Table Info

If you are considering purchasing a full-sized table or conversion top, please see Table Shipping and Delivery for important information on shipping fees and accepting delivery. Note that freight shipping is expensive so be sure to check whether shipping is included when comparison shopping. We guarantee that we have the best prices of any table tennis retailer.

Tops

The most important part of a table tennis table is the top. Generally, thicker tops are better because the ball bounces higher, the bounce is more uniform across the table, and the top will better resist warping.

Frames and Legs

A strong frame and solid legs make for a better bounce. A strong frame also resists warping of the top. Note that the floor also has an effect on how a table plays: If you put any table on a thick carpet, it will be very slow.

Folding Type

In our table comparison chart, we classify each table into one of the following folding types.

• Attached. The table rests on its wheels when in use. The two halves are attached. The table folds for storage.
• Separate. The table rests on its wheels when in use. The two halves are not attached. Each half folds for storage. This type takes up less space when stored if you have a bunch of tables than does the Attached type.
• Compact. The table rests on its wheels when in use. The two halves are attached. The table folds for storage, but has a more sophisticated folding mechanism so it takes up less space when stored than does the Attached type.
• Stationary. The table wheels are on the edge of each half. The wheels do not rest on the floor when the table is in use. The two halves are not attached. Stationary tables are very stable when in use and take up very little space when stored. With a little practice, one person can roll the table from place to place.
• None. The table doesn't fold.

Since the Stationary and Separate types have two separate halves, they are much easier to move up and down stairs. Two people can carry a Stationary half, but you probably will want four people for a Separate half.

Wheels and folding mechanisms cost money, but you do not use them when you are playing. And, if not of good quality, they can make the table support less solid and affect the bounce. So, a Stationary table provides good value.

Used Tables

Our used tables have been used at a major tournament. They have only been played on for a few days and have been carefully checked after the tournament to make sure that they are still in excellent condition. Buying a used table will get you an excellent table at a terrific price.

Nets and Posts

Some tables come with net posts permanently attached to the frame. These tables take slightly less time to set up when you want to play. However, such net posts are usually not as sturdy or as adjustable as separate posts.

All of our table tennis tables and conversion tops, except for the STIGA Fusion Conversion Top, include a net and post set.

Assembly

Most tables require some assembly. For details, see the owner’s manual for the table, which you can find on the product page for the table or in the Table Comparison Chart.

ITTF Approval

The very best tables are ones that are ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) approved. However, no two tables play exactly alike: they vary in exactly how fast each is and how the top reacts to spin.

Manufacturing Location

All our STIGA tables are made in the U.S.. All Butterfly tables, DONIC tables, and JOOLA tables are made in Germany. All DHS tables are made in China. Some Killerspin tables are made in China and some are made in France (see the product description).

Sturdy Tables

If you are looking for a sturdy table, generally the better the table is for playing, the more sturdy it is. This is because any lack of solidity will affect the bounce. All high-end tables are very sturdy.

Playback Position

Many tables have a playback (solo) position that lets you play by yourself. Don’t expect too much from this feature. Perhaps it was more useful decades ago when everyone used hard rubber, but the way that a spinny ball bounces off a vertical table half is very different from playing with a person. If you want to play without a partner, a robot will be a lot more fun.

Outdoor Tables

JOOLA outdoor tables and STIGA outdoor tables have aluminum tops. Butterfly outdoor tables have synthetic laminate tops made of melamine. All outdoor tables play very differently from indoor tables (indoor tables have tops made of compressed particle board). Unless you intend to leave the table outdoors in the rain (e.g., a hotel in Florida that we go to has a table next to the pool), you will probably be happier with an indoor table.

If you are going to leave your table out in the rain, a table cover is probably worthwhile.

Scratches

If you scratch your table, we suggest you just ignore the scratch; it is unlikely the scratch will affect play. If you have a STIGA table made by Escalade Sports, you can purchase touch-up paint by contacting Escalade Sports at 866-873-3528.

Cleaning

To clean a table, wipe with a dry cloth or towel.

How Long a Table Lasts

A table should last five to ten years, depending on how much humidity it is exposed to and how much you use it. After that time, the table’s bounce and surface friction will probably be significantly different from a new table’s. Depending on your preference, you may not mind (or notice) the difference.

[Up: Buying Guide. Previous: Rubber Life and Care. Next: Net Info.]