Learning how to set up a foosball table may sound easy, but if you’ve purchased the best foosball table money can buy, then you’re looking at a complicated assembly that can take hours. Why? Because most manufacturers include instructions that are either too complex or too vague. In this guide, I’ll go over the basics of foosball table assembly, so you can have your new table assembled in no time.
Professional Assembly
Professional assembly is an option, one that many manufacturers offer, but having a professional come out to your home to assemble your table can end up costing you big, depending on the size of your table and how complex the assembly process it. In fact, it’s common for a full-sized, pro-quality table to take several hours to assemble. However, with a little patience and some basic know-how you can easily assemble the table yourself, using a few tools.
Get Help
Before you get started putting your new foosball table together, you should read the user’s manual, then choose the right spot for your table and clear the area.
Just as important, you should call a friend and see if they can come over and help. If you’ve purchased a full-size table, then you can easily anticipate the table taking a minimum of two hours to put together, if you’re working alone. Having a friend help you can easily cut the assembly time in half and will be crucial when it comes time to flip the table over and place it on its feet.
Read the Manual
Most tables will come with instructions. Some instruction manuals are easier to read and follow than others. If the manual is too complex, or your table arrives with no parts marked, you may find yourself working on the table for several hours. Do your best to get through the user’s manual and be sure to leave the booklet open to the parts list, which will come in handy later.
Gather Supplies
In the manual, there should be a list of tools you’ll need. Some tables may come with the required tools, while others will not. Gather all the gear you need before you get started, so you don’t find yourself constantly running out to the garage.
The Basics
Every model is different and foosball table sizes can vary significantly. However, despite these differences, there are some commonalities between tables that you can apply in all situations.
Below, I’ll included some tips that can help you during the assembly process:
- To avoid breaking the legs, always pick up the table before you try to turn it over.
- Before you start putting the table together, make sure the table arrives with all of the parts. Use the instructions manual as a reference and go down the list, checking off each part as you locate it.
- If the table arrives without instructions, try Googling the model instead of winging it.
Get Organized
Start off by laying out all of the pieces in the box. Go through the manual to make sure all the right parts are included and get an overview of all the steps that are involved.
If the manual seems too complicated, look up a tutorial on YouTube.
Assembling the Body of the Table
When you begin the assembly process, focus on assembling the body first. This involves the largest components. This will allow you to place the table in an upright position. Since the table is at a comfortable height, it’ll make it easier to work on.
When it’s time to attach the legs, place the table in a face down position.
Another option is to have a second personal hold the table leg in place before you drop the tabletop down. If the table doesn’t have structural panels on each side and comes with narrow legs instead, then you’ll need to attach the legs to the table’s base positioned flat on the floor. If it has side panels, then you’ll need a friend to assist.
Turning the Table Over
To turn the table over, you’ll need to:
- Attach the leg end panels or leg braces
- Place the table on its side
- Lift it off the ground to turn it over in the air
Make sure you hold the table upright. Turning the table will be a two-person job since you have to lift the table fully off the ground to prevent damaging the legs. Before you turn it over, you’ll want to attach each end panel or brace. These components provide extra strength to the legs.
Attach Rods
Once the table has been placed in an upright position, the next step is attaching the rods. The rods come with the men and stoppers attached and can be secured by sliding them through marked notches.
Next, you’ll tighten the stop rings located on each side of the men. This will secure them in place. Some foosball table owners also prefer to lubricate the rods during this time, to promote smoother rolling action.
To learn how to lubricate the table’s rods the right way, click here to read my in-depth article on the process.
Accessories
New foosball tables often come equipped with a variety of style options and extra accessories, such as the frames for the goalposts, which usually need to be assembled separately. Most goalposts will snap into place, just make sure you don’t use too much force and break them. Separate any accessories that need to be assembled separately and work on them toward the end of the process.
Final Thoughts
A foosball table consists of many parts, which is what makes assembling one so challenging. Additionally, the included instructions aren’t always very clear. This can make the entire process very frustrating and time-consuming.
How to set up a foosball table correctly will depend on the table’s size, and the make and model. While each table is different, most share the same basic assembly process. Fortunately, professional assembly is also an option if you find yourself struggling to put your table together or you’re working alone. However, if you want to save some serious cash and assemble the table yourself, grab a friend or two to help you tackle this challenging project.
