Maybe you just realized that your bumpers are dead, or you’re about to buy an old table that seems to have lost its bounce. If wondering how much it costs to replace bumpers, read on.
How much does it cost to replace pool table bumpers? On Average, pool table bumper replacement can cost from 50-150 dollars if you’re doing it yourself. If you’re outsourcing to pros, however, most charge a fixed price of 150 or 200 dollars for standard pool table bumpers.
Bumpers, also known as rail cushions, are a very vital part of pool play. They are one of the parts that contribute actively towards how the game is played.
There needs to be a uniform bounce from all cushions, If you have tested your cushions and there isn’t, then it may be time to replace your rail cushions.
But you need to make sure you’ll replace them according to your table, there are a number of factors that will determine which rail bumpers and bumper profiles you will need for your table.
Let’s dive in and find out.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Pool Table Bumpers
Depending on the size and type of your table, prices can differ greatly. Factors like table size, rail type, cushion profile, and overall brand affect the price. Unbranded cushions are of course cheaper than the branded ones.
Special profile bumpers like the high-speeds and the extra thick cushion profiles are also notably costlier than other mainstream bumpers. Some bumpers like the U23 are rarer due to their low demand, and thus costlier than other bumper profile.
Averagely, may cost anywhere between $50 and $150 to buy and install yourself.
If you are looking to have professionals come and install for you then the cost will increase to around $150-$200 for standard tables and bumpers.
Things that might affect the price:
- Bumper profile
- Bumper brand
- Your location
- Time
- Special requirements
Different rail cushion profiles are listed below for each sized pool table as well as the recommended glue for rail bumpers and bumper facings.
K66 bumper profile
(7ft – 8ft – 9ft tables)
Extras: bumper glue & bumper Facings
K55 bumper profile
(7ft – 8ft – 9ft tables)
U23 bumper profile
(7ft – 8ft tables)
Extras: bumper glue & bumper Facings
Price is negotiated if you’re adding extra features. It also increases if your table requires extra attention. Some large tables might require three hands instead of one and thus the price increases.
If you’re replacing your bumpers yourself, consider the tools you have and if you have to buy or rent the ones you don’t have.
The most important part of your budget, however, is the price of the actual bumpers. It affects how much you’ll be charged if you’re outsourcing it, and how much you’ll spend if you’re making it a DIY project.
Averagely, a basic replacement DIY costs less than a hundred dollars. However, a DIY where you’ll be using fancy or special replacements can run into 200-250 dollars, depending on how special you’re making it. An outsourced basic replacement costs 150 dollars, and the price changes depending on what special features the replacement will consider.
Maybe you just realized that your bumpers are dead, or you’re about to buy an old but strong pool table that seems to have lost its bounce. And you’re wondering how much it costs to replace bumpers, read on.
Bumpers, also known as rail cushions, are a very vital part of pool play. They are one of the parts that contribute actively towards the play. Unlike the slate, bumpers differ from each other and directly affect the dynamics of a play. Players have to play being conscious of the amount of bounce a cushion has.
What Are Pool Table Bumpers Made of
Billiards cushions are made from vulcanized rubber and canvas clothing. This is a type of rubber used in tires, hockey pucks, and some shoe soles. Vulcanized rubber is used basically in anything that you want to maintain projectile or last long.
Vulcanized rubber is made when rubber is combined with elements like Sulphur at high temperature and pressure. Vulcanization is what gives rubber elasticity and toughness, two characteristics not often found together.
Canvas is added to prevent the ball from bouncing more than once when played at high projectiles. Canvas gives the ball a steady pace of play.
The composition of canvas and vulcanized rubber often varies depending on the profile and purpose of the cushion. The popular high-speed cushion has a notably higher amount of rubber than canvas. And as it ages, it becomes slower due to the petrification of its rubber. It also petrifies faster.
When the standard is followed, various profiles of rail cushions should have a differing composition of rubber to the canvas. This is to balance the speed and bounce vis-à-vis the rail’s structural composition.
In turn, the composition also affects the rate of petrification. The K55 and K66 petrify slower than most other profiles due to the high amount of canvas. The composition affects the rate of petrification, the rate of petrification affects the demand for new ones, and demand affects the price and economical dynamics of rail cushions.
What You Will Need to Replace Pool Table Bumpers Yourself
A pool table bumper replacement involves some things, the most important is your new pool table cushions.
to learn a bit more in-depth on how to change the cushion rails on your table, then check out my how-to guide.
To successfully change your billiard cushion, you’ll need to buy the following materials:
- New cushions: Your hardware store should sell the usual bumpers for around 50-70 dollars for an 8ft table. On amazon and online billiards store, prices range from 50 dollars for the lowest and can run into 120 dollars, depending on the type and how much. High-speed cushion sells for about 100 dollars for an 8ft table.
- Cushion facing: Cushion facings are affixed to the edges of the pockets of your table. They stabilize your ball and help the rail absorb the speed and shock when balls are pocketed. Unlike cushions, there are not quite different from one another. Averagely, enough cushion facing for a table costs 5 dollars or less, but are allowed to run into 10 dollars, depending on the brand.
- Staple pins: You need staple pins, lots of them. Enough to stitch the whole rail back up. Enough pin sells below 2 dollars.
- Glue: You need heavy-duty thick glue. Some people also prefer to use two-parts glue with activator sprays. You might also consider a proper spray glue for the cushion facings, though the normal glue would also do the trick. Heavy-duty contact glue sells for 20-25 dollars, while spray glues cost around 5-10 dollars.
You also need the following tools:
- Staple gun: You’ll need a staple gun, to staple back the felt.
- Staple remover: To remove the felt covering.
- Scraper: To scrape the extra gum covering when you remove the old cushion.
- Screwdriver: To unscrew the rails and also a good tool for prying away the old petrified cushion.
You might also need the following
- Felt: Although you can still cover up the whole thing back with the old felt, you might consider getting a new one.
- Featherstrip: You can end up breaking the old featherstrip when you’re removing it, be sure to have extras nearby.
Conclusively, a low-budget DIY pool cushion replacement should cost you below a hundred dollars. An extreme budget could even cut up to 70 dollars. However, be sure to replace your cushions with quality replacements.
Outsourcing your pool bumper replacement should cost you around 150 dollars on averagely and you can be sure of a hitch-free and professional replacement.
Remember all the trouble you go through to remove then replace it, also remember that every time you open up your billiard table, you draw out a little of its life, of its uniqueness and quality. So be sure to make sure that every replacement is worth it.
May your billiard cushions remain bouncy.
Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.
