Last updated: July 2026
An old pool table gives you three realistic paths: repurpose the slate into something new, rehome the whole table through donation or resale, or book a removal team to take it away. The right choice depends on whether the slate is still in good condition and how much effort you want to put in. Here are six ideas worth considering.
What you're working with
Pool tables are made up of several distinct components: the slate playing surface, a timber frame, felt cloth, cushion rails, and the legs. Each part has different disposal and recycling options.
The slate slab is the most reusable part. Natural slate is a stone, so it is not recyclable via council kerbside bins or standard waste streams. Without a new use, it goes to landfill. The timber frame is a different story: untreated, unpainted timber can be accepted by specialist wood recyclers, but a painted or lacquered pool table frame does not qualify.
The six ideas below are all about the slate. For the frame, felt, and rails, the most practical route is professional disassembly and disposal.
Turn the slate into a foosball playing surface
Pool table slate is heavy, flat, and naturally smooth, which makes it a strong candidate for a foosball playing surface. You'll need a wet tile saw, or take the slate to a stone-cutting facility, to trim it to your preferred size. Once fitted to a foosball frame, the slate surface eliminates the ball-wandering problem you get with cheaper wooden tables, which can warp over time. You can seal and paint the slate, or leave the natural grey finish.
Use the slate as a kitchen or bathroom countertop
You can also use the pool table slate to make bathroom and kitchen countertops. Slate is dense, naturally water-resistant, and handles heat well, which is why stonemasons have used it for benchtops for decades. It is an alternative to granite for kitchen and bathroom countertops, particularly in older or heritage-style homes. To make a countertop using the slate, draw a pattern of the design you want on the slate. Draw the general outer dimension and the sink cutout place. Take the pattern and slate to a countertop cutting facility, and do the cutting at a small cost. You may need two to four powerful volunteers to transport.
Build a flat, stable workbench top
A pool table slate can also make a strong workbench top. Since the slate is heavy, your bench will not shake when you are sawing, planning or applying pressure on it. Its flat surface may also be necessary when working on projects that require flat levels like sanding.
Convert it to a table tennis surface
If you want to play table tennis, you can transform your slate into a table tennis surface with a different playing mode. You will be required a table conversion top at a lower price. This allows you to play table tennis with family and friends on an exceptional surface. These tables are cheaper than table tennis and include high-quality features similar to those used in professional games. The pool table slate also might be an excellent conversion top if you do not have a lot of free space left in your home. The slate is also easy and quick to install, so you can easily set up the table when you want to play and remove them when done laying.
Repurpose it as a dining or office table
You could use slate as front office furniture when well-designed due to its smooth surface. You only need a few makeovers, especially with the stands and decorations. This furniture can also be used at home as a dining table. Most of the work is in sourcing stands and a finish. Both are available from hardware stores.
Use it as a bar table in a pub or games room
If you are running a local pub, then you might want to use a pool table slate as a bar table. The slate table is made of quality materials and may be used longer than the common bar table. You may need a creative carpenter to get the table for you in a different and exciting design.
Want to rehome the whole table instead?
Not everyone wants to take on a slate-cutting project. If the table is in good condition, rehoming it is worth trying before you pay for removal.
Sell it. Pool tables in working order can be listed on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Free listings cost nothing; even a modest asking price can offset removal costs. Be upfront about the table's condition and state whether it includes balls, cues, and a cover.
Donate it. Charity stores accept furniture, and some community organisations actively seek large items. In NSW, Re-Love is a registered charity that collects rescued furniture and household items to support women and children affected by domestic violence and homelessness. GreenChair is a national program that redirects furniture to nonprofits and community groups. Contact them directly to confirm whether they accept pool tables and arrange collection.
Check with your local council whether pool tables are accepted at a bulky waste collection or transfer station. Some councils accept large hard items; call before you book a council collection day because oversized items sometimes need a separate booking.
Need someone to take it away? If the table is too heavy to move, the slate is cracked, or you just want it gone this week, Paul's Rubbish Removal can collect pool tables, billiard tables, and snooker tables across Sydney. Book before 10am for same-day pickup. Call 0407 125 125 for a free quote. Pool table removal Sydney
Common questions
How do I get rid of a pool table I no longer want?
You have four options: repurpose the slate for another use (see above), sell or donate the whole table, book a council hard-rubbish collection (call your council first to check oversized item rules), or hire a removal team to disassemble and take it away. Pool table slate is heavy and the table cannot be moved in one piece, so most people need professional help even for option one.
Can I put a pool table out for council clean-up?
Most Sydney councils do accept large furniture items on hard-rubbish days, but oversized and heavy items sometimes need to be booked separately. Contact your council before leaving the table on the kerb. Illegal dumping is not permitted.
Is pool table slate recyclable?
Pool table slate is natural stone. Unless it is repurposed into something new (benchtop, workbench, etc.), it typically ends up in landfill because stone is not accepted in council recycling bins. The timber frame may qualify for specialist wood recycling only if it is untreated and unpainted.
