How Much Does It Cost to Refelt (Recover) a Pool Table?
If the cloth on your table is fading, fuzzing, or wearing thin near the rails, you're probably wondering what it costs to fix. It's one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on a handful of things. The good news is that those variables are easy to understand once someone walks you through them. That's what this guide does.
We call this service a recover (you'll also see it called refelting or recovering), and at NW Billiard Services we believe information should always be free. So here's a clear, no-pressure look at what goes into the price.
The short answer
For a standard-size table with standard cloth and a table that's already set up and playable, a recover generally lands in a typical range that most customers can plan around. Higher-grade cloth, larger tables, or jobs that require slate or leveling work will sit above that. The most accurate number comes from a quick conversation about your specific table, but the rest of this article explains exactly what moves the price up or down so there are no surprises.
The most reliable way to get a precise figure is to reach out for a quote with your table size and the cloth you're considering.
What's actually included in a recover
A recover is the process of replacing all of the cloth on your table, both the bed (the large playing surface) and the rails. Here's what the work involves:
We remove the rails and strip the old cloth from them
We replace the bed cloth and re-cloth each rail with the fabric you've chosen
We make minor leveling adjustments and small slate tweaks as part of the job
This service is designed for a table that's already assembled and playable. If your table needs to be reassembled from the slates up, or fully re-leveled from scratch, that's a pool table setup rather than a recover, and it's priced differently. We'll always tell you which one your table actually needs.
The variables that change the price
Most recovers fall within a predictable range. A few factors are responsible for nearly all the variation you'll see in a quote.
1. The cloth you choose
This is the single biggest driver. Cloth comes in a wide spread of grades, styles, and colors, and the difference between standard cloth and higher-grade options is real. Standard woolen-blend cloth is the practical, hard-wearing choice for most homes. Higher-grade worsted (tournament-style) cloth plays faster and lasts longer, but it costs more per yard. Color usually doesn't change the price, but grade does.
If you're weighing your options, our pool table cloth guide breaks down the grades, colors, and how each one plays so you can make an informed choice before you ever get a quote.
2. The size of your table
Larger tables use more cloth, which affects material cost. A recover on a 7-foot table requires less fabric than an 8-foot or 9-foot table, so size factors directly into the bid. If you're not sure what size you have, we'll walk you through how to measure it so we bring the right amount of cloth to the job.
3. The type and condition of your table
Some tables are straightforward to work on; others are more involved. Antique tables, drop-pocket designs, and certain manufacturers take more time and care. Knowing what kind of table you own helps us give you an accurate number up front. Our table types overview is a helpful place to start if you're unsure what you're working with.
4. Whether leveling or slate work is needed
Minor leveling and small slate adjustments are included with a standard recover. But if the slates have shifted, separated, or need to be fully reset and re-leveled, that's additional work. We'll let you know if your table needs it rather than discovering it halfway through.
5. Where you're located
We're a Pacific Northwest operation and we travel widely across the region, so service area can play a small role in scheduling and cost depending on where you are. We regularly serve the Portland metro, Vancouver, Salem, and beyond.
How often should a table be recovered?
There's no fixed schedule, since it depends on how much the table gets played and how it's cared for. As a general rule, a home table that sees regular play may need new cloth every several years, while a heavily used table in a bar or rec room will wear faster. The clearest signals are visual and tactile, which brings us to the next section.
Signs it's time for new cloth
You'll usually know it's time when you notice one or more of these:
Fuzzing or pilling across the playing surface
Worn or shiny patches, often in the break area or along the rails
Tears, burns, or snags in the cloth
Faded color from age or sunlight
Inconsistent ball roll, where balls drift or slow unpredictably
Even one of these is a reasonable reason to consider a recover, and a fresh surface makes a noticeable difference in how the table plays.
Why recovering is professional work
Stretching cloth correctly takes the right tension, technique, and tools. Cloth that's installed too loose or too tight changes how the table plays and wears out faster, and mistakes during installation can mean buying material twice. Because the slate and rails are involved, this is genuinely skilled work, and having it done right the first time protects the investment you've already made in your table. We handle the complexity so your table plays the way it should for years.
What to expect from the process
When you book a recover with us, here's the general flow:
We talk through your table size and cloth options, and give you a clear quote
We confirm the cloth grade and color, and make sure we have the right material on hand
We come to you, remove and re-cloth the rails, replace the bed cloth, and dial in the level
You get a freshly surfaced table that's ready to play
We keep standard colors stocked in the van so we can often accommodate quickly. For higher-grade cloth and specific colors, a little advance notice helps us make sure everything's ready when we arrive.
Ready for fresh cloth?
Every table is a little different, so the most accurate number comes from a short conversation about yours. Tell us your table size and the cloth you have in mind, and we'll give you a clear, honest quote with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Is refelting the same as recovering?
Yes. "Refelting," "recovering," and "recloth" all describe the same job: replacing the cloth on the bed and rails. (Technically the fabric is cloth rather than true felt, but the terms are used interchangeably.)
Can you just replace the rail cloth and not the bed?
In most cases we recommend doing the whole table at once so the color and wear match. We're happy to talk through your situation if you have a specific reason to do otherwise.
Does cloth color cost more?
Color generally doesn't change the price. The grade of cloth is what affects cost. You can explore the full range in our cloth guide.
Do I need to know my table size before I call?
It helps, but it's not required. If you're not sure, we'll walk you through measuring it so we bring the correct amount of cloth.
Do you offer recovering near me?
We travel throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Portland metro, Vancouver WA, and Salem. Get in touch and we'll let you know how we can help in your area.
