12 Terrific Ping-Pong Tables – Bounce Towards The Fun

Whether you’re playing ping-pong at the family barbecue or if you really want to improve your game for a ping-pong league, it definitely pays off to invest in a ping-pong table that really can help you improve your game—or at least is the best ping-pong table for you and your family! However, when choosing a table, you have to first start off with what features are most important to look at when searching for a ping-pong table. You first will have to check out which surfaces of a table are best for your table tennis and then you have to look at the various features of an indoor and outdoor table.

In this guide, we’ve highlighted the special features of what is best and most important for not only our review but when you’re purchasing a ping-pong table. You’ll need to know all the specifications for the different features—like the size, the weight of the table, the tabletop thickness, the dimensions when folded, if it comes with wheels, and finally, the warranty of the product.

After hundreds of hours of research, we’ve finally sifted through the various online sources to sort out which brand offers the best ping-pong table. In our guide, you can go through and look at our comparison table with each product, the in-detail reviews of each, and a buying guide to help you make your purchasing decision. Ready to dig into the review? All right, let’s bounce.

Top 12 Ping-pong Tables Review 2021

Things to Consider

Now that you’ve got a few options under your belt, it’s time to take a look at the ping pong buying process. We know that you might be going back and forth—get it?—about these ping pong tables, so let’s break it down. In this buying guide, we’re going to take you through any questions you may have about the history of ping pong to know which features you need to pay extra attention to when considering a ping pong table.
We hope that this instructional guide can help you make a perfect ping-pong purchase.

How was the ping-pong created?

Beginning as Royal Tennis, ping-pong was created back in the medieval times and only played by the elite. From there it was taken into army officers’ barracks as a pastime, played with cigar boxes and wine corks.

It has come a long way since then, making a jump from the 12th century forward to 1880s and onward. However, starting the 20th century, right in the year 1901, “Ping-pong” was registered as a trade name in England and then sold to the U.S. and carried on there.

Where to play table tennis?

Even though you can really play ping-pong anywhere (for the best example, we should look at its humble origins), table tennis is a game where it is professionally played indoors.

It doesn’t matter of course where you play, as long as the ping-pong table involved is suited well for that environment and gives you an ideal playing surface.

When you’re playing indoors, however, there are certain measurements you need to pay attention to—for example, how big the table is to see if it will actually fit in your room when you’re indoors. You don’t only have to worry about the table fitting, you should also have enough adequate space to move around, but more on that later.

There are actually differences in indoor and outdoor tables. The main things, however, that will be the same across any type of ping-pong table are that they have quality playing surfaces, they have extreme durability, and the can easily be stored away.

To help you differentiate even more between indoor and outdoor tables, here is a bit of information:

Indoor

Normally, the indoor tables are much more affordable than the outside ones. The main reason behind the price check is that the indoor tables don’t need to be weatherproofed since they will spend the majority of their time being out of the rain or direct sunlight. You do, however, want to make sure they are completely dry! Keeping them in a garage or basement might be putting them “in danger” of becoming moist or damp.

Since it’s not weatherproofed, it will warp and bend when exposed to different weather and temperatures.

But it’s not all just negative. Indoor tables, as we mentioned before, are normally used in professional and high-quality leagues. The fact that they are used in such high levels of play means that they are generally much better in quality and have great bounce-ability.

They should also be highly foldable or storable because you’ll want to get them out of the way when not in use or when using the space for something else!

The option of smaller apartment ping-pong tables is highly available now since most of them can also be used as card ones like Butterfly Junior Table Tennis Table and JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table.

Outdoor

The outdoor ping-pong tables will be a bit more expensive, normally, because they need to be weatherproof and compatible with various conditions—whether it’s weather or temperature. They will be able to survive things like frost, extreme heat, and rain.

You can easily say that outdoor tables are much more durable. However, since the manufacturing process focuses more on the durability of the table, the performance of the table isn’t as great as top-end indoor competition tables.
A great outdoor ping-pong table should also come with some sort of mobility. Added on wheels or transportability is important when buying an outdoor table since you’ll have to be able to move it around while outside.

Some table might opt for being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use like Cornilleau 500M Crossover. But they will only suit in bigger houses or will fit in a garage like the STIGA Advantage table tennis table.

Why do you need a ping-pong table?

Since this item is not included in FMCG lists, you should really focus on why you could possibly need a ping-pong table.

Once you know the purpose behind the purchase, you’ll be able to buy the right product for you. Knowing the difference between professional level playing and amateur playing with your friends and family is important.

In cases where you’re just looking to have a good time, it’s highly beneficial to look at affordability rather than quality. However, if you are a more elite player, if you’re looking to furnish a rec center or a table tennis club, you’ll definitely need to look for durability and quality. Especially if you plan on hosting tournaments, there are certain standards that need to be met.
And, if happens so, you will understand that table tennis is not your sport, you always can try something else, like raquetball, equipment for which is not expensive at all. And the great thing about table tennis and racquetball is that all you need can fit in a proper gym bag.

