanced surface. A carpenter's level or digital spirit level will give you an accurate reading across the slate. For more precision, machinist levels can be used. You'll also need shims—these can be wooden shims or metal shims—depending on what type of flooring you’re dealing with.

An adjustable wrench is helpful if your pool table comes with adjustable legs. For tables without these, using wooden or metal plates and a rubber mallet can help you fine-tune the height under each leg. Always refer to the owner’s manual for your specific table model before beginning any adjustment.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Level a Pool Table

Identifying Uneven Table Problems

One way to figure out where the issue lies is to place the spirit level on various parts of the playing surface: lengthwise, widthwise, and diagonally across corners. Watch where the bubble drifts. If it doesn’t remain in the centre in each position, you’ve got an uneven pool table.

Move the level around to each side and corner. If you notice that the ball rolls back to the same spot when placed in different areas, this confirms a slope or dip in that direction. This is usually due to one side of the table legs being either too high or too low. Finding the exact foot that needs adjustment is the key to achieving a level table.

Adjusting Table Legs for Better Balance

Many bar tables and premium models come with adjustable legs. If that’s the case, adjusting the height is relatively easy. Turn the legs clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the table. Pay close attention to the spirit level with each adjustment.

If your pool table doesn’t have adjustable legs, place wooden shims beneath the leg that needs a boost. Start with thin pieces and gradually add more as needed. Wood shims are preferred for hard surfaces like tiles or concrete, while rubber or composite ones work well on softer floors. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap them into place.

Repeat this method for all four sides, checking the level again after each tweak. Sometimes you’ll find that you need to go back and fine-tune the opposite leg as one side is raised.

How To Adjust Legs

Dealing with One Piece Slate vs. Three Piece Slate Tables

Most pool tables are built with either a one piece slate or three piece slate. Understanding which one you have is critical to the balancing process. A one piece slate table is easier to level at the legs, but if the surface itself is warped, you’ll need professional help.

Three piece slate tables are common in professional setups. These require the slate pieces to be aligned at the seams and leveled together. If the adjustment of the legs doesn’t resolve the problem and your ball still doesn’t roll straight, the issue might lie between the seams. In such cases, using beeswax or a filler to level the seams is common, but this should be done with care.

Gatley Pool Tables

Find Your Perfect Fit

6ft Pool Tables

7ft Pool Tables

8ft Pool Tables

9ft Pool Tables

Ensuring Long-Term Stability

Once your pool table is balanced, double-check that each leg is firmly touching the floor. Even the smallest gap can lead to wobbling over time, throwing off the playing surface. Press down gently near each leg to test for movement. If there's any give, the table might shift during play, which will affect future level checks.

If shims have been used, ensure they’re not sticking out from under the leg or causing the leg to sit unevenly. Ideally, they should be flush and positioned directly under the centre of each foot. This prevents slippage or uneven pressure that could unbalance the table again.

Table Tennis

Troubleshooting Ongoing Balance Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the table continues to go out of balance. If your pool table keeps becoming unbalanced, it may be because the floor is shifting due to seasonal humidity or foundational changes in your home. In this case, it’s worth checking the location of the table. Moving it to another room with a flatter surface might provide a more stable base.

If adjusting the table’s legs and adding shims still doesn’t solve the problem, your issue might be internal. Some older pool tables develop internal frame weaknesses that make them difficult to balance properly. You might need professional help to inspect the interior supports or even the surface plate.

Maintaining Your Table’s Levelness Over Time

Once you’ve achieved a level playing surface, maintenance is key. Make it a habit to periodically check your table’s levelness—especially after moving the table or changing its location. Even bumping the table repeatedly during play can cause legs to shift slightly.

Routine checks every few months using your carpenter’s level can help detect small issues before they become major problems. During these checks, also clean the table thoroughly, inspect the felt, and examine the legs for signs of wear or looseness.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many balance issues can be resolved with a few tools and some patience, others may require professional help. If your table has been moved recently, or if you're working with a slate table that appears misaligned, it's wise to contact a technician. A pro will not only level your pool table but will also ensure the seams of a three piece slate table are correctly aligned and sealed.

Some pool table owners attempt to level the surface without realizing that the slate bed itself has warped. Professional assessment ensures an accurate reading and prevents costly damage from improper handling. If you're unsure, it's better to get the job done right by someone with experience.

The Joy of a Well-Balanced Table

There's nothing more satisfying than playing on a level table where the ball rolls straight, players’ shots behave as expected, and each game feels fair. Whether you're practicing your skills, entertaining guests, or hosting a mini tournament, a well-balanced pool table brings confidence and enjoyment to every match.

Leveling your pool table doesn’t just protect your investment—it enhances every moment of play. The next time the game feels “off,” it might not be your shot. It could be the table.

Conclusion

Learning how to level a pool table might seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a good game. With the right tools like a spirit level, wooden shims, and possibly an adjustable wrench, most pool tables can be fine-tuned at home. However, knowing when to call for professional help is equally important, especially if you're dealing with three piece slate surfaces or ongoing balance problems.

By maintaining a level table, checking it periodically, and staying aware of your table’s environment, you'll create a more reliable and enjoyable playing surface for years to come. Let your cue ball roll with confidence, every time.