Table tennis, also called Ping Pong, is one of the most popular sports in the world that can be played indoors and outdoors. The outdoor version is not for professional play, it is for recreational play, where you can enjoy the exciting game in your room, garden, garage, or patio. The consideration for outdoor ping pong tables is not only the bounce quality but also the weather-resistant capability. These all-weather tables need to be sturdy and easily transportable from one location to another. In this blog post, I have presented the 10 best ping pong tables that offer superior playability to ensure endless entertainment with family, and friends.
Benefits of Outdoor Ping Pong Tables
If you look for benefits against investment in outdoor ping pong, it’s a lot. It’s a good investment that benefits you to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and natural surroundings while playing. The game of ping pong keeps you physically fit by burning calories and brings freshness to your mind boosting your mental health. Children love to keep them busy around it. It’s also sociable. It’s a great way to engage with family members, friends, and relatives. You can enjoy your weekend party with food, drinks, friends, and ping pong.
Another good thing is that you don’t have to worry about accommodating a 9’ x 5’ table inside your room. It gives a new dimension to your garden, backyard, or patio.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Table Tennis Table
Outdoor tables are specifically designed to stay outside all year round. Waterproof materials like aluminum composite/ resin laminate protect that tabletop against water, heat, and frost. The same is true for legs and frames made with rust-proof materials.
Whereas indoor tables are made with wood or wood derivatives. So they can’t be exposed to the outdoors.
The tabletop thickness of an indoor table is 15 – 25 mm whereas, for an outdoor table, it’s generally 4 – 9 mm. A 25 mm wooden top offers better playability than a 9 mm water-proof tabletop.
The purpose of indoor tables can be professional or recreational, whereas, outdoor tables are for recreational play. Indoor tables are also cheaper than outdoor tables.
Outdoor Table Tennis Table: Selection Guide
Tabletop
For a good outdoor tabletop, three things matter, i.e. thickness, weather resistance, and coating.
- Type of material: The type of material influences heavily on the performance of an outdoor table. Aluminum-plastic composite is the most common for outdoor tabletop. Premium tables use resin laminate for better playability and durability.
- Coating: The importance of anti-reflective coating to ensure visibility under sunlight. For example, high-end Cornilleau tables use superior “MATTOP” coating which offers better protection against the sun’s glare than “SOFTMAT” used in low-end Cornilleau tables.
- Thickness: The higher the thickness of the top, the better will be the quality of the bounce. For a good bounce, choose a tabletop of 6 mm and above.
Frame
- The tabletop rests on the frame. The frame supports the tabletop for maintaining flatness and rigidity. A thicker frame is more supportive to prevent sagging in the long run.
- An Anti-corrosive material like galvanized steel is used in the frame.
Legs
- Thicker legs give more stability, especially against wide blows.
- Like the frame, the legs are also made with rust-proof materials.
- One main concern is to maintain flatness on an uneven surface. To overcome this situation, there are leg levelers to adjust the table height as per requirement.
Wheels
- Outdoor tables have larger wheels to facilitate movements.
- The brakes in the wheels provide stability and protect from rolling down during play or storage.
Safety features
- Like indoor tables, outdoor tables must have safety arrangements to prevent the table halves from unfolding unexpectedly.
- The protective table corners keep children safe during play.
Folding Mechanism
Folding/ unfolding is one of the main considerations of selection. Look for tables that are easy to fold and also safe. Premium tables like Cornilleau and Kettler have unique folding and unfolding mechanisms that are easy to handle and hassle-free. The priority of the folding mechanism depends upon the frequency of operations.
Assembly Time
It is the time required for assembling the segmented parts after opening the package for the first time. Except for some premium tables, most ping pong tables come with 90-100% preassembled, making it easier for the first-time setup with the minimum possible time.
Compact Storage
After folding, the two table haves are nested together to form a compact shape. The lower the depth of the compact shape, the minimum space required.
