Transporting Pool Table Slates During Break-Down and Moving

12/27/2020 4:19:22 PM

Transporting Pool Table Slates During Break-Down and Moving

I'm buying a used pool table in a week or so, and doing the transport myself.

It's a 9-foot Brunswick Heirloom pool table which cost me $1,200, used. I won't be paying $500 to have it transported for me, but I am quite handy so I'm happy to do it myself.

It's a doweled 3-piece slate and my question relates to transporting the actual slate pieces

I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and I had intended to stack the three slates one on top of the other. I've Googled this and found one transport company saying that stacking them is the best way.

Any thoughts on this? How fragile are these slates? I'm assuming they must be pretty hardy things really as they get pool balls bouncing off them from jump shots etc and don't chip. But I'd imagine they are very hard, and thus brittle, so a drop would shatter them.

Is stacking the slate OK? Should I stack then face-to-face or all facing up? Is it OK to put some light things on top of them (with protection) to maximize space?

Any help appreciated! Thanks guys!

Lion Heart

Transporting Pool Table Slates During Break-Down and Moving

Replies & Comments

Type79 on 12/27/2020 4:34:41 PM
I believe you need to be sure they are supported so they are flat and do not move at all. You also need to be careful while carrying them and not twist them or they will break.

Disclaimer: I have never moved slates myself but I have watched professionals move Gold Crowns and they treat the slates like they are fragile pieces of glass. 300+ pound pieces of glass.

billiardsforum on 12/29/2020 10:31:01 AM
They need to be properly "crated" before transport.

I believe the pool table techs call it "crating the slate".

Use 2x4 lumber. Don't use 1x4 (strapping) as the material for the primary structure (but you can use it for shims as shown below). It isn't rigid enough.

The goal is to create a rigid box for the slate. You have to ensure that no one part of any slate piece receives any more pressure or stress than the rest.

This way you can use dollies, and get it in and out of trucks, etc. with a greatly reduced risk of creating stress cracks in the slate, etc.

Here's a few photos of billiard service techs crating 3-piece slate for transport.

Harrie Back on 12/30/2020 10:08:41 AM
Yes they can be stacked on top of each other in your vehicle. No need to crate them. Just beware they are very heavy and putting all 3 in a Caravan may be too much weight for the van. Hope you have a strong back and a strong buddy.

Just to add the playing surface should be up when stacking the slates. If you drop the slates they will break so don't drop them. Call around to see if you can get a better price on a professional mover. 9' slates are very heavy and should be carried vertically. Carrying them up stairs and down stairs is not a easy task but can be done.

Good Luck

billiardsforum on 12/30/2020 11:36:08 AM
There's zero chance I'd be stacking them bare in the back of a truck.

I guess it's all about the risk you are willing to take.

Lion Heart on 1/4/2021 7:05:32 AM
Thanks @Harrie Back, that seems to be sound advice.

Yes, weight may be an issue. I checked on the Grand Caravan specs:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,050 lbs (2,744.2 kg)
- U.S. Curb Weight: 4,510 lbs (2,050 kg)
So in theory, I can carry 1,540 lbs, which would be 220 lbs per passenger (7 seats) which is pretty good!

However, it seems that a 9-foot Brunswick Heirloom pool table weighs 901 lbs and the slate is 3-piece, 1" slate:
- 9 Pro options (50" x 100" Playfield)
- Slate: 3 pc. 1" framed, and dowelled
- Length (in):110
- Width (in):60
- Weight (lbs):901
_{Source: brunswick.pastperfectonline.com/library/262E013E-BBFA-45A0-9DE7-054332373436}
It would be that, plus the weight of two passengers and a few tools. So we should be all good there I think!

What would you expect each of the 3 slate pieces to weigh?

I found some sources via Google searching that would suggest a 1" one-piece 9ft slate is around 620lbs. Based on that, each piece of a 1" 3-piece slate would be 206 lbs (around 93 kg).

That's a lump!

Does that sound about right to you guys?

billiardsforum on 1/7/2021 2:26:27 AM
Yes, that sounds about right to me.

Let us know how it all goes!

Transporting Pool Table Slates During Break-Down and Moving

Title: Transporting Pool Table Slates During Break-Down and Moving
Author: Lion Heart
Published: 12/27/2020 4:19:22 PM
Last Updated: 12/29/2020 10:44:02 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)