How to Replace Pool Table Cushions – Basic Advice from Experts

Imagine owning a beautiful pool table, but you realize that something isn’t quite right. It’s as if it isn’t playing like the way it was when you purchased it. It appears that the cushions aren’t moving enough that they ruin your enjoyment. The cushions for pool tables are designed to last for up to 25 years, but this isn’t always the scenario. The lifespan of a pool table depends on the frequency of use and maintenance. Tables that are used only occasionally can last as long as 20 years. If they are regularly used, they are more likely to have a likelihood of the cushion being worn out quickly. In this article, we will explain how to replace pool table cushions. Stay tuned with us.

How to replace pool table cushions

Suppose you’ve played pool for a while. In that case, you should be aware that the cushion plays a crucial and difficult role since the ball’s performance is contingent on the state of the cushion on your table. It is the long, wedge-shaped rubber attached to the sides of the table’s rails. The majority of the time, the standard pool tables are equipped with K-66 cushions covered in felt cloth. Click here to read how to clean a pool table cloth. Now follow our instructions to replace pool table cushions.

Preparations

The first thing you need to take is to measure the proper dimensions of the table. Don’t reduce the pillows exactly as the table’s length, but leave extra space on both sides. Find the top of your bumper, and then mark the top side. The easiest way to tell the side on top is to examine the bumper from the sides. The top of the bumper should have a slight curve, and the lower part of the bumper must be flat. Also, sand the edges of the bumper with rubber to ensure it is smooth when it attaches to the table. This will help prevent the growth of mold. If you’re not sure if you’ve picked the correct cushion design for the dimensions of your balls, you can put the ball on top of it. Ideally, three-quarters of a ball must place below the edges of the bumper.

Remove the cushions that were previously used

To take the cushions off the table, first, you must loosen the rails before moving them off. Moving your table around is risky and allows for the possibility of mistakes. You could also harm your feet, which can cost you money. When you remove the bumpers, you can begin removing them. They usually connect with adhesive or 3M scotch-grip. A little heat can quickly loosen either of them, and you could make use of a heat gun.

Add the new cushions

Now is the time to attach the cushions to the table’s rails. Apply ample amounts of adhesive (or scotch tape) to the entire length of the cushions. Also, place that much more on the rail itself. Then, let it sit for a while until it becomes extra sticky. After that, by taking care to align the rubber bumper’s top with the rail, press it against it. Cut the bumpers according to the dimensions of your table’s rails. In most cases, the rails will give you an idea of the angle you’ll have to cut. Or, you can use bumpers from the past to give an illustration.

If there are gaps, you could utilize rubber facings to close them out. Allow the cushions to settle before you begin placing the rails back onto the table. While you wait, you can apply more glue to the edges, which will be required around the pockets. Check to ensure that there aren’t any zones with no or little glue, and then fill them in with glue if required.

Refelting your rails

This is, in fact, the most difficult portion of the procedure. Begin by attaching one side of the felt to feather strips. Avoid using a hammer to the feather strip since it could cause damage, instead make use of a wooden mallet and something like it. Draw the cushion lightly but be careful not to pull too hard. Take extra care when applying tape along the edge. This option is not mandatory and you don’t have to apply it for most tables. The cushions themselves are straight from the manufacturer and come with a warranty for any manufacturing defects. If there is a problem, you can return them.

How to tell if your cushions are dying

Like everything else, before replacing your table cushions, it is important to ensure that they’re not much dirty. There are some simple tests that you can use to examine the condition of your cushions. The first thing you need to be doing is listening to the sounds that balls make when they land on the cushion. Poor cushions will produce different sounds, and you’ll be able to detect variations across the table. Good cushions will be identical in bounce, speed, and sound across the entire table.

After that, use your fingers to press the cushions. According to some experts, when your fingers go just 1/8 inch deep into the cushion indicates that the cushion is still in good condition. However, since it is difficult to determine the quality of the cushion, it is important to determine if they’re equally hard and soft throughout their length. If there is any inconsistency, it is likely your bumper may be about to fail. The same can accomplish by taking your fingers and running them through the cushions. There should not be any bumps, holes, or any other irregularities.

Once you’ve finished squeezing and squeezing the cushions, it’s time to aim the cue ball at them, with moderate topspin and a cue ball with a high velocity. Next, you should examine the ball’s bounce. If it’s bouncing by more than one inch, the bumper will likely require replacement. A good bumper should not allow your ball to go excessively or in any way.

Finally, take a moment to slowly roll the cue ball along every rail and watch how it moves. The next step is to alter the cushions when the cue ball ceases to move or the speed decreases. Keep in mind the rebound angles. If they’re consistent, the cushions are likely to be in good shape. If you observe uneven bounce angles, it’s time to replace them.

Pool table cushions life expectancy

So when do you replace the cushions of your pool table? The cushions recommend replacing every 10 years. Many manufacturers go to offering a warranty of 25 years. But, if you use the table regularly, the longevity of the cushions drastically diminishes. My personal view is that you should not examine the years provided by the company. The process of testing the cushions will take about 5 minutes, and you’ll be able to get a clear idea of whether you have to change it or not. Now, let’s get down to the details of this procedure!

Read more: How to level a pool table

Conclusion

If you’ve had an old pool table for quite some time, knowing how to replace the pool cushion cushions may help you out shortly. They are subject to constant stress, particularly when you play the table often. This could result in them being worn out and causing a change in performance and rebound. Removing the old cushions and then putting new cushions into their place isn’t too difficult and is done in just a few hours.