Olhausen Pool Table Assembly: What You Need to Know

Having constantly pursued excellence, Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing has established itself as the gold standard for billiards and has been producing world-class, American-made pool tables  for four generations. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, durable premium slates, precision rails, and legendary Accu-Fast® cushions, slate pool tables from Olhausen Billiards are an investment that delivers a lifetime of game enjoyment.

While many owners are tempted to assemble their table themselves, it’s worth understanding that even following the manufacturer’s instructions from Olhausen closely requires skill, strength, and patience. This guide walks you step-by-step through the Olhausen pool table assembly process, from preparing your tools to perfecting the final re-leveling, all while pointing out why trusting Triangle Billiards’ expert assembly services can save you time, stress, and protect your lifetime warranty.

Even the most experienced DIYer needs to prepare before setting up an Olhausen® Pool Table. These are finely engineered quality products, with premium slate and accu-fast rubber cushions, and rushing the setup could lead to misaligned slates, uneven rails, or damaged pockets.

Tip: Lay out your parts and inventory before you start the installation. This includes the frame, pedestals, slates, hardware, table cloth, pockets, and all game table accessories.

Hiring a professional installer is also the most recommended way to assemble your Olhausen table, as it ensures your investment will stand the test of time and provide years of family fun or quality game nights with friends. Plus, it protects your table's lifetime warranty.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start setting up, gather these essential items:

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Socket wrench or adjustable wrench
• Power drill with screwdriver bit set
• Laser, bubble, or spirit level
• A staple gun and staples for securing the table cloth
• Needle-nose pliers or staple puller in case of mistakes or old staples in the way
• Beeswax or beeswax coating (for filling slate seams)
• Propane blowtorch (to melt beeswax for a perfect bond)
• Clamp (for securing frame parts during assembly)
• Bondo (optional, for minor slate chip repair)
• Nylon pool table brush or pool table brush
• All accessories like the triangle rack, billiard chalk, pool cues, balls, and even a bridge stick
• A few strong people to help lift heavy pieces—Olhausen slates can weigh over 200 lbs each

Pro Tip: Store bolts, screws, and rail hardware in labeled bags for each section. This helps during reassembly or future disassembly and transport for pool table moving or felt re-covering.

Step-by-Step Olhausen Pool Table Assembly Instructions

Assembly of an Olhausen Americana, Bantam Table, or other model follows similar principles. Still, always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Step 1 – Position the Frame and Pedestals

Set up the frame and attach the pedestals (legs) according to the included instructions.

• Make sure the floor surface is level and clear of debris.
• Use a level to ensure the frame is perfectly balanced; this will determine the accuracy of your slate leveling later.
• Make use of the levelers included with the pedestals or
• Tighten bolts with a socket wrench, but leave slight play for final adjustments.

Triangle Billiards’ professionals often perform a preliminary re-leveling at this stage to ensure the frame remains square during the table slate installation.

Step 2 – Install the Slates

Carefully position the slates on the frame:

• Most Olhausen Pool Tables use three-piece premium slates for easier handling, although they will still be 200lbs each, on average, so the more hands you have, the better.
• Place each section in its marked position (head end, center, foot end).
• Secure each piece with screws using your power drill or screwdriver bit.
• Fill seams with beeswax or bondo, then melt and smooth it with a propane blowtorch for a flawless playing surface.

Note: Premium slate pieces can still weigh over 200 lbs each. Get 2–3 strong people to lift and place them safely, while somebody keeps the table steady. If this is a disassembly, make sure to mark each piece (left, center, right) for correct reassembly later. Never stack slates vertically during transport or storage; keep them flat at a pro storage center or safe area to avoid cracks.

Step 3 – Attach the Table Cloth

Installing the table cloth (felt) is one of the most delicate steps:

• Choose quality felt for professional-grade play, like the Championship® Tour Edition cloth or those from the Simonis® brand.
• Lay the cloth over the slate, ensuring an equal overhang.
• Starting at the head end, staple the cloth under the slate, pulling it taut as you move toward the opposite end.
• Use needle-nose pliers or staple pullers to remove any misplaced staples, although needle-nose pliers are recommended.

This step directly affects ball roll, as wrinkles or loose areas will disrupt gameplay.

Step 4 – Install Rails and Cushions

With the cloth secured, it’s time to attach the rails and cushions:

• If cushions aren’t pre-installed, attach them using Accu-Fast® cushions for authentic Olhausen bounce.
• Position rails carefully, starting with corners and moving to the sides.
• Tighten all bolts evenly with your socket wrench to keep the frame balanced.

Triangle Billiards often checks cushion responsiveness at this point to ensure your table meets pro-level standards.

Step 5 – Secure the Pockets

Attach the pockets based on your table’s design:

• Drop pockets may require staples or screws; ball return systems use clips or brackets.
• Check that each pocket is flush with the rails and cloth, with no sagging or gaps.

Proper pocket installation prevents pool balls from getting stuck mid-game.

Common Assembly Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right tools, a few errors can compromise your table’s performance:

• Failing to level the frame before slate installation
• Using insufficient beeswax coating in slate seams
• Pulling the tablecloth unevenly, creating wrinkles
• Not checking the rails for alignment before tightening bolts
• Skipping a final re-leveling after rail and pocket installation
• Not considering the room size when deciding where to assemble the pool table

Advantages of Professional Pool Table Assembly Services

While this guide makes assembly sound manageable, the reality is that precision work takes experience:

• Professionals handle disassembly, reassembly, and re-leveling for long-term accuracy.
• Expert installers have specialty tools and methods that protect your table’s lifetime warranty.
• Triangle Billiards can also handle pool table moving, re-covering, shuffleboard moving, hockey table moving, and adding rustic accessories or game table accessories like cue racks, pool cues, cue tips, and foosball equipment.

Our selection of accessories—from Olhausen Heavy Duty Pool Table Dust Covers to moth balls for insect prevention—ensures your table stays in top condition. We even offer maintenance items like dry cleaner solutions for cloth care.

Triangle Billiards – Your Southern California Olhausen Experts

Whether it’s for another addition to the Olhausen GameRooms collection in San Diego or a custom Olhausen Americana setup, we’ve been helping America enjoy better billiards for years. Our family-owned business takes pride in delivering lasting value, saving customers the need to pound the pavement searching for quality service.

We provide:

• Professional pool table assembly and re-leveling
• Pool table brush and cloth maintenance advice
• Precision beeswax seam work and cushion testing
• Complete game table accessories inventory
• Competitive pricing backed by our years of service and dedication

The Smartest Way to Set Up Your Olhausen Table

Setting up an Olhausen Pool Table requires careful handling of slates, rails, pockets, and the tablecloth. While it’s possible to follow the instructions and do it yourself, the safest way to protect your investment, maintain your warranty, and guarantee professional-grade play is to let Triangle Billiards handle it.

From first bolt to final cue ball break, our experts ensure every element is aligned, leveled, and ready for years of great games. Call today to schedule your assembly and experience the Triangle Billiards difference.