So it's nice to have the option of folding it up and storing it out of the way. Portability and storageĬhances are there will be periods when your home's ping-pong table gets little action and will mostly just collect dust, all while taking up lots of space. If you're fairly serious about ping-pong and want a table that holds up for the long haul, with good consistent bounce, go for one that's at least 19mm (0.75") thick. Pricey regulation tables measure at least 25mm thick (about 1"), while cheaper options might measure 12mm or 15mm. Table thickness is a key factor as well, with thicker (and more expensive) models providing a more consistent bounce that holds up over time. All of our recommended tables include a net and posts, but, as you'd expect, the quality of these components is superior in pricier models. At the lower end, tables are generally smaller, lighter, less sturdy and durable, with fewer features like wheels and adjustable legs to make the playing surface level. Ping-pong table prices range from under $200 to well over $2,000. serious competitionĪs with so many other hobbies and sports, ping-pong can be very affordable at the beginner level - and become super expensive at the more serious end of the spectrum. For a typical table, you'll want an area that's at least 9' x 15', and more space is better.
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Most amateurs are happy with tables that are a little smaller than regulation mid-size tables (usually 3' x 6') are usually adequate for one-on-one kids' games.Įven so, to play a decent game of ping-pong comfortably, it's important to have a few feet of free space on all sides of the table. Competitive tournaments require a huge amount of extra space around tables too - a total of roughly 23' x 46' per table.įew homeowners have that kind of space to spare in the basement or a rec room, and even if they did they may not want to reserve it for the occasional game of ping-pong. The official dimensions for a regulation table-tennis table is 5' x 9', and it should stand 2.5' off the ground. Be warned, though, that some aficionados say that the ball might bounce oddly on outdoor tables, which tend to have thinner and slicker surfaces. An outdoor table should feature special paint or a protective coating to handle a hot sun, wet weather, and a wide range of temperatures. On the other hand, tables designed for outdoor use are built with weather-resistant materials like fiberboard or aluminum (for the playing surface) and galvanized steel (for the legs, frame, and bolts underneath). But it's not a good idea to put any old table out in the elements, even if it's inside a garage or under a deck.Ī typical indoor ping-pong table is made of plywood or particle board that will warp and suffer other damage if it's left outside for extended periods of time. Ping-pong tables take up a lot of space, and many people would like the option of setting their tables up outside. Here's what you need to think about while shopping: Indoor or outdoor ping-pong table? (Well, OK, actually, for beer pong, you probably don't need a real table - a slab of plywood will do the trick just fine.) But what ping-pong table best suits your needs, and your budget? Ping-pong table buying guide No matter how you approach the game (or sport!), you'll need one major piece of equipment: a ping-pong table. Or college-age kids discarding paddles entirely and playing a different kind of pong with red Solo cups and large quantities of cheap alcoholic beverages. Or a family breaking off into mixed-age teams for game night, because everyone is sick of Monopoly and Pictionary. At the competitive level, it's a sport - an Olympic sport at that, not a merely fun "game" - that's referred to properly as "table tennis" rather than the whimsical "ping-pong." (The official organization overseeing the sport is called the International Table Tennis Federation, or ITTF.)Īt the other end of the spectrum are kids goofing around playing ping-pong in the basement as a distraction in between video games. Part of the game's charm is that it can be as serious or silly as you'd like. Ping-pong is one of those rare games that people can enjoy thoroughly when they're 6, 16, well over 60, and everything in between. Pretty heavy (130 pounds) and pricey (around $400).