Can You Put Pool Table On Vinyl Plank Flooring?

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You can generally set a pool table on vinyl plank flooring if you’re careful.

It’s essential to consider the style of the pool table and the durability of the flooring.

It’s possible to damage any style of flooring with your pool table. Beyond that, improper setup of your table can lead to poor game performance.

Here’s what you need to know to avoid both.

Anatomy of a Pool Table

At its most basic, a pool table is made of a bed, cabinet, and legs. The bed is the playing surface, typically made of slate. Some beds consist of wood or acrylic covered in cloth.

The cabinet is the main body of the pool table. The bed sits inside the cabinet, surrounded by the rails that surround the playing surface. The cabinet can use nearly any material.

Of these materials, slate is the heaviest, followed by wood, then acrylic. Each piece of the table affects its end weight. Mixing and matching materials can make the table heavier or lighter.

The cabinet and bed sits on top of the table’s legs. Each leg has a leveler that can be adjusted to level the pool table. The four legs distribute the weight of the table evenly across the levelers.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank is a flooring material designed to look like wood but without maintenance. Vinyl planks begin with a base layer and fiberglass. Next, a cushion layer adds softness and bounce.

A printed pattern layer gives the planks the look (and sometimes feel) of wood. The wear layer protects the pattern layer from damage for years. A shiny top-coat makes it look freshly waxed.

The wear layer affects the overall life of the plank. But a scratched topcoat can make new floors look worn faster. That’s why it’s vital to protect both the wear layer and the top-coat.

How Much Does A Pool Table Weigh?

A complete answer to this question depends on a few things. First, each element of your pool table affects its weight. Slate is heavier than wood, for example, which is heavier than acrylic.

Even among pool tables of the same style and materials, weight can vary. A 7-foot slate table will weigh less than a 9-foot slate table. An 8-foot table will fall somewhere in between.

A 6-foot wood pool table, for example, can weigh as little as 180 pounds. On the other hand, a 12-foot slate tournament table can weigh up to 2500 pounds. Table weight varies widely.

Will the Pool Table Damage My Vinyl Plank Flooring?

A heavier pool table is more likely to cause damage than a lighter one. This is true regardless of the flooring surface. A 900-pound table will even leave permanent divots in the carpet. 

Most vinyl plank flooring has a maximum weight limit of 500 pounds. At first, you might worry that you can only put tiny tables on vinyl. However, you have more wiggle room than you think.

Regardless of the pool table’s weight, it’s not all sitting on one point. The four legs distribute the weight of the pool table.. This distribution divides the total weight of the table by four.

An 8-foot slate table, for example, is likely to average around 1,000 pounds total. This means that each leg is applying 250 pounds of pressure to the floor. This should be perfectly safe.

Narrower feet with sharp corners and edges distribute the weight less evenly. Tables with tapered or thin legs are more likely to damage vinyl plank flooring. 

Finally, remember that your pool table will get bumped while playing and day-to-day. Any heavy furniture sliding on vinyl plank flooring is likely to cause damage. A pool table is no exception.

How To Avoid Damaging Your Vinyl Plank Flooring With Your Pool Table

Here are a few things you can do to keep your vinyl plank floors looking beautiful.

If Buying, Get a Light Weight Pool Table

If you already have vinyl flooring and want to buy a pool table, choose carefully. Start by selecting a table made of lighter materials. A wood bed and aluminum cabinet are super light.

If you’d rather have a slate table, you’re still not out of luck. You can reduce the overall weight by choosing a smaller table. A 7-foot slate table, for example, is only 700 pounds on average.

Choosing a lighter pool table will reduce the risk of damaging your vinyl plank floor. However, you can still safely put some heavier tables on vinyl plank floors.

Consider the Legs

If you want a massive slate pool table, don’t lose hope. Your table’s weight is distributed across the legs. This means that each leg only takes 1/4 the total weight of the table.

Even a 2,000-pound slate tournament table only weighs 500 pounds on each leg. With careful placement, just about any pool table can sit on a vinyl plank floor.

You can further minimize the risk of damage by choosing a table with wide legs. Broad, rounded legs distribute the weight even more. Choosing a table with wide legs is safer for your flooring.

Go With A Proffesional When Moving/Setting the Pool Table

A professional can assemble, move, and adjust your pool table for you. The pool table assembly process involves carefully adjusting the feet to level the playing surface.

These minute adjustments can scuff your floors if you’re not careful. A billiards professional can make these adjustments and protect your floor in the process.

Finally, regardless of the size, material, or style of the table you choose, use pads. Felt furniture pads will reduce scratching when your table slides. Rubber pads may stop sliding altogether.

Just be sure to test the furniture pads on your floor. Rubber pads may stick and transfer color over time. This can stain your floor, so try to choose protectors that match your floor color.

If you have your table professionally assembled or moved, they may recommend floor protection. They know what they’re talking about, so don’t hesitate to go with their guidance.

Conclusion

Can you put a pool table on vinyl plank flooring? Generally, yes, if you take a few precautions to avoid damage. Start by choosing a table with wide legs to distribute the weight evenly.

Next, use felt or rubber furniture pads. These can keep your table from sliding on your floor. They also protect your floor from damage when your table does inevitably slide.

Finally, having a professional assemble or move your pool table is always a good bet. A professional knows how to set up and adjust your table without damaging your floor.

A careful selection of your table and its location will keep your floors looking their best. We hope this article helps you choose the table that’s just right for your floor.

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