How Often to Replace Pool Table Felt (and What Refelting Costs)
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Pool table felt (properly called cloth) wears out — it's the one part of your table that takes a beating on every shot. Knowing when to replace it keeps your table playing true and protects the slate underneath. This guide covers how often to refelt based on how much you play, the signs it's time, what refelting actually costs in Canada, and how to make your cloth last as long as possible.
Quick answer: A home table with light use can go 5–10+ years between refelts, moderate home use typically needs new cloth every 3–5 years, and heavy or commercial tables (bars, clubs) often need it every 6–18 months. In Canada, expect to pay roughly $450–$650 CAD to refelt with standard cloth and $700–$1,000+ CAD with premium worsted cloth like Simonis, plus HST.
How often should you replace pool table felt?
There's no single number — it depends almost entirely on how much the table gets played and how well it's cared for. Use these ranges as a guide:
| Usage level | Typical refelt interval |
|---|---|
| Light home use (occasional games) | Every 5–10+ years |
| Moderate home use (weekly play) | Every 3–5 years |
| Heavy home use (4+ times a week) | Every 2–5 years |
| Bars, clubs, and pool halls | Every 6–18 months |
Cloth quality matters too. Worsted cloth (a smooth, tightly woven wool like Simonis 860) resists pilling and lasts longer than a napped woolen cloth, which is fuzzier and wears faster — though even the best cloth won't survive spills, sitting on the rails, or a cue tip gouge.
Signs it's time to refelt
Don't just watch the calendar — watch the table. Refelt when you notice any of these:
- Visible wear: fading, thinning, or pilling (little balls of fuzz), especially in the break area and around the pockets.
- Physical damage: rips, tears, holes, burns, or a spot that's been gouged by a miscue.
- Loose or rippling cloth: if the felt bunches, stretches, or pulls away from the rails, it's no longer flat — and that ruins accuracy.
- Poor roll: balls that slow unevenly, drift off line, or curve when they should roll straight usually mean the surface is worn or no longer smooth.
- Dead pockets: worn cloth near the pockets can make balls hesitate, rattle, or fail to drop cleanly.
What does it cost to refelt a pool table in Canada?
Refelting cost breaks down into two parts: the cloth itself and the labour to install it. In Canada, a professional recover typically runs:
| Option | Typical cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Standard/woolen cloth + professional install | ~$450–$650 |
| Premium worsted cloth (e.g., Simonis) + install | ~$700–$1,000+ |
| Upgrade to worsted over standard (cloth difference) | ~$150 more |
| Replace rail cushions at the same time (add-on) | ~$80–$220 more |
| Disassemble, move, and reassemble (add-on) | ~$250 more |
Add HST on top, and expect the job to take a professional about 2–4 hours depending on table size and whether cushions are being replaced. Prices vary by region and installer, so always get a local quote before booking. (For reference, US pricing typically runs about $250–$350 USD for a standard recover — Canadian totals sit higher once premium cloth and HST are included.)
Should you refelt it yourself?
DIY refelting is possible and saves on labour, but it's finicky work: you have to remove the old cloth and staples, stretch the new cloth perfectly flat and wrinkle-free, and re-cover the rails and pocket cuts cleanly. A poor stretch causes ripples and bad roll. If you're handy and patient it can be a rewarding weekend project; if the table is high-quality or you want tournament-true play, hiring a professional installer is the safer choice.
How to make your felt last longer
A few simple habits dramatically extend the life of your cloth:
- Use a table cover. Covering the table when it's not in use is the single easiest way to protect the cloth from dust, sunlight, spills, and pets. A fitted pool table cover pays for itself many times over in delayed refelts.
- Brush regularly. Brush in one direction (head to foot) with a proper table brush to lift chalk dust and keep the nap even.
- Keep drinks and food off the table. One spill can force an early refelt.
- Never sit or lean on the rails, and don't slide the rack — lift it.
- Control humidity. Damp basements accelerate wear and can cause mildew; keep the room reasonably dry.
Protecting your cloth is far cheaper than replacing it. Browse the Aska Billiards table cover collection to find a fitted cover for your table size, and explore the rest of the store for the gear you need to keep your game sharp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pool table felt last?
It depends on use. A lightly used home table can go 5–10 years or more, moderate weekly play usually needs new cloth every 3–5 years, and commercial tables in bars or clubs are often refelted every 6–18 months.
What are the signs I need to refelt my pool table?
Watch for fading, pilling, or thinning cloth, rips or burns, felt that ripples or pulls away from the rails, and balls that roll unevenly, curve, or rattle in the pockets. Any of these means it's time.
How much does it cost to refelt a pool table in Canada?
Roughly $450–$650 CAD with standard cloth and $700–$1,000+ CAD with premium worsted cloth like Simonis, plus HST. Replacing cushions or moving the table adds to the total. Get a local quote, since prices vary by region and installer.
Is worsted cloth worth the extra cost?
For serious players, yes. Worsted cloth (like Simonis 860) is smoother, faster, more consistent, and lasts longer than napped woolen cloth. For casual family play, a quality woolen cloth is perfectly fine and easier on the budget.
Can I refelt a pool table myself?
Yes, but it takes patience and care to stretch the cloth perfectly flat. Wrinkles or an uneven stretch will hurt the roll. If the table is valuable or you want tournament-true play, a professional install is the safer bet.