Welcome to our Table Tennis Table Buying Advice Page
If you are not really sure where to start with buying your table tennis table then we have put together this resource to try and help you decide. Just click on the link that best describes your situation and we will walk you through your options, explain a few of the different features and point you in the direction of some suitable tables. Many of the table tennis tables on our site are available in both indoor and outdoor models. Here are some general things to look out for when deciding between models:
Indoor Tables:
- Playing Surface Thickness - You will find that most table tennis tables have between 16mm and 25mm playing surfaces. The pro tables feature a 25mm surface. The thicker the surface the more consistent and accurate the ball response will be during play. Plus it also generally means that the surface is less likely to warp or damage and so will last longer
- Overall weight - Heavy generally equals durable and sturdy. It can also mean that the table is harder to move.
- Leg and frame thickness - Again thicker is basically better here. The extra thickness gives the table tennis table more stability and makes it harder for movement to occur during play. Thicker legs are also required to support the thicker frame and playing surface found on better quality table tennis tables.
- Table Tennis Technology - Various technologies have been developed over the years to improve ball speed and response. Look out for any info on this in our product information.
- Extra Features - For example bat and ball holder, nets that stay fixed when the table is folded, specially designed indoor or outdoor wheels, re-enforced frame supports. Details of these features will all be explained on the individual product page.
Outdoor Tables: All the above factors which a couple of differences
- Playing Surface Thickness - The playing surface of these outdoor table tennis tables are usually covered with a laminate or special paint of some kind. The thickness is mainly between 4mm and 7mm. Again thicker is better for the reasons given above. The only table that does not follow this rule is actually one of our recommended bestsellers. The Butterfly Easyfold Outdoor Table Tennis Table uses a specially treated 12mm plywood resin surface. This gives similarly excellent ball response and also has a very nice "real wood sound" when hit buy the ball.
If you need any further help or advice then please feel free to contact us
Family fun / recreation / on a budget
If you are just looking for a table tennis table for occasional recreational use then there is no need to pay over the top for it. Look for a table that is within your means so that if it gets a bit battered by young or inexperienced players then it is not such a big deal. We recommend that you can get yourself a good solid full size indoor table tennis table for around £200. Have a look at the Butterfly Compact Indoor Table Tennis Table to see what we mean. This table also folds in half for easy storage. However its legs are not mounted on wheels and it does not have an easy folding design so it will require some disassembly before it can be put away. If you want a table tennis table in this price range that folds up easily and can simply be rolled into position for storage then maybe you should have a look at the Butterfly Home Rollaway Table. You pay a bit extra for this feature but it will save time and energy (it can be a bit frustrating after an extended game to have to break the table down, remove the net and then pack it into storage!).
These slightly more expensive tables also have what is called a “playback facility”. This is where one half of the table stands upright, allowing one person to practice using the upright part as a returning surface.
If you want to get a table with all the above, which really looks the part but still won’t break the bank then we recommend that you have a look at the Tectonic Tecto 50 Indoor Rollaway Table or our bestselling family indoor table tennis table the Butterfly Easyfold Indoor Rollaway Table Tennis Table. This table has a thick 19mm playing surface which means that the bounce will be true an, has a thick and heavy frame and legs structure for durability, folds and rolls away for storage plus arrives full assembled! This is also available in a superb weatherproof outdoor version: Butterfly Easyfold Outdoor Rollaway Table Tennis Table.
Factors to consider when shopping around:
- Thickness of playing surface - generally thicker is better (pro tables have 25mm surfaces so this is the standard to measure against)
- Does it fold and rollaway? - It is a lot more convenient if you need to pack a table away after use if it has this feature.
- Thickness of legs and frame. Plus is the frame of the table tennis table re-enforced?
- Overall weight - more weight means harder to move about but also generally means better quality. If you have young kids that will be putting the table away then you may want to opt for a more slim line version (for example the Cornilleau Sport 100 indoor table tennis table.
- Warranty - How long are you guaranteed to have a table tennis table for. In our experience and with the brands thatwe stock the warranty is the absolute minimum that your table will last. Treated well many of the table tennis tables that we sell with last a lifetime.
We recommend spending from £200 - £299 for a better model
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Leaving your table outside?
If you need to leave your table outside when it is not in use then there are various tables that you can choose from. Unfortunately if you leave your standard table outside then the surface is likely to become warped and uneven and the legs and frame will almost certainly rust (plus you will void your warranty!). However, you can buy tables that are specifically designed to be left outside. These tables will have all the features of a regular table – “fold and roll”, playback etc but will also be manufactured with a weatherproof playing surface that repels liquid and anti corrosion galvanised stainless steel legs and frame. You can also extend the life of your outdoor table by purchasing a cover to sit over your table. If you do this and choose the right table then you will get years of play – even if you leave your table outside all winter. Here are some recommendations:
Everything that you need can be found in our Outdoor Table Tennis Tables section.
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Young child / beginner wants to learn to play
There are various options if you are looking to kit out your enthusiastic kids with some table tennis equipment. You really just want a solid table tennis table that can take the knocks and will let the beginner decide if table tennis is for them or not. We recommend going for a smaller than full size table (especially of it is being bought for someone young).
If your children are very young then you may want to have a look at the Butterfly Family Table. It is just under 5ft long so won’t take up much space and has other features such as adjustable angle table top which means that the pace of the game is slowed for total beginners. It also folds small for storage and has rounded corners for safety (to avoid bumped knees, elbows and heads!)
