Here’s How to Pick the Best Ping Pong Table for Your Backyard

Ever dream of having your own ping pong table but have no space in the house? That’s a reality for many people. Ping pong tables are big pieces of equipment, and you need a very large, rather empty room to use one.

But don’t give up on your dream! There is a simple solution to your problem, and that is to buy an outdoor ping pong table. Nearly everyone has adequate space outdoors, whether it be in your garden, driveway, or another nearby open area. That being said, you shouldn’t buy any old table.

Buy Purpose-Built Outdoor Tables

The first thing you need to know is that purpose-built outdoor tables exist for a reason — indoor tables do not cope well with the outdoors. They are made from wood which easily warps under extreme conditions. Outdoor tables, on the other hand, use a mixture of wood, metal, and a coating on the playing surface. This adequately protects them from the elements and means you can leave them outside all year round.

Unfortunately, outdoor tables do not have quite the same bounce as indoor tables due to their composition. But the more you spend, the better the bounce will be. Also, do not worry about size differences. Almost all outdoor tables are full size. This means they have the same height, length, and width as regular indoor tables.

Features to Look Out For

As with any purchase, you want to get as much value for your money as possible. To identify the best ping pong tables, there are some key features you should look out for. To begin with, search for tables with high-quality playing surfaces. Outdoor tabletops are rather thin when compared with indoor tables, but you should not settle for something too thin. Also, try to get an anti-glare-coated surface. This will really pay off on sunny days when the glare is too blinding to play.

A sturdy frame is another must. By nature, outdoor tables take more punishment than their indoor counterparts, and a ping pong table lasts only as long as its frame holds. So seek out models with thick frames and legs. These will be easy to spot. A lot of the cheaper tables are very thin and may need replacing after a few years. Invest in a table with a strong frame, and you won’t have this issue.

Leading on from this, one area we see too many people neglect are warranty periods. And we understand. Say you find the table of your dreams with no specified warranty period; it’s tempting to take the risk. But ask yourself how you would feel if your table unexpectedly deforms within a year. You should not overlook warranty periods as they are essential to ensure that you can keep playing. We recommend getting at least one year’s warranty, but preferably, three or more.

Top Brands to Choose From

There are lots of different brands to choose from when it comes to outdoor tables, and boy, have we seen some terrible tables that you should avoid. Sticking with well-respected ping pong manufacturers is always the safest bet when buying such a large piece of equipment. Several names in the industry have cemented themselves as outdoor table specialists:

  • Cornilleau
  • Kettler
  • Stiga
  • JOOLA
  • Butterfly

Buying a table from one of these brands will almost always be a much better choice than choosing a table from a manufacturer with little history. Each brand has its benefits, and you will have to decide what features matter the most to you. For instance, Cornilleau offers a staggering 10-year warranty with their tables. However, understandably, they cost a little more.

How Much Should I Pay?

Outdoor tables vary greatly in price. The cheapest tables are around $300, whereas at the other end, you could spend $6,000 if you have the funds and want to go premium.

My recommendation is to avoid the low-quality cheap tables. They won’t last very long and are not as fun to play on. Instead, invest additional dollars, and you’ll get more for your money. I’d say around $400-$1,000 is an ideal price point. Of course, you can pay more, but tables within this range will typically be perfect for most people. And that concludes our guide. Don’t rush your time researching, and best of luck!