Table Tennis Buying Guide
Ping pong is a classic sport that can be played both indoors and out, and it is perfect for nearly
all ages that want to play. With many ping pong tables to choose from, how can you find the best ping pong
table for you, your home and your budget? There are plenty of essential pieces to a ping pong table to
consider before purchasing, including quality, size accessories, and more.
Standard Ping Pong Table Size
The standard size of a regulation ping pong table is 9 feet long by 5 feet wide. You’ll
also want to have at least 5 feet of space on both ends to stand and about 3 feet on either side of the
table. So before you purchase any indoor tables, measure your space to make sure you have enough space for the table and room to play ping pong comfortably.
It may also be helpful to measure other parts of your entertainment space, specifically any small spaces like hallways, doorways, and stairwells that the ping pong table may need to go through before setup. When searching for ping pong tables at Watson's, be sure to look up or ask for the dimensions of the robust frame to find the perfect regulation size table.
Construction Quality & Features
Consider any additional features that you may want in your indoor ping pong table, including foldability, table thickness, and portability. If you’re planning on having an outdoor table, weather resistance will be an important factor. The best outdoor table tennis pieces will have to hold up to rough weather conditions when not in storage.
Another optional feature is the ability to fold the ping pong table into "single-player" mode, allowing only one player to play instead of needing two players. Foldable tables are great if you need compact easy storage options for infrequent table use. It may be a great idea to pick up a ping pong table that comes with durable wheels for easy moving.
For players who want the best experience in recreational play, look for tournament-grade tables, which are already approved for international table tennis games and are recommended tables for your home. Purchasing a thick, good-quality ping pong table (at least ¾") will offer the most consistent indoor ping pong experience. However, high-quality table tennis tables do not have to have a thick table surface for recreational players to enjoy the game.
Playing Surface
As previously stated, one of the most important things to look for when purchasing a table tennis table is the table thickness of the surface. Any table tennis tables that are less than ¾" thick may warp easily and not produce a consistent ball bounce. Many table tennis tops are made from particle boards, though they’re not always equal. Some tabletops are constructed from particleboards made that are better quality than others. As a rule of thumb, look for medium-dense boards to provide a higher percentage of resin. The higher the density, the higher the warp resistance.
The powder-coated finish of the playing surface is also essential. The best ping pong tables have many layers of finish, improving the bounce while resisting any fade. Screened on lines are also preferable to tables with tape lines because they are smooth, preventing any interference of gameplay.
Most table tennis tables are constructed using wooden surfaces. These surfaces are perfect for many uses but are not recommended to be played outdoors. This is because particle board surfaces can warp due to humidity, moisture, and extreme weather conditions.
For outdoor play, it is best to purchase a ping pong table made with an aluminum play surface to avoid weather conditions creating uneven surfaces and damage. Tabletops that use an aluminum play surface also incorporate wooden pieces into their design. Not only are they perfect for outdoor use, but they are entirely weather-proof too.
Accessories
Having at least two pairs of paddles is great, and having a plethora of ping pong balls is even better.
A crucial piece of having the besttable tennis gameplay is solid paddles. Great paddles will last you a lifetime, but you may need to stash a few extra paddles away in case you put heavy wear into them. Keeping a couple of extra paddles is also excellent for playing a doubles game when you want to entertain friends. You may also want some paddles for at home and some other for use outside the house such as if you join a local club.
Ping pong balls are made from plastic, so purchasing quality ping pong balls prevents them from becoming dented and having an inconsistent bounce. Because heavy-duty ping pong balls are so durable, you might want to pick up a similar quality professional-grade net and post.
Easy Setup
An often overlooked feature in deciding the best ping pong table for your entertainment room is how long it will take to set up. Fortunately, many modern ping pong tables have unique designs that are shipped pre-assembled or with a short setup time. However, it is not uncommon to find ping pong tables challenging to set up, taking more than five hours to put together. Fortunately, those who shop at Watson's can find that most tables are easy to assemble. With additional quick-play features, you can get to the game as quickly as possible with little hassle.
Keep in mind that high-end tables are more difficult to ship pre-assembled. If you plan on picking up a full-size table, don't expect it to deliver in one piece.
Safety
Families with children should always prioritize their safety. Children love ping pong tables, so be
sure to purchase one that will prevent them from hurting themselves when in use. Common injuries include
trapped fingers, knocking into steel legs, and rolling over feet.
Fortunately, many tables from Watson's will come with protected corners to protect children safe from scrapes and bumps. You will also need to look for tables with locking mechanisms to prevent the table from moving on wood and tile. (Good news: It is standard for many high-end tables to come with these locks.)
The last important safety measure with many ping pong tables is the folding lock system. Folding
tables can cause accidents for children who are not careful. If you plan to purchase a folding table, be
sure to choose one with excellent ratings and overall high build quality.
Ping Pong and Tennis Tables from Watson's
At Watson's, we make sure you have every furniture option you need for your home, including your
basement or rec room.
We provide an excellent selection of the best table tennis tables on our site, including those for beginner and expert players -- all at the guaranteed lowest price in the USA.
Please contact a Watson's
expert if you have questions or need help finding the best ping pong table for your home and your
budget. Shop our site online for free delivery on select items.
FAQs
- What type of ping pong table should I get?
- Deciding on a ping pong table for your entertainment room or another part of your home can depend on the quality, size, budget, and the environment you will be playing in. The best ping pong tables are at Watson’s, where you can get a professional-grade table for great indoor or outdoor experiences. Other tables can be smaller in size for easy storage and a different experience such as a foldable table that allows you to play the game alone.
- What is the standard size for a ping pong table?
- The standard size for a regulation ping pong table is 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. With these measurements, you will need to consider how you will get the pieces through small spaces and make sure there is enough playing space around the table.