7 Best Billiard Table Shims For Stable Play

A billiard table is often the centerpiece of a game room, but even a slight tilt can turn an enjoyable evening into a frustrating game of physics. When balls roll toward the rail on their own, the game loses its integrity and the fun evaporates quickly. Leveling the table properly ensures that every shot stays true to the intended aim.

Q-Claw Metal Shims: The Permanent, Heavy-Duty Fix

These metal shims are designed for heavy-duty slate tables that remain in one permanent location for years. Because they are constructed from high-grade, rigid metal, they will not compress, flatten, or deform under the immense weight of professional-grade slate.

They are ideal for homes where the table is installed once and never expected to move. Since metal does not shift over time like softer materials, the level stays consistent through seasonal temperature changes or floor settling.

• Best for: Permanent home installations on concrete or sturdy hardwood floors.
• Bottom line: If the table is heavy and likely never to be relocated, these represent a set-it-and-forget-it investment.

Wobble Wedges: Best All-Purpose Flexible Plastic Shim

For households with older, uneven flooring, rigid shims can sometimes be difficult to position. Wobble wedges are made from a high-density, slightly flexible plastic that conforms to the tiny imperfections in tile, laminate, or wood flooring.

Their unique ribbed design provides excellent grip, preventing the shim from sliding out from under the leg over time. They are particularly useful for renters who might move the table occasionally or for those living in older homes where the floor has slight dips.

• Best for: Tables on irregular surfaces like ceramic tile or uneven subflooring.
• Bottom line: Choose these for their versatility and ease of use in non-perfect environments.

Billiard Evolution Tapered Shims: For Pro Accuracy

Precision is the hallmark of Billiard Evolution shims, which feature a fine-tuned taper specifically engineered for the unique base geometry of billiard legs. These allow for minute adjustments that standard shims simply cannot achieve.

They are the preferred choice for homeowners who take their game seriously and demand professional-grade accuracy. While they require a bit more patience to install, the resulting stability is second to none for high-stakes, competitive play.

• Best for: Serious players who want the table surface to be perfectly level in all directions.
• Bottom line: Invest in these if the goal is maximum accuracy and you are willing to spend the time to adjust them carefully.

Bear Hollow Supply Wood Shims: The Traditional Choice

Wood shims have been the standard in carpentry and leveling for generations, and they remain highly effective for billiard tables. They offer a firm, reliable base that is easy to trim to size with a simple utility knife once installed.

The natural wood fiber provides a bit of inherent friction, ensuring the table foot stays locked in place. They work exceptionally well on carpeted areas where plastic might be too slippery or prone to sliding.

• Best for: Tables placed on thick carpet or rug-covered flooring.
• Bottom line: If the environment is traditional or carpeted, wood remains an unbeatable, cost-effective solution.

Ram-Pro Rubber Shims: Best for Noise & Vibration

In apartments or upstairs game rooms, a billiard table can transmit sound and vibration through the floor. Ram-Pro rubber shims act as a dampening barrier between the heavy table legs and the flooring material.

These shims absorb the impact of the game, reducing the “thud” heard in rooms below. Because they are made of rubber, they also offer a non-slip surface that prevents the table from shifting during aggressive breaks.

• Best for: Upstairs game rooms or homes where noise transfer to other rooms is a concern.
• Bottom line: These prioritize acoustic comfort and stability without sacrificing performance.

TableShims Hard Plastic Wedges: Top Budget-Friendly Pick

Not every leveling job requires expensive hardware; sometimes a simple, stackable wedge does the job perfectly. These hard plastic shims are an economical option that provides enough structural integrity for standard home-use tables.

They are lightweight and easy to keep in a toolbox for future adjustments. Because they come in bulk packs, they are also convenient for leveling other heavy furniture throughout the house.

• Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who need a simple, effective fix.
• Bottom line: This is a straightforward, no-frills choice that gets the job done without extra costs.

Slipstick Stack-Its: For Large, Uneven Height Gaps

If a floor has a significant slope, a standard shim might not provide enough height to compensate. Slipstick Stack-Its are designed to interlock, allowing for a secure, stable pillar that reaches the necessary height.

They offer a larger footprint than a standard wedge, providing better weight distribution for heavy tables. This reduces the risk of the table leg sinking into softer floor materials or cracking tiles over time.

• Best for: Significant leveling challenges where a thin wedge simply isn’t enough.
• Bottom line: Use these when the floor is noticeably out of plumb and requires a more substantial lift.

How to Properly Find Your Table’s Low Spots

Finding the low spot is impossible by sight alone, as the rails often play tricks on the eyes. Begin by placing a high-quality bubble level on the table surface in several directions: left to right, front to back, and diagonally.

Mark the low corners with a small piece of painter’s tape once identified. Always test the level at the center of the table as well to ensure the slate itself isn’t warped before you begin shimming the legs.

• Process check: Ensure the table is free of weight while measuring, and double-check with the level after every adjustment.
• Bottom line: Accuracy at the start saves hours of frustration later.

Metal vs. Plastic vs. Wood: Which Shim Is Best?

Material choice depends entirely on the flooring and the frequency of table use. Metal is for absolute permanence, while plastic is ideal for adaptability in changing environments.

Wood remains the most forgiving material to work with if you need to shape or trim the shim. Avoid choosing based on price alone; consider the floor type and the weight of the table first to prevent long-term damage to the floor beneath.

• Decision matrix:
  • Concrete/Hardwood: Metal or Hard Plastic.
  • Carpet: Wood or Rubber.
  • Unstable/Uneven: Flexible Plastic or Interlocking Stacks.

Using a Machinist’s Level for a Perfect Surface

A short, handheld level is rarely sufficient for a large billiard table. A professional machinist’s level or an extra-long carpenter’s level provides the necessary span to compare the distance between two distant points accurately.

The goal is a consistent reading across the entire length of the slate. If the level is too short, you will be leveling small sections rather than the plane of the entire table, leading to uneven play.

• Pro tip: Use a long level, and move it slowly to observe the bubble consistently across the center and sides.
• Bottom line: Proper tools ensure that the leveling process is done once and done right.

Taking the time to level a billiard table properly is a small investment that yields years of accurate, enjoyable play. By matching the right shim material to the specific conditions of the game room, you ensure the table remains a stable and reliable fixture for family and guests. Once the table is truly level, the focus can shift entirely back to the game.