Table Tennis Table Buying Guide

Table tennis can be played by the whole family. Table tennis provides a measure of fun, put also places demands on the endurance and coordination of the participants.
Table tennis is not only played as an organized sport put also very popular as a leisure activity. Just as manifold as their field of application are the differences among the available table tennis tables.
The following buying guide will provide a brief overview of the key features of a table tennis tables.

Various uses for table tennis tables

Table tennis tables can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor table tennis table should never be used outdoors. The surface coating of indoor tables is not UV resistant. The different surface layers will draw moisture even when exposed to sunlight, this causes swelling of the surface layers. For use outdoors we recommend a weather resistant outdoor table. .

Game properties of table tennis tables

The quality of the ball’s rebound depends on the table tennis table used. The thicker and harder the top the higher and more consistently the ball will rebound.

For indoor tables the thickness of the top can vary between 16 and 25 mm. We recommend a minimum thickness of 19 mm for good playing properties.

For outdoor table tennis tables mostly melamine resign tops are used. Melamine is a very dense and hard material. An outdoor table tennis table will have good playing properties for the leisure segment starting at a thickness of 3.5 cm. Is the table used by more serious table tennis players we recommend a thickness starting at 5 cm. As mentioned above the thickness plays a key role in the rebound quality of the ball.

Stability of the table tennis table

Especially in the home and leisure segment stability is very important. Experience shows that children like to climb on top of the table tennis tables and not always treat the table appropriately. High stability and safety should therefore be one of the most important criteria when making a buying decision. Pay attention to the table’s specification, regarding construction of its base and its operation.

Color of the table

Not so long ago all table tennis tables had a green top. Now blue or even grey are becoming increasingly common. In the leisure market the decision as to which of these colors to choose is solely a matter of personal taste. For professional use, blue table tennis tops are gaining the lead, since the ball is offset better against the blue surface and can be seen more easily.

Mobility of the table tennis table

Most table tennis tables for private use as well as in organized sports are movable. Most of the time they have four transport wheels which makes it easy to move the table while folded. The transport wheels vary between 125 mm and 128 mm in diameter. The material of the transport wheels, if plastic or rubber, or if there are single or tandem wheels attached has no bearing on the quality of play. Attention should be placed on the availability of a latching system to avoid having the table roll away unintentionally.

Expected useful life

Table tennis tables are in use for around 15 years on average. Many tables are passed on within the family. We recommend therefore do not only pay attention to the price but put the emphasis on quality, to assure your children and even grandchildren will still be able to enjoy your table tennis table. A price difference of 50 Euros spread over 10 years means a difference of only 5 Euros per year.

Maintenance and cleaning of your table tennis table

Table tennis tables, indoor as well as outdoor are very easy to maintain. The surface should be wiped with a clean cloth regularly. The functioning of the locking system should be checked on a yearly basis.
Having the best table tennis table will not make any difference if you do not have the proper accessories. Nets, balls und rackets are essential for table tennis in all its facets.