Additionals Facilities
Some extra facilities like ball dispensers, racket holders, point counters, and bottle holders are good to bring more colors to your outdoor play.
10 Top-rated Outdoor Ping Pong Tables: Reviews
After critically examining all buying aspects, I have selected the top 10 outdoor tables that are best for different segments of consumers.
- JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus
- STIGA XTR
- JOOLA Rally Outdoor
- JOOLA United Pro Outdoor
- Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor
- Cornilleau 300X Outdoor
- Cornilleau 600X Outdoor
- Ketter Outdoor 10
- Kettler Cabo Outdoor
- Killerspin MyT10 BlackStorm
JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus/ Best Outdoor Ping Pong Table Under $1000
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 6 mm
- Table Material: Aluminum plastic composite
- Coating: Exterior grade powder coating
- Frame Thickness: 2”
- Frame Material: Steel
- Leg Size: 40 mm x 40 mm
- Leg Material: Steel
- Wheel Diameter: 6”
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes (95% preassembled)
- Weight: 190 lbs
JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus Outdoor has a 6 mm weather-proof aluminum-plastic composite material tabletop supported by a 2” rust-proof steel frame.
The automatic opening and closing feature of 1.5” square steel legs makes the folding and unfolding process easier. There are height adjusters to ensure the flatness of the table on an uneven surface. Each table half has four 6” double caster wheels. So you can easily glide the nested table to the desired location.
It is easy to prepare the table for the first time only by tightening 8 bolts. The table consists of two separate halves. When you fold the table, the nested halves take a compact shape minimizing the requirement for storage space. The NOVA Pro Plus features automatic anti-tilt locking devices to lock each half when the table is folded for safety. Each wheel has a lock facility for the security of the table during storage or play.
Pros
- Decent bounce
- Well-built
- Sturdy and durable
- Bigger wheels for easy transportation
- Reasonable price
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for serious practice
Summary: JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus, the best JOOLA outdoor table tennis table has a 6 mm composite plastic top with a strong and sturdy undercarriage. With all the supportive features, it is an excellent option for a quality outdoor ping pong table within a reasonable budget.
For more information: “JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus Outdoor Table Tennis Table Review”
Related Topic: “JOOLA Nova DX Vs Pro Plus: Which is Better?“
STIGA XTR / Best Outdoor Ping Pong Table Under $500
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 6 mm
- Table Material: Aluminum composite
- Frame and Leg Material: Galvanized Steel
- Frame Thickness: 1.5”
- Leg Size: 1.25” x 1.25”
- Wheel Diameter: 3”
- Weight: 166 lbs
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes (95% preassembled)
- Warranty: 1 year
STIGA XTR is a well-constructed outdoor table. Like JOOLA, it also comprises a 6 mm aluminum composite tabletop. But it looks more shiny than JOOLA Outdoors.
Being an entry model of the STIGA XTR series, the undercarriage construction is quite sturdy. The self-opening legs assist in folding the table halves to a nested compact shape which you can glide with the help of eight 3” caster wheels. The safety latches and lockable wheels provide the necessary protection. It is easy to attach the 72” all-weather premium net with the proper tensioning arrangement.
Pros
- Good finishing
- Decent bounce
- Highly rated
- Affordable
- Value for money
Cons
- The glossy surface is an issue for the glare in sunlight.
Summary: STIGA XTR, a well-built outdoor table consists of a 6 mm aluminum composite tabletop. It is an excellent option for outdoor recreation within a limited budget.
For more information: “STIGA XTR Outdoor Table Tennis Table Review”
Also Read:
JOOLA Rally Outdoor
Specifications
- Table thickness: 6 mm
- Table Material: Aluminum plastic composite
- Frame Thickness: 1.2”
- Frame Material: Powder-coated alloy steel
- Leg Size: 1.2” x 1.2”
- Wheel Diameter: 3”
- Weight: 134 lbs
JOOLA Rally Outdoor has a 6 mm aluminum-plastic composite tabletop supported by a 1.2” powder-coated steel frame. The auto-foldable nature of powder-coated steel legs helps to fold two separate halves into a compact shape. There are eight 3” wheels for the movement of nested halves to the desired location.
