Care Guide

Not all new game tables require a formal “break-in” period, but if your table has a freshly applied or custom finish, taking extra care in the first few weeks helps ensure long-term durability.

Protective finishes — especially on wood surfaces like rails or shuffleboard tops — may continue to cure for 30–45 days after delivery. During this time, avoid heavy impact, cover the table when not in use, and wipe surfaces gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust or residue.

Billiard Tables

  • The felt does not need to cure, but chalk dust can build up quickly and cause premature wear.
  • Brush the cloth and rails after each playing session to keep the playing surface in good condition.
  • Use a table cover when not in use to protect both the cloth and wood finishes.

Shuffleboard Tables

  • Fresh polymer or epoxy finishes may benefit from a short break-in period before you apply silicone sprays or powders.
  • Light use during this time helps the finish set fully without extra stress.
  • Wipe the surface gently and avoid harsh cleaners.

Other Game Tables

  • Most factory-finished foosball, ping pong, or multi-game tables are ready for play immediately and do not require curing time.
  • Regular gentle cleaning and covering when not in use will help extend the life of any table.

General Care Tip

Good maintenance is important anytime: brush felt, keep surfaces clean and dry, and protect wood finishes from spills, scratches, or direct sunlight.

Billiard Table Maintenance

Weekly Care

Brush the felt weekly using a pool table brush with soft bristles, always moving in straight strokes from the rail toward the center of the table. Avoid circular motions as these can damage the felt's weave and flexibility.

Monthly Care

  • Apply rubber conditioner to the cushion rails to prevent hardening
  • Clean the table frame with a slightly damp cloth
  • Check for any loose components or hardware

Quarterly Care

  • Deep clean the felt using a low-suction handheld vacuum with a soft attachment
  • Inspect pockets for wear or damage
  • Apply wood conditioner to the frame if needed

Annual Professional Service

Have a billiard mechanic inspect your table annually, especially after the first year of ownership. Professional re-felting is typically needed every 3-5 years for home use, or more frequently for commercial tables.

Repair Tips

Small tears can be addressed immediately by applying specialized cloth repair adhesive and carefully pressing the edges together. For water marks on the wooden frame, lightly dampen the area with a paper towel until the wood fibers expand back to their original state.

Shuffleboard Table Maintenance

Weekly Care

Apply shuffleboard wax weekly (or at minimum twice per month) and buff lightly with a dry, soft towel. Clean the playing surface at least once a week or after each use if possible.

Monthly Care

Perform a complete maintenance routine once monthly, which takes approximately 20 minutes. This includes:

  • Cleaning the surface with specialized shuffleboard cleaner
  • Applying polish/wax to remove scratches and restore shine
  • Applying silicone spray in sweeping motions across the entire surface, allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes before buffing with a clean towel

Important Notes

  • Never use furniture polish or silicone spray that is not specifically designed for shuffleboards
  • Clean gutters weekly to remove accumulated wax and debris
  • Rotate the table's position every few months to ensure even wear from sunlight exposure

Ping Pong Table Maintenance

Monthly Care

  • Clean the surface with a solution of mild soap and water
  • Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth afterward
  • Tighten leg brackets and net posts to ensure stability

Ongoing Care

  • Always keep the table either fully opened or fully closed, never partially opened
  • Use a protective cover when not in use to prevent dust accumulation
  • Store in a climate-controlled environment to prevent warping

Repair Tips

Small dents in the playing surface can often be improved by placing a damp cloth over the affected area for several hours, allowing the composite material to expand back to its original form.

Foosball Table Maintenance

Weekly Care

  • Wipe down the playing field with a dry microfiber cloth
  • Clean the ball return area to prevent debris buildup

Monthly Care

  • Lubricate the rods with silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for foosball tables
  • Check and clean all rod bearings

Quarterly Care

  • Tighten player figures to prevent loosening during play
  • Inspect and tighten table legs and leveling feet

Important Warning

Never use WD-40 or petroleum-based products on foosball rods, as these can damage the bearings and affect gameplay over time.

Environmental Considerations

Optimal Conditions

Game tables perform best in environments maintained between 68-75°F (20-24°C) with relative humidity between 40-50%. Significant variations can cause materials to expand or contract, potentially leading to warping or performance issues.

Storage Recommendations

We strongly advise against storing game tables in unconditioned spaces like unfinished basements or garages. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can cause:

  • Warping of wooden components
  • Rusting of metal parts
  • Felt stretching or loosening on billiard tables
  • Finish degradation on shuffleboard tables

If you must use such spaces, install a dehumidifier and maintain consistent climate control.

When to Seek Professional Help

Billiard Tables

  • Felt shows visible wear patterns, fading, or permanent stains
  • Balls don't roll true or consistently
  • Felt appears loose, rippled, or stretched
  • Cushions show reduced bounce or responsiveness

Shuffleboard Tables

  • Playing surface shows deep scratches or gouges
  • Finish appears cloudy or damaged despite regular maintenance
  • Table is no longer level despite adjustment attempts

All Game Tables

  • Any structural damage or instability
  • Hardware becomes loose repeatedly despite tightening
  • Environmental damage from moisture or temperature extremes

Recommended Maintenance Products

  • Billiard Tables: Specialized felt cleaner, rubber cushion conditioner, soft-bristled pool table brush
  • Shuffleboard Tables: Shuffleboard-specific cleaner, polish/wax, silicone spray designed for game tables
  • Foosball Tables: Silicone-based rod lubricant, microfiber cloths
  • All Tables: High-quality table covers, microfiber cleaning cloths

Professional Service Schedule

  • Billiard Tables: Annual professional inspection and maintenance
  • Shuffleboard Tables: Professional assessment every two years
  • Ping Pong and Foosball Tables: Professional evaluation only if structural issues develop

For questions about specific care requirements or to schedule professional maintenance, contact your local game table specialist or the manufacturer directly.

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