Storing a Pool Table in a Non-Climate Controlled Storage Unit? How Bad for the Table?

[ChrisinNC]

I’m not aware of this topic being covered here, at least for quite some time. Obviously in a hot climate where temperatures in a storage unit might get to 100+ degrees, clearly that would not be good for the rubber cushions, or for the wood components. I’ve seen tables that have been in a storage unit in a hot climate that literally had melted cushion rubbers.

How about as far as cold extreme temperatures as low as single digits, teens or 20s? How bad are drastic changes from those temps to temps in the 40 degree to 80 degree range for the wood or for the cushion rubbers? Particularly if it goes from one extreme to the other many many times over the course of a year or for many years?

Is that likely to result in hardened/dead cushion rubbers? And will those temperature and humidity changes in a storage unit over a period of time significantly do harm to the wood components of the table, assuming a highly qualified mechanic is the one who eventually will be setting up the table? Opinions?

 

[Keith E.]

Chris,

The lack of humidity control would concern me much more than the 40-80F temperature swing that you speak of. I'm not sure what the effects would be in that particular environment but it would definitely weigh heavily on my decision if I was considering purcharing any table that had been stored in an unconditioned space.

Keith

 

[realkingcobra]

I’m not aware of this topic being covered here, at least for quite some time. Obviously in a hot climate where temperatures in a storage unit might get to 100+ degrees, clearly that would not be good for the rubber cushions, or for the wood components. I’ve seen tables that have been in a storage unit in a hot climate that literally had melted cushion rubbers.

How about as far as cold extreme temperatures as low as single digits, teens or 20s? How bad are drastic changes from those temps to temps in the 40 degree to 80 degree range for the wood or for the cushion rubbers? Particularly if it goes from one extreme to the other many many times over the course of a year or for many years?

Is that likely to result in hardened/dead cushion rubbers? And will those temperature and humidity changes in a storage unit over a period of time significantly do harm to the wood components of the table, assuming a highly qualified mechanic is the one who eventually will be setting up the table? Opinions?

Not a big deal, but make SURE there's air flow around your parts. You set anything on the floor, it's going to absorb condensation from trapped air with temperature changes. Stand up the frame and slates, space out the rails and the rest of the parts and pieces, as long as they're exposed to air flow, it'll be fine.

 

[ChrisinNC]

Not a big deal, but make SURE there's air flow around your parts. You set anything on the floor, it's going to absorb condensation from trapped air with temperature changes. Stand up the frame and slates, space out the rails and the rest of the parts and pieces, as long as they're exposed to air flow, it'll be fine.

Thanks, sounds like good advice. Even if stood up against the side wall of a storage unit, should the slates (with the wood backing) have a shipping blanket, cardboard or something placed under them to keep them off of the cement slab storage unit flooring? I’m guessing it wouldn’t hurt the slates, but might swell up / warp the wood backing?

 

[realkingcobra]

Thanks, sounds like good advice. Even if stood up against the side wall of a storage unit, should the slates (with the wood backing) have a shipping blanket, cardboard or something placed under them to keep them off of the cement slab storage unit flooring? I’m guessing it wouldn’t hurt the slates, but might swell up / warp the wood backing?

I always stand them on 2x4s because it make it easier to set them in place with a hand truck. Make sure you strap them to the wall in the event you get the experience of going through an earthquake, they don't fall over and break in half

 

[Johnny Rosato]

I don't have a pool table stored but I do have some things in a non-climate controlled unit here in Birmingham.
I was able to "acquire" a goodly number of those black plastic crates you see on docks behind local super markets.
Mine measure 17" x 11" and 4.5" deep. Odd numbers but that's what they are.
They're perfect for keeping things off the floor but keep in mind they will slide easily on the concrete.
Good luck and Happy new Year!
EDIT, I must've been typing as RKC was replying.