The Rally Outdoor is an economic model of the Nova Pro Plus. The table is comparatively less sturdy and not so convenient to use for a savings of nearly $250.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Compact storage
- Anti-tilting devices for better security
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Bigger wheels would be more convenient for transportation.
Summary: JOOLA Rally Outdoor is good enough to keep you busy with ping pong anywhere. It has a 6 mm weather-resistant top with necessary supports. With all supportive features like playback, compact storage, and better security, this all-weather table is a price-worthy investment for the budget-concerned person.
For more information: “JOOLA Rally Outdoor Ping Pong Table Review”
JOOLA United Pro Outdoor
The JOOLA United Pro Outdoor has the same features as the Rally Outdoor except for the appearance. The outdoor ping pong table has a good-looking blue/ white appearance like STIGA XTR.
It is available on Megaspin at a discounted price of $649.95 (-7%).
Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor
Specifications
- Table thickness: ¼” (5 mm)
- Table Material: Laminate Rasin
- Coating: Melamine
- Frame Thickness: 1.5” (36 mm)
- Leg Thickness: 1” (25 mm)
- Wheel Diameter: 5”
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Warranty: 3 Years
Butterfly Playback Rollaway is a full-size foldable all-weather table with a 5 mm thick resin tabletop coated with melamine to survive against water, heat, and frost. The tabletop is supported by a 1.5” thick galvanized steel frame.
It’s a rollaway outdoor table. This design is more convenient for folding and transportation. The bigger 5” plastic-coated double wheels add more support to glide the folded table from one place to another.
One big advantage of Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor is the permanent net system. So you don’t need to fix and remove the net before and after play.
Butterfly has designed this table with an additional facility of built-in rackets and ball holders.
Pros
- Good design
- Easy to fold/ unfold
- Easy to move
- Permanent net system
- Racket and ball holders
- Good quality weatherproof table cover
Cons
- Absence of levelers for manual height adjustment
- Assembly time (2 – 3 hours)
Summary: Butterfly Playback Rollaway offers good playability and facilities like a permanent net system, racket, and ball holders. The downside is that it is tough to level the playing surface on an uneven surface.
Cornilleau 300X Outdoor
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 5 mm
- Table Material: Resin laminate
- Coating: SOFTMAT
- Frame Material: Aluzinc Alloy
- Frame Height: 50 mm
- Wheel Diameter: 200 mm
- Wheel Brakes: 2
- Racket Storage: 4
- Ball Storage: 4
- Net: Folding
- Weight: 124 lbs
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Assembly Time: 2-3 hours
Cornilleau 300X, a 5 mm resin laminate tabletop with a rust-proof structure gives you the taste of a premium table. This reasonably priced all-weather table from the France-based premium company offers a bundle of features for your convenience. The melamine coating is water-resistant. In addition to water-proof characteristics, this high-pressure laminate is also shock-resistant. To improve the visibility against the glare of sunlight, a coating of SOFTMAT is used for the tabletop.
The innovative central release handle eases the folding and unfolding works. The leg levelers are an excellent addition for easy manual height adjustment.
The height and tension of the included all-weather net can be adjusted automatically when opening the table. The racket and ball holder keep you away from carrying them separately.
Pros
- Decent bounce
- Durable
- Easy to operate
- Easy to transport
- Excellent for safety
- Permanent net system
- 10 years warranty
Cons
- Slightly pricy
Summary: If you want a premium foldable outdoor table that is easy to handle, great for safety, and offers good weather-resistant capability at a reasonable budget, this Cornilleau 300X Outdoor is a noticeable option.
