Why Professional Installation is Essential
1) Precision Leveling (The "True" Roll)
A floor that looks level to the naked eye rarely is. Professionals use highly accurate levels to ensure the slate is perfectly flat.
- The Slate Adjustment: On a three-piece slate table, installers must level each slab relative to the others using small shims.
- Consistency: Without this being properly executed, you will experience "drifting," where slow-rolling balls curve off their intended path.
2) Seamless Slate Sealing
Three-piece slate, which is most commonly used in the industry today, has joints where the pieces meet each other on the table. If the joints are properly aligned with each other, you’ll feel a "bump" when a ball rolls over the seam.
- Professionals use beeswax or specialized slate putty to smooth over any gaps where the slate pieces join together
- They then use a propane torch or specialized scrapers to level the wax flush with the slate, creating one continuous, glass-smooth playing surface.
3) Expert Cloth Stretching (The "Felt")
Applying the cloth is the most common place for DIY projects to fail.
- Consistency: If the cloth is too loose, it will "bunch" or "wave" in front of the ball. If it’s unevenly stretched, the ball will speed up or slow down depending on the direction of travel. Either of these outcomes leads to a poor playing experience for the homeowner.
- The Pockets: Professionals know how to cut and fold the cloth into the pockets without creating unsightly bulges or weak points that could tear over time.
4) Structural Integrity & Calibration
A pool table is under immense physical tension due to the weight of the slate playing surface.
- The Rails: If the rails aren't bolted down with the correct foot-pounds of torque, the "bounce" of the cushions will be dead or inconsistent.
- Component Alignment: Installers ensure the cabinet, legs, and slate frame are perfectly squared to prevent the table from shifting or developing "creaks" during play
5) Protecting the Warranty
Many high-end pool table manufacturers require professional installation to ensure the quality of gameplay meets the standards the homeowner deserves, as well as to keep the warranty valid.
- Risk Mitigation: Slate is brittle and can crack if handled improperly during assembly. A professional installer carries the liability for heavy lifting and the delicate alignment.
Imperial Professional Pool Table Delivery & Installation
At Imperial, we’ve built a network of trusted, highly trained installers to ensure your table is set up for exceptional performance from day one. For $299, we’ll connect you with a professional installer who will assemble and precisely adjust your table for optimal play.
Should you choose not to use our white glove delivery and installation service, we ask that you review and sign the attached waiver to confirm your understanding.
Our expert installation network is designed to help you get the very best in performance, safety, and long-term enjoyment. When installation is handled outside of our trusted team, results can vary based on setup, environment, and handling. Because of this, certain protections—like warranty coverage and support for post-delivery issues—may be limited.
If you choose not to use Imperial’s white glove delivery and professional installation service, you acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for all handling, delivery, installation, and setup of your pool table; installation outside of Imperial’s certified network may affect performance and product longevity; warranty coverage and support for damage or defects after delivery may be limited or unavailable; Imperial is not responsible for issues related to installation, site conditions, or use after delivery; and commercial installations and any required site compliance are your responsibility.
By filling out the form and checking the boxes below, you confirm that you understand and accept these terms and assume full responsibility for the product after delivery.
