Pool tables have a series of markings printed on the felt surface of the table used as part of the game. You may need to mark out your own table if you have purchased a table without markings or are putting the finishing touches to a table you have made yourself. Marking your own pool table will require some concentration and understanding of measurements to complete properly. In all, it should take around 30 minutes to finish.

  • Pool tables have a series of markings printed on the felt surface of the table used as part of the game.
  • Marking your own pool table will require some concentration and understanding of measurements to complete properly.

Measure between 14 inches and 24 inches up the side of the table from the corner pocket toward the middle pocket. The measurement will depend on the size of the table: For 5-foot tables measure 14 1/8 inches; for 6-footers measure 16 3/4 inches; for 7-footers measure 19 3/4 inches; for 8-footers measure 22 7/8 inches; and for 9-footers measure 24 5/8 inches. Mark the distance with a dot of chalk.

Measure the width across the table from the chalk mark; at halfway make another chalk mark. Stick the cue ball spot here.

  • Measure the width across the table from the chalk mark; at halfway make another chalk mark.

Measure a distance of between 13 inches and 21 inches down the same side as in Step 1, but start at the opposite corner. Like in Step 1, the distance you measure will depend on the size of your table. For a 5-foot table measure 13 1/4 inches; for 6-footers measure 14 1/4 inches; for 7-footers measure 16 3/4 inches; for 8-footers measure 18 inches; and for 9-footers measure 21 inches. Mark the distance with chalk.

Measure halfway across the table for this chalk mark, as in Step 2, and make another chalk mark. Make a final chalk mark at the opposite side of the table parallel to the chalk mark in Step 3.

Use the felt marker and a large ruler or length of wood to make a line across the table intersecting all of the chalk marks in Steps 3 and 4. This will be the balkline.

Locate the halfway point in the balkline. Place the D marker tool at this point and mark a D with a radius of between 4 inches and 8 inches, depending on the size of the table: 5-foot tables should have a D with a radius of 4 inches; 6-foot tables a 5 1/2-inch radius; 7-foot tables a 6-inch radius; 8-foot tables a 6 1/2-inch radius; and 9-foot tables an 8-inch radius.

Remove any remaining chalk marks with a damp cloth.

TIP

For an illustration of this information see Resources.