Ping pong tables are a great addition to any space, as the timeless game is fun for players of all ages. However, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a ping pong table. So, Greater Southern Home Recreation is here to walk you through the ins and outs of ping pong tables so that you’ll know which table is right for you.

What is Ping Pong?

Just about everyone has played at least one or two games of ping pong at some point in their life. However, most of us don’t know much about the game and its origins? Ping Pong is a game created in England in the 1880s. The game is also known as Table Tennis, and more specifically, it was invented after a formal dinner between a group of upper-class Victorians. To amuse themselves after dinner, the group used a line of books as a net, a rounded champagne cork or a knotted ball of string as a ball, and a cigar box lid as a paddle. With this make-shift equipment, the players hit the ball back and forth over the net, and Ping Pong came to be.

From the Victorian era, Ping Pong has evolved; now, it is a popular game worldwide. In 1926, the International Table Tennis Federation was created, and this is the group that controls the game. Moreover, Table Tennis has been an Olympic Sport since 1988, and there are four different Olympic events associated with the sport: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s teams, and women’s teams.

In terms of the logistics of the game, the sport is played on a nine-foot by five-foot by thirty inches high playing surface. If you’re playing Table Tennis professionally, then the International Table Tennis Federation requires that you use an area that is no less than fourteen meters long, seven meters wide, and five meters high.

You can play Table Tennis indoors or outside, and the game is excellent for improving hand-eye coordination, getting exercise, or socializing with friends and family. There are many different types of ping pong tables, and there are several things to consider when you’re purchasing a ping pong table.

What Should I Consider When Purchasing a Ping Pong Table?

The Play Surface: It is vital to consider the playing surface when you’re in the market for a ping pong table. Specifically, it is important to consider the thickness of the play table, as the tops will range from one-half-inch to an inch in thickness. If you are looking at a ping pong table with a thickness that is less than half an inch, then the chances are that the table will warp, and it will no longer be suitable for play. Although to be safe, it is always a good idea to get a table at least three-fourths of an inch thick.

Besides the thickness of the playing surface, you also need to consider what material the playing surface is comprised of before purchasing. For example, you’re going to want to get a table made of a medium-density material so that your balls can bounce adequately. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your table, you’re also going to want to get a table that resists fading so that your lines will not fade or interfere with your bounce.

Whether Your Table is made of Wood or Aluminum: Many ping pong tables are comprised of wooden material, and this is a good material for many uses, but not for all. For example, suppose you’re planning on using your ping pong table outside. In that case, you’re going to want to avoid a wooden table because the humidity, moisture, and temperature extremes are not suitable for wood tables. So, if you’re planning on playing ping pong outside, you will want to purchase a weatherproof aluminum board because this material will resist warping and last longer.

The Frame, Chassis, or Under-Carriage: Although this part of the table is often hidden from the eye, the frame underneath the table is an essential factor that will tell you how durable your table is. If you have a lower-end table, its structure will be shaky and poorly made of aluminum or galvanized tubing. However, if you have a higher-end table, then your table’s frame is going to be made of heavy steel tubing, and it will have a solid center transport frame. If you’re looking for the highest-end table, you will want to look for a frame that utilizes either oval or square tube legs because this will provide the most stability. Always pay attention to the number of cross beams your table has, too, because the more cross beams used, the more stable your table is.

The Fold and Store Feature: If you’re looking for a table that can be put away and stored, then you will want a table that can fold and be stored compactly. Not all tables can retract into the main transport frame, but some can, and it is safer when they can. Moreover, if you have a large table with multiple wheels, it is a good idea to find a table with wheels that lock because this will make things safer when you store your table.

The True Playback Feature: Although playing ping pong with friends is fun; sometimes, if you want to hone your skills or if you don’t have an opponent, you will want to play the game alone. Some tables allow you to fold the table in half so that you can use the wall as an opponent. However, some tables have a wide gap between the net and the folded-up side, which would make for unrealistic gameplay. So, if you’re interested in solo play, ensure that your net is close to the vertical play surface, so your solo play will be realistic.

Locking Mechanisms: Some tables have a locking mechanism, which will ensure no accidental opening or closing of your table. For safety purposes, this is a good feature because there won’t be any caught fingers or injuries.
Adjustable Feet: To ensure that your table is level, some tables come with adjustable feet. This is an essential feature for anyone with uneven flooring because having a level table is integral to fair gameplay.

Accessory Holders: If you’re planning on keeping your table assembled in your home, you might be interested in a table with an accessory holder. If you have an accessory holder, you’ll be able to keep all your balls and racquets directly lodged onto the table, which is a convenient feature.

The Difficulty of Assembly: Many Table Tennis connoisseurs are familiar with the ins and outs of putting their tables together, but for people unfamiliar with the game of Ping Pong, it is crucial to consider that you’re going to have to assemble your table. Some tables come preassembled, so if you’re concerned about assembly, you can either opt for a preassembled table or enlist professional help to install your table. Either direction you decide to go in, Greater Southern Home Recreation will have the tools to get you started.

What Ping Pong Tables Does Greater Southern Home Recreation Offer?

Greater Southern Home Recreation has many different tables for your consideration. So, whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor table, there is a table that is right for your space.

If you’re looking for an indoor table, then the 250 Indoor Ping Pong Table, designed by Cornilleau, might be right for you. This table was designed to be safe and high quality.

The play surface is three-fourths of an inch thick and has a galvanized steel frame, so it is exceptionally high quality. Plus, even though this table is suited for indoor play, it also has a weather-resistant net system, ensuring that the table lasts for a long time. Not only is the table foldable, but it is also adjustable. So, this table is perfect for any entry-level or advanced Ping Pong player in the market for a high-quality table.

If you’re looking for a table that can be used and/or stored outdoors, Greater Southern Home Recreation has a table that will be right for you, too. Also, the 300X Outdoor Ping Pong Table, by the brand Cornilleau, is a state-of-the-art table for anyone looking at ping-pong tables. The table is incredibly stable, and it has adjustable legs that will ensure that the table is durable in any outdoor terrain. Plus, the table is equipped with breaks and a locking and release system to ensure optimum safety.

No matter what your needs are, Greater Southern Home Recreation can connect you with the ping pong table that is right for you. So, come to our showroom or contact us to learn more about our ping pong tables for sale. We hope to see you soon and help you find the perfect ping pong table for you and your family!