For the bigger kids a 6ft table is a good idea – this will let those with smaller arms be able to cover the back of the table. Butterfly have put together a nice starter set which includes bats, balls and learning material in their Butterfly Start Sport Package (also includes a 3 year warranty on the table!). Alternatively the Intermediate Indoor Table will work out to be slightly cheaper and will be very similar in quality.
Alternatively you could buy a table top that can sit on any flat surface and give your kids a table tennis table to play on. The Butterfly 6ft Table Tennis Table Top is excellent value for money or you could try the Riley 6ft table tennis table top which is very well made.
We recommend spending less than £200
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Competent adult player/looking for a well made table that will last.
If you are an adult who is looking for a table – perhaps to play on against friends or older / grown up children then you will probably want to spend a decent amount on a table. This will ensure that the table lasts as long as you want it to and does not become warped or dented over time.
You want the thickness of the playing surface to ideally be at least 19mm (pro tables are 25mm) so that you get a good enough response to changes in pace and spin. Tables of this thickness and above should give you a very even bounce. The Butterfly Deluxe Easifold Rollaway Indoor Table Tennis Table is the type of table we recommend. It has playback facility and “fold and rollaway” inbuilt, plus it is full size and comes with a 3 year warranty. A similar table is the Cornilleau Sport 200 Indoor Rollaway Table Tennis Table. Please note that some assembly is required on these tables.
If you want to go for something slightly more heavy duty then there are a couple of tables that are very similar in terms of features and quality but simply weigh around 10kgs more. This makes them a bit more robust and will be able to take more knocks when being moved or from those slightly over enthusiastic smashes! Have a look at the Cornilleau Sport 300 Indoor Rollaway Table Tennis Table or the slightly cheaper Butterfly Playback Rollaway Table.
We recommend spending between £200 and £300
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Good players and those that want to play at a competitive level
If you’ve been playing a while and really want t start to move up to the next level then it is time to move on to one of the semi – pro tables. At this point it is really up to you how much you want to spend. The factors that will affect the price of your table are:
Thickness of playing surface – You are very unlikely to need (or be able to afford!) the full 25mm playing surface so we can leave this option out for now. Basicaly the thicker the playing surface the more even and accurate the bounce will be. A thick playing surface will also allow you to use and improve your skills by being more responsive to your changes in speed and spin as you develop your techniques. Your choice is really between a 19mm an a 22mm playing surface.
19mm (See the Butterfly Deluxe Rollaway Table Tennis Table)
22mm (See the Cornilleau Sport 500 Indoor Rollaway Table Tennis Table)
Features – You should check that the table includes basic features such as playback facility and “fold and roll” facility (if required). It may also have features such as height adjustable legs, adjustable net, heavy duty construction, and scratch / corrosion resistant frame. All of these things will increase the price so you may need to choose between them if you are working within a budget. Just bear in mind who will be using the table and where it is being stored.
Net material – the higher end tables also use a cotton net rather than one made of polyethylene. This does not make much difference to play but a cotton net will generally last longer. It will also be easier to achieve a more accurate tension on the net – removing occurrences of dodgy “net” balls where the ball just slumps over the net instead of getting rebounded or deflected correctly.
Click here for top end indoor table tennis tables (Non commercial)
Click here for top end outdoor table tennis tables (Non commercial)
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Commercial and institutional tables – Schools and Holiday Parks
If you are buying on behalf of an institution such as a school or holiday park then you really need to make sure that your table will last the course while still being fit for purpose.
If the table needs to be left outside on a permanent basis then there are a few things that are required.
The table must of course be weather proof
Ideally the table will be “vandal” proof. This means that the surfaces do not scratch or dent easily – plus some of these tables also use strong brackets to fix the table to the floor.
For tables like this see our over £800 section or if you a looking to buy an outdoor institutional on a lower budget then you can go for the Cornilleau Proline 510 Outdoor Static Table Tennis Table which is ridiculously good value for money.
If you are buying for school use then you may need to cater for a wide range of ages and abilities. The following two tables can actually split into two smaller tables and ship with 1 full size and 2 half size nets. This is perfect for the really young children in your school as they can learn the game on a half size table. These tables also fold in half for storage and have nifty height adjustable legs.
Cornilleau Proline Evolutive Static 3 in 1 Table Tennis Table – lightweight and excellent value. Please note: This is a made to order item so delivery will be around 4 weeks.
Butterfly Flexi Table Tennis Table – more heavy duty than the Static 3 in 1 with a higher price tag because of this. This is available for immediate despatch.
There are of course a whole range of options depending on your requirements so please browse our site and get familiar with the choice available. If you want any advice or recommendations then please call us on 08451 639 793 – we will be more than happy to help.
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Permanent (static) or rollaway?
This is a simple distinction which lets you know whether a table is designed to be portable of if it should be installed and then left in one place. Static tables are usually more chunky and therefore heavier – which makes them more durable. However you do not get the extremely practical facility of being able to just fold up your table and roll it into storage. Buy static if you have not space restrictions and want a really solid table that will last for years. Otherwise we recommend a rollaway table. See example of each below:
Static: Cornilleau Competition 610 Static Table Tennis Table, Cornilleau Proline 510 Outdoor Static Table Tennis Table
Rollaway: Butterfly Match Rollaway 22 Table Tennis Table, Butterfly Slimline Rollaway Indoor Table Tennis Table
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