If you want just to have some fun with friends, you can chip in together and create various table tennis game options with multiply JOOLA Connect Mini Magnetic Multi-Configuration Table Tennis Tables connecting them with magnetic sides.

How to prolong a ping-pong table’s life

First off, let’s start by saying it all depends on whether you’re investing in an outdoors or indoor ping-pong table.

Therefore, to prolong your outdoor ping-pong table’s life, it’s best if you invest in a table made of aluminium with a synthetic laminate top. You should also invest in a ping-pong table cover that can protect the table—from outdoor and indoor problems.

Indoors table is much easier to maintain – you just store it in a closet properly covered and once in a while check the bolts and wheels for the possible damages. If you have noticed something come loose – do not play on that table, and if you can – tighten the parts on your own or call maintenance.

Some useful tips on ping-pong playing

Especially if you consider yourself an amateur player, you probably are doing a few things “incorrect”—especially when thinking about investing in a ping-pong table, you might as well pick up a tip or two to help you play better!

1. First, you should really invest in the right paddle. If you plan to play at your local community centre, you might not have the resources of a proper paddle. However, paddles vary in size, weight, and grip. Getting one that you feel comfortable with is really important.
2. You should also know that there are various ways to hold the racket for a playing grip. You can either use the Shakehand grip (as if you were shaking hands with someone) or the Penhold grip (with your pointer finger and your thumb wrapped around the front).
3. Make sure you’re holding the paddle with the right amount of strength. You shouldn’t be holding to tight or too strong—this will restrict your movements and make them less flowing.
4. You should also have your footwork down. Even though you might not think of ping-pong as involving your feet, you still have to have the proper footing to nail your shot and avoid injuries. While we’re already also talking about footwork, we might as well mention that you should have proper positioning, as well from the table—giving you enough space to play and line up your shot.
5. Definitely, learn the rules. Especially if you’re planning to play a bit more competitively, it’s important that you start to get the rules down so you’ll be able to play without interruption.

How to set up a ping-pong table net

With certain ping-pong tables, you’ll be able to remove the net from the area of play. When you’re not playing, you should be able to retract it to store away. Some ping-pong tables, like the JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set, have a clip on nets, which use loaded springs. However, there are some other designs that use clamps to fasten in place and some nets that are completely adjustable, making them much easier to use and play with.

Features to consider while choosing the best table tennis table

So, before you choose the perfect ping-pong table, you’ll want to take a look at each of these features. Every feature on this list makes a huge difference in your purchase. Whether you’re looking for the perfect ping-pong table to fit your entertainment room in your room, one for the rec centre down the street or one for starting up your own ping-pong club, you’ll need to put each prospective table through the ringer.

Size

Normally, a standard ping-pong table will be around 9 feet long—which is 2.74 meters—5 feet wide—which is 1.5 meters—and 2.5 feet high—which is 76 cm.

When it comes to other measurements of the table, like thickness and net size, you can either go with the standard size or the suitable thickness for official competition. If you really are looking to invest in a ping-pong table for competition, you’ll need a 25 mm thickness of the table top and a net size that is 6 feet long and 6 inches high.

Does the table tennis table need to fold?

Especially if you’re not working with a lot of space, you’ll need to invest in a tennis table that will be able to fold up and store easily away. However, if you’ll be able to leave the table set up permanently, the fact that it folds up, won’t need to be necessary.

Most indoor tables fold up quite nicely. However, even if it can fold up, you’ll want to be sure you can do it with just one person. The last thing you’ll want is a complicated process to be able to store and put away. You can also invest in a good roller table, which has brakes and wheels that can make it easy to move around.

Wheels

Normally, when a tennis table comes with wheels, you’ll be able to move it around much easier. The wheels will differ in size—one from the next. Normally, look for wheels that have a 125 mm diameter. However, if you just have a junior-sized tennis table, you won’t need very big wheels. In addition to having wheels, you can also invest in a tennis table that has adjustable feet or legs that can help with the height of the table and can make certain that your table is evenly placed and balanced.

How to determine the best surface

Especially with various types of table tennis tables out there, it’s hard to pick which surface and which type is best for you.

When it comes to the surface of the table, quality and standard thickness are really what will make the difference. Especially when it’s about the quality of the bounce. If you’re looking to play with more advanced players or improve in your technique, you’ll need to have an adequate surface on your ping-pong table to be able to really play those https://houseandbeyond.org/best-ping-pong-paddle-for-spin”>spin shots or various other skills.

On the surface of the table, if cracks develop because of low moisture, you’ll definitely notice a difference in your game. This will happen (eventually) if the table top is not properly built or plastic-coated to ensure protection.

Although there are various opinions on which material is best for the actual tabletop, the ping-pong tables on the market can be made from plywood, aluminium metal, particle board, concrete or fibreglass.