Cornilleau 600X Outdoor/ Best Premium Outdoor Ping Pong Table
Specifications
- Type: Outdoor
- Dimensions: 9 X 5 X 2.5 ft
- Table Surface: 7 mm Resin laminate
- Coating: MATTOP
- Frame Material: Aluminum/Zinc Alloy
- Frame Size: 60 mm x 60 mm
- Wheel Diameter: 200 mm (8″)
- Assembly Time: 2-3 hours
- Net: Water-proof retractable
- Warranty: 10 years
- Weight: 170 lbs
Cornilleu 600X, the elder brother of the 300X, is made with a 7 mm thick ultradurable panel in resin laminate with melamine coating. To enhance visibility in sunlight, the superior MATTOP finish reduces sun glares tenfold against the threefold reduction offered by SOFTMAT coating in the 300X outdoor.
This premium outdoor table has lots of high-end features. The supportive frame is very thick (60 mm x 60 mm). It is made with aluminum/Zinc alloy which provides better protection against corrosion than galvanized steel used in other brands.
The separate halves can be easily folded and unfolded using a central release handle. It is easy to roll the compact unit with the help of the 4 oversize double wheels of 200 mm diameter.
Pros
- Thick tabletop with excellent water-resistant properties
- Excellent rebound quality
- Easy to fold or unfold
- Very strong and highly durable
- Easily transportable
- Excellent for safety
- Hassle-free permanent net system
Cons
- High price
- Assembly work needs a lot of time
Summary: Though the Cornilleau 600X Outdoor is priced much higher than a standard outdoor table, it is exceptionally well-designed for easy maneuverability, utmost safety, weather-resistant capabilities, and good playability to be recognized as one of the best premium outdoor tables.
For more information: “Cornilleau 600X Outdoor Ping Pong Table Review“
Kettler Outdoor 10/ Best Outdoor Table Tennis Table for Playability
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 22 mm
- Table Material: Resin-treated board in aluminum
- Coating: UV resistant
- Frame Material: Steel
- Frame Size: 1.75” tubular
- Leg Size: 2” x 2”
- Leg Material: Steel
- Wheel Diameter: 5.5”
- Wheel Brakes: 2
- Racket Storage: Yes
- Ball Storage: Yes
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Assembly Time: 2-3 hours
- Warranty: 5 Years
If you want an outdoor table comparable to an indoor table, the Ketter Outdoor 10 will turn your wish into reality. Being an all-weather table, it has a thickness of 22 mm! Thicker tables provide better bounce and in this aspect, Ketter Outdoor 10 is ahead of its competitors.
The 22 mm thick tabletop comes with an encapsulated resin-treated board in aluminum. This gives the all-weather capability, durability, and true bounce for a better experience. The 1.75” steel tubular apron supports the top for a flat surface while the removable soft-touch edge protectors protect the tabletop during transportation.
Apart from providing stability and strength to the table, the 2” square galvanized steel legs also have levelers to adjust the height on an uneven surface. Out of the 4, two wheels are lockable to secure the table during storage and play. It is also easy to open the table with a single-hand locking mechanism.
The all-weather net is of good quality and permanent. There are arrangements of elastic band storage boxes for keeping rackets and ball dispensers. You can also use this Kettler 10 for solo play to increase consistency in your game.
Pros
- Excellent bounce (22 mm thick tabletop)
- Sturdy and durable
- Reliable and secure
- Easy handling
- Value for money
- 5 years warranty
Cons
- Assembly time is 2-3 hours
Summary: If you want a ping pong table that gives you the feel of a tournament standard table, go for a 22 mm thick tabletop of Kettler Outdoor 10, the best outdoor table for accurate, uniform, and consistent bounce.
