It has the word “tennis” in the name, but it is not the tennis we usually write about here. However, not everybody can afford a tennis court in the house, but almost everybody can play table tennis at home. Table tennis is an ideal complementary sport for everyone. It improves your reaction times, it requires quick footwork and moreover it offers a lot of fun. Here is our short guide to table tennis tables that helps you orientate yourself in the world of table tennis.
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Here is the list of questions we will try to answer:
What are the dimensions of the Table Tennis Table?
What space will you need for a Table Tennis Table?
Are smaller Tennis Tables available for smaller spaces?
What is the difference between Indoor and Outdoor Tables?
What materials are used for Table Tennis Tables, and how it impacts durability and play?
What are the advantages of a foldable table tennis table?
What other features of the table should you consider?
What are the prices for Table Tennis Tables?
My choice of the best Table Tennis Tables?
What are the dimensions of the Table Tennis Table?
The official dimensions set by ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) for table tennis tables are 152.5 cm (5 ft) width x 274 cm (9 ft) length x 76 cm (30 in) height. The net at the middle of the table should be 15.25 cm (6 in) high, and its length should be 183 cm.
The attentive reader noticed that the length of the net is 30.5 cm bigger than the width of the table tennis table. There is a net overhang of 15.25 cm at the official matches on both sides of the table.
Though, there are many tables and net sold in shops that do not have the overhang. If you are not playing professionally, you will be o.k. even without it.
What space will you need for a Table Tennis Table?
The table’s dimensions are one thing; however, you need more space for players to move safely around the table.
The minimum you will need is the space for four steps behind the end of the table and two steps on its sides. That is approximately 2 meters at each end and 1 meter on the sides.
All in all, you will need a room of size approximately 7 meters x 3.5 meters at least. But, of course, the bigger space gives you more comfort and also safety.
Are smaller Tennis Tables available for smaller spaces?
If you do not own a room big enough for a regular-sized table tennis table, you can go for smaller versions. Many producers also sell tables of 3/4 or 2/3 of the regular dimensions.
These tables are suitable for fun play or even limited practice. However, if you want to play table tennis seriously, go for the regular-sized table.
Check the mid-size table tennis tables on Amazon here.
What is the difference between Indoor and Outdoor Tables?
Professional table tennis is an indoor sport. The reason is the impact of the weather, especially the wind, on the play. Tennis table balls are light, so even a small breeze affects their trajectory.
However, there are many table tennis tables placed outdoors. If you play for fun, the wind just adds an additional twist to the game. Moreover, it is easier to find a spot outside with enough space for table tennis.
The tables for indoor and outdoor are slightly different. The outdoor tables are usually more solidly built. The top wooden plate has a special coating to resist the weather conditions. It also impacts the bounce of the ball, so outdoor table tennis is a bit different.
If you will buy the indoor table and place it outdoors, its durability will be limited. Indoor tables are not built for rain and temperature changes. As a result, the top of the table will deteriorate more quickly and decrease the quality of the play.
Check on Amazon all available indoor tables here or outdoor tables here.
What materials are used for Table Tennis Tables, and how it impacts durability and play?
Table tennis tables are usually made from wood (the table) and alloy (frame and base).
The most important quality factor is the thickness of the wooden table. The thickness impacts the playing characteristics (bounce of the ball) and the durability.
The thickness of wooden tops is in the range of 12 to 25 mm.
The thicker the top is, the better quality and also the more expensive table is. So go always for a thicker top if you can afford it.
Generally, the professional competitions and matches are played on a table with a 22 to 25 mm surface. The mid-range tables, suitable for everyone, have wooden tops from 16 to 22 mm.
What are the advantages of a foldable table tennis table?
A foldable table tennis table has numerous advantages. First of all, it saves space when you store the table in the off-season. Secondly, it is easy to transport in a foldable state, thanks to the rubber wheels. And last but not least, you can fold the table and enjoy solo player sessions when half of the table serves as a practice wall.
The good thing is that once the table is assembled, the folding is effortless, and one person, even the child, can do it.
All foldable table tennis tables available on Amazon are here.
What other features of the table should you consider?
Assembly time
Table tennis tables come in a box, and it is up to you to assemble them. Fortunately, you do not need to be afraid. Even, non-skilled office guy like me can do it. It is better to have one pair of hands ready to help, as the table is not very light, and you need to move half of the tabletop at once. However, the table assembly should not last more than one hour. The more skilled people will do it in time well below thirty minutes.
Stability
Stability is essential, as you do not need the table to move during the play. Most of the models have wheels for easier transportation. The wheels are equipped with locks (brakes) for fixing the positions.
Leg levelers are another helpful feature to put your table straight.
Net with posts included
You do not need to buy a net separately as almost all tables include nets with posts.
Ball holders & Score counters
The more expensive models offer ball holders and scorers embedded into the body of the ball. Both items are not high on the priority list, but you will quickly get used to them.
What are the prices for Table Tennis Tables?
The prices for a regular table tennis table start at $250 (usually with thinner wooden tops), but if you aim for quality, you should spend at least $500. The most expensive items can cost over $1000.
JOOLA Berkshire Multi-Use Table with Concrete Oak Wood Look
Check the price of JOOLA Berkshire on Amazon here.
Smaller tables (also called mid-size) prices usually start around $150.
Check Gosport Mid-Size Table Tennis Set (Table, Net, Paddles, Balls) on Amazon here.
The list of best-selling tables on Amazon is here.
The Best Table Tennis Tables
The most prominent brands in the table tennis industry are (in alphabetical order): Butterfly, Joola, and Stiga. However, many more manufacturers produce quality tennis tables, e.g., Franklin Sports or MD Sport.
Here is my choice of the best table tennis tables.
| Butterfly Easifold DX 22 | STIGA Advantage Professional | JOOLA NOVA | JOOLA Signature Pro Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |
| Indoor table 22 mm MDF surface table top Foldable with halves that lock in the upright position for solo practice Lockable wheels and casters Leg levelers | Indoor table 16 mm MDF surface table top Foldable with halves that lock in the upright position for solo practice Lockable wheels and casters Leg levelers | Outdoor table 6 mm thick aluminum plastic composite surface All Weather table surface Lockable wheels and casters Leg levelers | Indoor table 25 mm MDF surface table top Foldable with halves that lock in the upright position for solo practice 4" lockable wheels and casters |
| Check price on Amazon here | Check price on Amazon here | Check price on Amazon here | Check price on Amazon here |
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