Simonis Pool Felt Installation: A Cost Controller‘s Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Old Cloth & Fitting Tournament Blue

Who This Guide Is For (and When to Use It)

If you run a billiard table repair business, manage a game‑room outfitting service, or handle procurement for a table manufacturer, this checklist is for you. It walks through every step of removing old cloth and replacing it with Simonis pool felt—specifically the 860 Tournament Blue—while keeping an eye on total cost of ownership.

Whether you're servicing a home table in Slide Rock Sedona or setting up a commercial room that also hosts booray card game tournaments, the same principles apply. I've managed a $180,000 annual budget for table components over six years, and I've learned that the cheap route almost always costs more in the long run. Let's avoid that.

Step 1: Preparation – Tools & Cost Reality Check

Before you touch a staple, gather these items:

• Staple remover / pliers
• Staple gun (manual or pneumatic) with 1/4" staples
• Utility knife (sharp blade)
• Measuring tape
• Simonis cloth (same brand as your felt – e.g., 860 Tournament Blue, 760)
• Simonis X1 cleaner for post‑install
• Spare rubber (cushion) if needed

Cost reality check: It's tempting to think you can just compare unit prices of different cloth brands. But identical specs from different vendors can result in wildly different outcomes. Simonis 860 costs more upfront than generic wool‑nylon blends—about $120–$180 per sheet based on current distributor pricing (Jan 2025). The 'savings' from cheap cloth disappear when you have to re‑felt in 12 months instead of 5‑7 years. That's a hidden cost most people miss.

Why Simonis Over Cheaper Options?

What most people don't realize is that tournament‑grade cloth like Simonis 860 uses a tighter weave and higher wool content. That means longer life, consistent ball roll, and less static. The surprise? I found that a $130 sheet of 860 outlasted three $50 sheets over six years. The math is simple: $130 vs $150, and the Simonis felt performed better the whole time.

Step 2: Disassemble the Pool Table – Remove Rails & Old Cloth

Here's the detailed process for how to disassemble a pool table safely:

1. Remove the pockets – unscrew or unclip leather pockets (drop pockets often snap off). Set pocket irons aside.
2. Remove the rails – each rail is bolted to the slate. Use a socket wrench to remove bolts; keep them organized (left/right pairs).
3. Lift the rails off – carefully; they're heavy and have rubber cushions.
4. Strip the old cloth – pull out staples along the slate's edge. Use pliers to remove stubborn ones. Don't cut the cloth until all staples are out (it's easier to pull as a sheet).
5. Clean the slate – remove any adhesive residue or dust. A tack cloth works well.

Insider tip: The assumption that 'standard turnaround' means the job takes one hour is wrong. On a 7‑ft table, stripping takes 20 minutes; on a 9‑ft it can take 40. Factor this into your labor quote, especially if you're bidding for a contract. (I learned this the hard way when I underestimated a rush job for a Slide Rock Sedona client – lost $200 on that one.)

Step 3: Inspect the Slate & Cushions

Now that the cloth is off, check for:

• Slate cracks – even hairline cracks affect ball roll. Fill with epoxy if minor; replace if serious.
• Dinged cushions – rubber loses elasticity. If cushions are over 10 years old, replace them now. Simonis markets its own cushion rubber (though most pros use Artemis or K55). Re‑cushioning adds $150–$300 to the job.

Decision framework: The question isn't 'can I skip this step?' It's 'what's the cost of a callback?' Replacing cushions later costs more because you have to re‑disassemble. Always inspect.

Step 4: Install Simonis Pool Felt

Follow these steps precisely for a tournament‑grade result:

1. Center the cloth – lay the Simonis fabric over the slate, aligning the weave with the table's length (warp direction parallel to the long side).
2. Stretch and staple the first side – start at the center of one long side. Pull tight (not overly tight) and staple every 2 inches. Work outward to the corners.
3. Opposite side – pull firmly, staple from center out. Never overstretch or you'll create creases when the cloth relaxes.
4. Ends (head & foot) – similar process. For a 7‑ft table you'll use about 60 staples per side.
5. Trim excess cloth – leave 1/4" beyond the staple line. Use a sharp utility knife.

Misconception alert: The advice 'pull the cloth as tight as possible' ignores the fact that Simonis fabric has some give. Over‑pulling causes early sagging. A light, even tension is better.

Step 5: Reassemble Rails & Pockets

1. Attach new cloth to the rails – stretch felt over each rail and staple to the underside (miter corners).
2. Bolt rails back onto slate – tighten evenly. Use a torque wrench if available (30‑40 ft‑lb is typical).
3. Reinstall pockets – center them and secure.
4. Level the table – use a machinist's level; shim slate if needed (a common step many skip).

Step 6: Final Inspection & Cleanup

Run a ball across the cloth. Listen for buzz (vibrations from loose staples or uneven cushions). Brush the felt with a soft brush. Do not vacuum – it can lift the fibers. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. Then apply Simonis X1 cleaner if desired (wait 24 hours after installation).

Satisfaction moment: There's something satisfying about a perfectly installed sheet of Tournament Blue. After the stress of disassembly and the risk of creasing, seeing that even nap and hearing a clean ball roll – that's the payoff.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Using the wrong staple length – 1/4" is standard for wood slate frames; 3/8" for slates with MDF. Too long and you'll split the wood.
• Skipping the cushion check – a dead cushion makes a new cloth feel like a bad investment.
• Not counting the cost of rush jobs – rush fees add 25–50% over standard pricing (based on major table service fee structures, 2025). If the client in Slide Rock Sedona needs it by Friday, charge accordingly.
• Forgetting the X1 cleaner – it's not just a upsell; it extends cloth life by preventing dirt buildup. A $15 bottle saves a $130 refelting by 12+ months.

The bottom line: A proper Simonis installation takes about 2–3 hours for an experienced technician. Cost of materials (cloth + staples + X1) runs around $150–$200. Charge $350–$500 for labor and consumables. That's a healthy margin – and your customer gets a table that plays like a tournament setup for years. Don't cut corners; informed customers ask better questions and come back for more.