For details: “Kettler Outdoor 10 Ping Pong Table Review“
Kettler Cabo Outdoor
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 5 mm
- Table Material: Composite melamine
- Frame Thickness: 1.4”
- Leg Thickness: 1.6”
- Wheel Diameter: 5.5”
- Weight: 130 lbs
- Assembly Time: 60-90 minutes
- Warranty: 10 years limited for playing surface and 3 years for frame
Kettler Cabo Outdoor, one of the latest models of Kettler, is very similar to the Cornilleau 300X. The Cabo Outdoor has a 5 mm composite melamine tabletop supported by a 1.4” steel frame. The all-weather table stands on four 1.6” sturdy steel legs. The permanent net stays in its place whether the table is in play or folded condition. The net also has arrangements for height and tension adjustments.
The table is rich in safety features. The patent SMOOTH-TRAX track system fully controls the opening and closing of table halves. The dual locking system (DLS) via a one-handed mechanism provides extra safety and is easy to use.
Pros
- Fade-resistant, anti-glare table surface
- Compact storage
- Easy to operate
- Good for safety
- Racket and ball holders
- It comes with a quality waterproof cover
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Summary: Kettler Cabo Outdoor, an easy-to-use outdoor table is the closest competitor of Cornilleau 250S. With a price of $1200, this premium table is an alternative to the Cornilleau 300X.
Killerspin MyT10 BlackStorm Outdoor
Specifications
- Table Top Thickness: 6 mm
- Table Material: Aluminum plastic composite
- Coating: Repeat Roller coating
- Frame Thickness: 1.4”
- Frame Material: Steel
- Leg Material: Steel
- Wheel Diameter: 3”
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes (95% preassembled)
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
The MyT10 is the top model of Killerspin’s new outdoor ping pong tables. The table looks stunning with an all-black top and frame combination.
The 6 mm thick tabletop is completely waterproof and made with aluminum-plastic composite material. The powder-coated 1.4” rustproof steel frame is strong enough to support the tabletop for years.
One added advantage is easy access to paddles and balls. There is a nice built-in space on each side of the frame for 2 paddles and 8 balls for protection against dust and other foreign elements.
Pros
- Well build-up and durable
- Easy assembly
- Good bounce
- Very stylish
- Solo playback facility
- Provision of paddle and ball holders
Cons
- 3” wheels are not good enough for easy movement
- Slightly high priced
Summary: The MyT10 BlackStorm is a stylish, good-looking outdoor table that has earned positive reviews among users around the world.
For more information: “Killerspin MyT7 BlackStorm Outdoor Review“
Some Common Queries
Is table tennis an indoor game?
On the professional aspect, yes, table tennis is an indoor game. You can’t neglect the effect of the wind. But for recreation, table tennis can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Can indoor tables be used outside?
An indoor table tennis table is made of wood. So it can’t survive bad weather (rain, snow, or frost). If it is a bright sunny day, you may use an indoor table outside and after play, you have to wheel the table indoors.
How much time is needed to assemble a new ping pong table?
The time to set up a new table depends on the preassembled condition. If the table is 90-95% preassembled, it hardly takes 15 – 20 minutes to set up. But if the parts are in pieces, it takes a lot of effort (2-3 hours). You also need another person to assist you in the assembly work.
Is covering an outdoor table necessary?
Though an outdoor table is weather-resistant, a waterproof table tennis cover enhances longevity. Remember to clean the surface with a clean dry cloth before covering the table.
Which brand is best for outdoor tables?
France-based Cornilleau and Germany-based Kettler are outstanding manufacturers of premium outdoor tables. STIGA, and JOOLA, are the most popular for affordable options.
Conclusion
To summarize the post, here are my recommendations.
- STIGA XTR: Best within $500. It has an excellent price-performance ratio to meet your recreational needs.
- JOOLA Nova Pro Plus: Best under $1000. A quality outdoor table for a long-lasting experience.
- Cornilleau 600X: Best premium outdoor ping pong table considering quality, playability, durability, effectiveness, and advanced features.
- Kettler Outdoor 10: Best for playability. It has a 22 mm tabletop that provides bounce like an indoor table.
Thanks for continuing till the end!
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