Last but not least, the surface of the ping-pong table has to be coated with an anti-glare surface finish, which will help keep the glare out of your eyes and see the best.

Legs

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s possible that you’re going to get a ping-pong table that might eventually warp due to the side. “Warp” here means get out of its normal, straight alignment. If your table top is a little warped, that can definitely negatively impact your game.

To make sure that all the legs of your ping-pong table are lined up correctly, you can easily check by getting yourself and your eye level at table height. From there you can look straight across and see if there are any warps or bends. You can also use a meter stick to lay it flat against the table. If you notice it isn’t lying flat, then you can definitely assess that the legs aren’t lined up right.

When it comes to the legs of the table, they should also be strong and supportive, since you’ll want your ping-pong table to last you a few years.
If you don’t want to go the whole traditional way to make sure that the table is levelled, you can use the levellers that are screwed in and out of the legs that ensure and make it easy for you to tell if they’re levelled.

Adjustable feet

On the same subject of levelling, it can be a useful tool if your table has adjustable feet. As we already mentioned, this is a great way to be able to not only adjust the table’s legs to make sure that the surface is even—which is essential when playing on an uneven floor like the ground outside—but also can adjust the table’s height in accordance with who is playing! If you need to adjust the height of the table so that it’s taller or shorter, you can do so with adjustable feet.

Net and posts

When you’re looking for a ping-pong table, the best ones have nets that come with attachments that make it easy to set up. You’ll also want posts and their attachments to be soft in nature so that the surface won’t get scratched.

Some tables, like the JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set, have adjustable clamps that make sure the net isn’t digging into the bottom or the underside of the ping-pong table. The important thing here is to make sure that the ping-pong table is being treated with care, which will indeed allow for it to last a long lifetime.

Is it easy to assemble?

The last thing you would want to do is to invest in a ping-pong table that is extremely difficult to put together! Especially if you’re looking to invest one for your family or even for yourself—and not for a club or a full rec center—it’s important that it will be easy to put together and keep together.

Perhaps you need to have one that you can fold and store and then bring back out again. Having a ping-pong table that you can easily put back together (and take apart) can also be quite helpful.

Safety

Especially if younger kids are involved, you’ll want to have safety as your number one concern when purchasing and investing in a ping-pong table. You’ll want to make sure that it is strong enough to hold together (especially if you have crawlers or small ones that like to climb on things)!

You’ll also want to invest in a ping-pong table that has a safety lock system for lock the table while playing. Especially if the ping-pong table normally has wheels on its legs, you’ll want them to be able to walk so the table won’t move if it’s not supposed to. Padded corners is also definitely a consideration if you have table-height children running around!

Accessories

If you’re looking to invest in the best, you’ll want to also purchase a ping-pong table with a few accessories! If you can invest in a table that already comes with rackets, for example, that can be a real plus and save you money down the line! Even if they aren’t top of the line rackets, they can still serve as quite the affordable backup pair.

Warranty

Investing in any major purchase, you’ll want the product to come with a warranty—whether it’s based on parts or based on the full product is up to you. You’ll have to do your research and make sure you see if the table comes with a warranty and guarantees you the replacement of the entire product or of a few parts. You’ll also want to check out how long the warranty would last.

How to store the table

If you have an indoor table and you need to use that space in your room for other things, you’ll want a ping-pong table that can stow away easily.

A foldable or collapsible table—especially one with wheels can be definitely beneficial at this moment. There are fixed tables—that once assembled, they’ll be there indefinitely until you decide to disassemble it. However getting a more portable or foldable option will come in handy when trying to store your table away.

FAQ

Before you make your ping-pong table purchase, you might have a few last minute questions on your mind. For example, you might want to know how much room you need for a table or if your kids can use the same type. Here are our most frequently asked questions to help you decide on your purchase:

Our Verdict

If you scanned all the way to the bottom, we can leave you with the three best ping pong tables—basically, a summary of what we just told you.

The JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set is deemed our Best Indoor Ping Pong Table All Around. Especially with the brand name Joola to back it up, the quality of this table (as well as the affordable price) speaks for itself. To even add on to the amazing features, this tennis table comes with a safety latch system and is warrantied up to one year.

The Cornilleau 510M Outdoor Stationary ping pong table is our best choice if you’re looking for an upgrade table. Weighing in at a hefty 169 lbs, you can rest assured that it can withstand against various forces of time, nature, and play. It has a 10-year warranty, is surfaced with lamination and glare reduction is weatherproof and built with a galvanized steel stationary frame.

The JOOLA Connect Mini Magnetic Multi-Configuration Table Tennis Table is our Budget Pick Ping Pong Table. Perfect for someone looking to invest in a ping pong table and still stay within budget, this is a great, compact table with foldable legs and since it weighs only 36 lbs, it can easily be stored away when not in use.

We hope that this guide, comparison, and in-depth reviews of each of these top ping pong tables can help you find the best ping pong table for you, your family, and even your next outdoor barbecue.