Pool Table Felt and Cloth
Nothing transforms a game quite like new pool table felt. A smooth, fresh surface brings out the best in your table and gives every shot that clean, precise roll. At PoolDawg, we only stock high-quality pool table cloth from trusted brands like Simonis, Championship, Predator, and others, so your table always looks and plays like new.
We'll admit it — we're biased. But we believe that the true roll of a billiards ball over a new pool table cloth is just like leaving the first tracks on a powder day, water skiing on a perfectly calm lake, or skating on freshly “Zambonied” ice. Oh, and it’s like shuffling through a stack of crisp hundred dollar bills. (We love crisp hundred dollar bills too.)
When you re-cover your table with fresh pool table felt, the difference shows up in every shot: smoother speed, better spin response, and a true roll across the surface. The right cloth can make the difference between a frustrating miss and a perfect shot (hopefully, they’re headed for a pocket!). Quality cloth gives you a true surface to play on — the rest comes down to your stroke.
If your table is overdue to be recovered, you’re in luck: We have some great options to get your table looking and playing great again.
What You Need to Know When Buying Pool Table Cloth
Pool table cloth — often referred to as “pool table felt” — is typically made from a blend of wool and nylon and comes in various sizes and types. There are three main types of cloth: woolen, worsted, and hybrid. Woolen cloth is the most durable and easiest to maintain, though it tends to play a bit slower. The Championship Invitational is the most popular woolen cloth we sell, offering high-quality play and making it a perfect choice for your home game room.
Worsted cloth, which isn’t actually “felt,” is considered the highest-quality option. The wool fibers are combed and spun to remove fuzziness, creating a smoother surface for faster, more consistent play. Simonis produces top-quality worsted cloth, and Championship Tour Edition cloth also delivers tournament-level performance.
Finally, hybrid cloths combine the durability of woolen with the speed and spin control of worsted — all at a more affordable price. The PoolDawg Arena cloth is a great hybrid option, providing the playability of worsted at nearly half the cost of premium worsted cuts.
Pro tip: To make your pool table felt last longer, use high-quality billiard balls. They leave fewer burn marks from the friction of the balls spinning.
Installing Your Pool Table Cloth
Technology hasn’t cracked the self-installing pool table felt yet. So for now, here’s what you need to know:
- Cloth usually comes as one piece — enough to do the bed and the rails
- You’ll have to cut six 6-inch strips (or we can do that for you if you take advantage of our $10 rail-cutting service)
- The rails are precut with the Championship Invitational cloth
- There’s a difference between the top and bottom
- The top has crisp, distinctive stitching; the bottom can be fuzzy
- We have a DIY pool table felt installation guide to save you hundreds of dollars doing it yourself
- To find a local installer, do an online search for “pool table services” and include your city and state
Get a True Roll With PoolDawg
Whether you call it pool table cloth or felt, it’s the quality of the material that will have a drastic impact on your game. Fortunately, we offer cloth from the industry’s top manufacturers: Simonis and Championship.
When it’s time for a pool table felt replacement, keep the basics in mind: Worsted cloth is superior to “felt” for the pool table; different types will provide better control or more speed; and most important, we at PoolDawg are always ready to help you select your billiard felt or worsted cloth and answer all of your questions. Contact us today.
How often should pool table felt be replaced?
Most players replace their pool table felt every 3 to 5 years, depending on use and maintenance. If you notice ball drag, visible wear, or fading, it’s time for a felt replacement.
What’s the difference between pool table felt and worsted cloth?
Standard pool table felt has a fuzzy texture, while worsted cloth, like Simonis 860, is tightly woven for faster, smoother play. Worsted cloth is preferred for tournament-quality performance.
Can I install new pool table felt myself?
Yes, you can handle your own DIY pool table felt installation with the right tools and patience. PoolDawg offers a DIY installation guide and a $10 rail-cutting service to make setup easier.
What color pool table felt plays best?
Color doesn’t affect play performance, but green and tournament blue are the most popular choices for their visibility and traditional look. Darker colors tend to show wear more easily than lighter ones, so you may need to replace them more often to keep your table looking sharp. PoolDawg offers high-quality felt in dozens of colors from top brands like Simonis, Championship, and Predator.
How can I make my pool table felt last longer?
Use high-quality billiard balls, brush the surface often, and cover your pool table when not in use. To prevent “burn marks” caused by friction, place a protective pad on the break spot or when practicing jump shots. Proper care helps your pool table cloth last for years while maintaining smooth, accurate play.
How can I make my pool felt look new again?
Wiping occasionally with a damp towel or using a cleaner like the Quick Clean Pool Table Cleaner can help to restore the new cloth look.