Restoration of a billiard table involves substantial work in addition to the more usual repairs and maintenance - see page 'repairs'. It is necessary to carry out this work at our factory, so moving costs are likely to be involved.

Restoration usually includes work on the show timbers of the table and on the playing surface.

• Show timbers:

Here the work varies, depending upon the actual condition of the timbers, and the requirements of the table owner. Preparation of show timbers may involve:

- stripping and sanding to remove earlier polished treatment
- patching or replacement of damaged areas of table mouldings and panels
- steaming timbers to remove sizeable indentations
- hand turning legs and repairs to toes of legs
- entire re-polishing of all of the repaired show timbers, or if the customer prefers, repolishing of part of the show timbers and uplifting the remainder from the existing polish base.

• The Playing Surface

During restoration work the slate bed of the table is usually checked and repaired with our tradesman fitter carrying out the following procedures:

- erect table framework and plane surface of frame true to spirit level and straight edge
- fit slate bed to surface of frame and inspect for defects
- carry out repairs to damaged areas of slate bed as required
- check wooden slate linings and pocket pieces and replace as required.
- check slate pocket opening profiles and alter as required
- check slate dowels if applicable and adjust or reset as required
- grind slate bed by means of hand bible true to spirit level and straight edge.
- dismantle table

Costs of carrying out restoration work are usually substantial. Before such work is commenced, the customer should obtain a quotation and discuss the costs indicated in relation to the overall market value of the table.