Tips on buying a Table Tennis Table

There are various sizes of table tennis tables on the market, the smaller ones are designed for children and environments that have limited space. Although these smaller table tennis tables will provide good fun, a full size table tennis table is by far the best experience. The international dimensions of table tennis tables is 274cm x 152.5cm x 76cm.

Playing Surface

The playing surface differs between outdoor and indoor tables and generally the more you pay the better quality the material will be. Outdoor table tennis tables are usually made from resin laminate which makes it weatherproof and in most cases they will be snow, frost, rain and sun resistant. Indoor tables are made from high density chipboard and are not waterproof. If an indoor table is exposed to wet and damp it will warp and expand making it unusable. The more expensive models they will have anti-glare finishes.

Frames

The thickness of the table frame will determine the rigidity and flatness of the table, look for 60mm on outdoor model, 50mm on indoor model. On good quality table tennis tables the frame can also be corrosion and scratch resistant. The quality of each component will have an effect on the price of a table tennis table, so always try to think long term and pay a bit more. Table tennis has been around for decades and has never lost its appeal as a fun outdoor and indoor sport in which any member of the family can participate.

Net and Posts

The thickness of the table frame will determine the rigidity and flatness of the table, look for 60mm on outdoor model, 50mm on indoor model. On good quality table tennis tables the frame can also be corrosion and scratch resistant. The quality of each component will have an effect on the price of a table tennis table, so always try to think long term and pay a bit more. Table tennis has been around for decades and has never lost its appeal as a fun outdoor and indoor sport in which any member of the family can participate.

Leg Assembly

Steel legs are the most common, again the thickness of the steel will determine the sturdiness of the table. On better quality table tennis tables the steel legs will have a plastic/resin surround for additional strength. Plastic supported with steel increases the strength and is relatively light, making it easier t erect and dismantle.

Wheels

All folding table tennis tables will have wheels which make it easier to move to and from its storage place. If the ground over which you will be moving your table tennis table is very uneven, stony or muddy then consider a table without wheels - these tables are cheaper, because they are made up of two halves they are lighter to carry and take up less space, they can also be used for serving food and drinks or for indoor projects like jigsaw puzzles - look for the Supertramp Spacesaver table tennis tables. Wheels are best where you have an even surface to roll it on. The wheels should have brakes, to lock the wheels when in storage or when being played on.

Folding System

A folding table tennis table folding system is vitally important as cheaper tables will have weak folding systems that will not last. The price and length of guarantee will indicate the quality. Folding tables have the disadvantage of not being able to use the table for anything else but table tennis. Tables that are made up of two separate halves can double up as useful working and serving surfaces inside or outside e.g. for projects and extending your dinner table. These tables also take up less space as each half can be stored either side of your garage.