With the acquisition of an outdoor ping pong table, you will get an element to have fun alone, with friends, acquaintances and with the little ones. It is also something that motivates you to move outdoors and have fun with the whole family. A game of table tennis outdoors in good weather is a very fun sporting activity for young and old, young, and old.

Getting started in the game of ping pong is very simple and hardly any equipment is needed. All you need is a ball, two paddles and a ping pong table to start playing.

So that you can make the best decision when buying a ping pong table for your terrace or garden, it does not hurt to get the answers to the most frequent questions that we can ask ourselves. In these FAQs we have compiled and answered the most important and common questions on this topic.

The most frequently asked questions about outdoor table tennis tables:

• Why play ping pong?
• What is the difference between indoor and outdoor ping pong tables?
• What special requirements does an outdoor ping pong table have to meet?
• What must be considered when looking at the frame of an outdoor ping pong table?
• What characteristics should the covering of an outdoor ping pong table show?
• What are the main manufacturers of outdoor ping pong tables and what materials do they use to make their tables?
• Fixed or folding ping pong table?

Why play ping pong?

Table tennis not only guarantees fun and movement, it also gives you relaxation! As you focus on the ball, the rest of the world just disappears. You hit the ball without needing to think about anything else. That is why ping pong is a sport for body and mind.

When playing ping pong, mainly coordination and stamina are necessary, although concentration also matters. A study by the Cologne Higher School of Sport showed that ping pong matches increase students’ ability to concentrate and performance, leading to better academic performance.

In addition, you learn quickly to play table tennis. The first ball passes take place after a very short time. Also, playing table tennis burns an average of 280 calories per hour.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor ping pong tables?

The table tennis indoor manufactured with plates coated chipboard. The coated wood provides the ideal playing and bouncing characteristics of the ball. In any case, indoor tables are very sensitive to inclement weather and their use outdoors is not recommended under any circumstances.

The outdoor tables, on the other hand, are resistant to rain and are made of melamine resin or wood with an aluminium cover. The melamine resin is a synthetic material which is well suited to the manufacture of table tennis exterior. This is very resistant and, despite this, very light, in addition to having a smooth surface. Also, it does not show any deterioration when in contact with humidity and temperature changes. Therefore it is a material resistant to water and inclement weather and can withstand the harsh demands of outdoor ping pong for years.

The aluminium composite panels are plates coated aluminium agglomerate tightly, so are protected from any effect of climate. Aluminium composite ping pong tables are lightweight and feature a smooth surface. These tables are also resistant, although not as strong as the melamine tables. Due to the special coating, the indoor and outdoor tables also have small differences when it comes to playing characteristics. Another advantage of outdoor ping pong tables: the table can be used indoors and outdoors.

What special requirements does an outdoor ping pong table have to meet?

The demands of an outdoor ping pong table are more numerous and greater than those of indoor tables:

• Temperatures under direct sunlight that in summer can reach up to 50ºC
• Frosts at normal heights that can reach -40ºC
• Rain and snowstorms
• Mechanical loads during the game
• UV radiation
• Dust and dirt
• Official measurements according to the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation): Fortunately, the manufacturers also respect the measurements indicated on outdoor ping pong tables: 2.74 m long, 1.525 m wide and 0.76 m high. In this way, outdoor tables can also be used in competitions.

What must be considered when looking at the frame of an outdoor ping pong table?

A strong frame construction gives the ping pong table greater stability and firmness. Only if the ping pong table rests on a strong aluminium or steel frame will it be possible to get the most out of the playing characteristics. The more stable the bottom structure of a ping pong table, the better. In combination with large wheels, the table is still very manoeuvrable and can be easily moved over impassable terrain. Many outdoor ping pong tables offer the possibility of balancing unevenness through height-adjustable legs. A locking brake completes the equipment of an outdoor ping pong table.

A good outdoor ping pong table stands out for its enormous resistance for years and can be passed from generation to generation.

What characteristics should the covering of an outdoor ping pong table show?

A very important feature in terms of the coating is that it provides good playing and bouncing characteristics of the ball. Just as important: the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. On top of that, outdoor tables should be particularly robust, anti-reflective and anti-glare.

Whether the surface is blue, Gray or green is entirely up to your own personal taste. The colour of the outdoor ping pong tables only depends on your own preferences. These do not affect gameplay or stamina in any way.

Depending on the manufacturer, the playing surface of an outdoor ping pong table can be made of melamine or aluminium composite. In the latter case, a wooden plate is sealed with aluminium.

The melamine playing surface is highly resistant to inclement weather and even withstands strong and intense rains, without suffering any damage. In addition, melamine is very stable and has great resistance to scratches and bumps. Melamine tables do not swell and retain their shape even after many years of use. Tables can be purchased with a thickness of 4mm to 10mm.

Thus, the thicker the melamine table, the better the playing and bouncing characteristics of the ball it will offer.

In any case, it is advisable to use a protective cover, to protect the table from dirt, UV radiation, frost, and dust. Under these covers, both the network and other parts of the table will also be protected against storms.

Fixed or folding ping pong table?

A folding ping pong table can be stored, saving space. In addition, thanks to the transport wheels, a single person can move it around. Also, by folding a single table wing, you can even train without a partner just with the table. A good folding system must allow only one person to use it. You also must have insurance so that it doesn’t close by accident. Fixed tables are mostly used in schools and clubs and can even be anchored to the floor. Often the network of these tables is also installed permanently.