Game Tables Care Guide
"Game tables should be enjoyed and not treated as museum pieces. There's nothing quite so disappointing as a pristine table that looks like it's never hosted a memorable game"
Breaking In Period and Initial Care
All new game tables require a 45-day breaking-in period to allow their protective finishes to fully cure. During this time, take extra precautions to prevent damage by wiping down the playing surface after each use with a slightly dampened cloth. For billiard tables, avoid excessive chalk dust accumulation by brushing the rails and felt after each session. Shuffleboard tables need particular attention to allow their silicone spray finish to properly set.
Billiard Table Maintenance
For regular care of your billiard table, we recommend:
- Brush the felt in one direction (toward the head of the table) at least once a week
- Apply rubber conditioner every 6 months to the rails to prevent the rubber cushions from hardening
- Keep the felt clean by avoiding chalk dust accumulation
- Handle small tears by applying cloth repair adhesive and pressing the torn edges together
- For significant wear, consider professional re-felting every 3-5 years depending on use
If the rails begin to show reduced bounce, this indicates it's time for professional maintenance. Small marks on the wooden frame can be treated by lightly dampening the area with a paper towel until the wood fibers expand back to their original state.
Shuffleboard Table Care
Proper maintenance of your shuffleboard table includes:
- Apply silicone spray once per month in a well-ventilated area
- Wipe down the playing surface after each use with a clean, dry cloth
- Clean the gutters weekly to remove accumulated wax
- Rotate the table's position every few months to ensure even wear from sunlight
- Never use household cleaners on the playing surface
When applying silicone spray, ensure even coverage and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before use. As with any spray product, please dispose of materials according to safety instructions to prevent fire hazards.
Ping Pong Table Maintenance
For optimal care of your ping pong table:
- Wipe the surface monthly with a solution of gentle soap and water
- Keep the table either fully opened or fully closed, never half-opened
- Use a cover when not in use to prevent dust accumulation
- Tighten leg brackets and net posts quarterly
- Store in a climate-controlled environment to prevent warping
If the playing surface develops small dents, they can often be improved by placing a damp cloth over the dent for several hours, allowing the composite material to expand back to its original form.
Foosball Table Care
Regular maintenance should include:
- Wipe down the playing field weekly with a dry microfiber cloth
- Lubricate the rods monthly with a silicone-based lubricant
- Tighten the player figures quarterly to prevent loosening
- Clean the ball return area monthly to prevent debris buildup
- Check and tighten table legs every six months
For squeaky rods, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to each rod bearing. Never use WD-40 or petroleum-based products as these can damage the bearings over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temperature and Environment
Game tables perform best in environments between 68-75°F (20-24°C) with relative humidity between 40-50%. Significant variations outside these ranges can cause materials to expand or contract, potentially leading to warping or damage. Billiard tables are particularly sensitive to humidity changes, which can affect the tautness of the felt and the performance of the cushions.
We strongly recommend against storing game tables in unconditioned spaces. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can cause significant damage to the tables' materials and affect their playability. Unfinished basements often have moisture issues that can lead to warping of wooden components and rusting of metal parts. If you must use such spaces, consider installing a dehumidifier and maintaining consistent climate control.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Several indicators suggest it's time for new felt: visible wear patterns or fading, especially around the foot spot; balls that don't roll true; loose or rippled felt; or permanent stains that affect play. Most home tables need re-felting every 3-5 years, though this varies based on usage. Professional players might replace their felt annually, while casual home users might go longer between replacements.
Professional Service
While regular maintenance can be performed by owners, we recommend professional servicing annually for billiard tables, and every two years for shuffleboard tables. Ping pong and foosball tables should be professionally assessed if any structural issues develop.
Recommended Products
- Billiard cloth cleaner and rail conditioner
- Premium shuffleboard silicone spray
- Food-grade silicone lubricant for foosball rods
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Table covers sized for each specific game table