How To Select Your Ideal Table Tennis Table?

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  • Post last modified:November 1, 2023
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Are you planning to buy a Table Tennis Table? That’s a great idea. But what do you think about the requirements? Space requirement is the key factor, based on which you should opt for your perfect Table.

Also, there are other factors.
What is your purpose for playing?
Is it a fun-making play or a serious level of play?
Who are your playing partners?
What is your budget?
Are you compelled to buy a small Table due to insufficient space?
Or will you opt for an outdoor Table?

In this article, I am covering the items that you should check when you will buy your full-size Table. Also, I am considering only indoor Tables.

Before going into detail, I am reminding you of the official Table Tennis Table size.

Table tennis table dimensions:

  1. Length of a table tennis table- 2.74 m
  2. Width of a table tennis table- 1.525 m
  3. Height of a table tennis table- 76 cm

Table tennis table size in feet: 8.99 feet long, 5 feet wide, and a height of 2.49 feet

Sketch of a Table Tennis Table
Sketch of a Table Tennis Table

How to Select a Full-Size Table Tennis Table

You should consider the key factors while selecting a Table Tennis Table.

Key Factors

1. Material of the Table

As always, the material of an item should be one of the primary selection criteria. Plywood, MDF (Medium-density fibreboard), and Particleboard are mainly used as a material for Table Tennis boards.

Thin sheets of veneer are glued together to form plywood. MDF is an engineering wood product where wood fibers age glued together with wax and resin adhesive. Particleboard is a combination of wood chips, fibers, and adhesive.

As particleboard is the worst among them, I am only comparing Plywood and MDF as a material for table tennis Top.

Disadvantages of MDF over Plywood
MDFPlywood
1. Heavy
2. It is not water-resistant
3. It bends and sags underweight
4. Affected by extreme hot and cold weather conditions
5. It does not hold screws very well
1. Not so heavy
2. More water-resistant than MDF
3. Higher-grade plywood doesn’t bend and sag underweight
4. Survive in extreme weather conditions
5. It can grip screws
Advantages of MDF over Plywood
MDFPlywood
1. Cheaper than plywood
2. Smooth surface and easy to paint
1. Not so cheap
2. Only in higher grade plywood, you can see the smooth surface

So, if you don’t care about the budget, go for plywood. It will give you value for money in the long run.

2. Thickness of Table

First, consider the rule-governed by ITTF regarding the playing surface.
The playing surface shall yield a uniform bounce of about 23 cm (9 inches) when you drop a standard Ball onto it from a height of 30 cm (11.81 inches).

In the market, you will find TT tables of various thicknesses.

12 mm (0.47 inch) – It is the cheapest one and gives a horrible bounce. You may consider this thickness only for fun making.

16 mm (0.63 inches) – It does not give you a perfect bounce. You should not consider it for serious gameplay.

18 mm (0.7 inches) – If you give budget your priority, then you may opt for it. It is the minimum standard of the Board for a good bounce.

22 mm (0.87 inches) – It produces a good bounce of the ball and may be your perfect choice.

25 mm (0.98 inches) – Professional players love to play on this surface.

3. Painting of the Playing Surface

As per the ITTF rule, the playing surface shall be uniformly dark-colored and matt.

Alkyd paint is widely used for the painting of Table Tennis tops.
Alkyd paint holds the following advantages

  • Durability
  • Anti-glare property to the surface.
  • Resistant to abrasion and scratching.

Blue is the most common color for the Table Tennis playing surface. Over the years, green is gaining popularity and is not far behind. Sometimes, you may find a black or gray surface.

4. Table Tennis Net

Table Tennis Net
Table Tennis Net tied with supporting post

The net divides the table into two equal parts. The top of the Net must be 15.25 cm (6 inches) above the playing surface. The bottom of the Net should be as close as possible to the playing surface.

The top and bottom of the table tennis net must be attached with a supporting post clamped to the Table.

5. Undercarriage

The type of undercarriage depends on the Table. The undercarriage may be a single trolley type or dual trolley type.

Tables are mainly divided into two broad categories.

  1. One piece Table (Rollaway)
  2. Two-piece Table
One piece Table (Rollaway)Two-piece Table
1. It comprises a single trolley system
2. You can start playing within a few minutes
3. It is difficult to handle
4. You require more space than a two-piece system
5. More Popular. Great for clubs and academies.
1. It comprises a dual trolley system
2. To start playing, you require more time
3. It is easy to handle
4. Half of the Table can be folded to give a better storage solution
5. Not so popular
One Piece Table (Rollaway) vs Two piece Table

There are other types of Tables, like stationary Tables and innovative Tables.

The design of stationary Tables is like a two-piece table. The only difference is that there is no wheel attached in the stationary type.

Innovative Tables are graded with a high standard. You may find them in big competitions.

Features of undercarriage

1. Frame/Leg: The frame and leg give the Table durability and strength.

The strength and stability of the Table depend upon the thickness of the frame and leg. The frame holds the Table together. It is a key element of the undercarriage. You should consider a still frame over an aluminum frame for more durability.

Rectangular-shaped steel legs give the Table more longevity and strength than the round-shaped legs.

Adjustable feet may be an added feature to the undercarriage. It comes into play when the floor is uneven.

2. Wheel and Portability: Another great concern for the selection of a Table is portability. Does the Table provide support for handling and storage solutions?

After the play, you may fold the Table and keep it in the store because of a shortage of space. The mobility of the wheel helps you with this act. The mobility of the wheel is directly proportional to the diameter of the wheel. It’s easier to handle with the help of a comparatively bigger diameter of the wheel.

3. Safety Feature: Many Tables come with safety features like protective corners. Protective corners help to protect you from getting injured, especially with children.

The Locking Mechanism is also one kind of safety feature that should be present in the undercarriage of every Table. Check the parking brakes on wheels that support you to lock the table in a proper position.

Conclusion

Buying a Table Tennis Table (you may call it a ping pong table) depends on your requirements, preferences, and budget. Think twice before going for the cheaper option. You may regret it in the future for the bad bounce.

Not all the Tables are ITTF-approved. If you go for ITTF approval, check the logo on each side of the Table.

Finally, don’t forget to cover your Table after play. Table Cover will help survive your Table for a longer period.

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