Let's start with some essential details:
Indoor or Outdoor?
You need to know where you want the table before you even start looking at table tennis tables. Are you getting the table for a specific room? Or is it going to go outside for parties and events? In this case there is no point in buying a table such as the Fox TT Mini Foldable Table Tennis Table, for example, because the price point is low if you plan on leaving it outside. The frame and the material on top won't be able to withstand the Irish weather, and it will end up costing you more in the long run.
If you are looking for an outdoor table tennis table, just be aware that they are pricier than their indoor counterparts. This is because they come with a waterproof design to brave the elements all year round. The components on an outdoor table are heavy-duty, meaning they won't be prone to rusting or breaking, and the surface is treated so that you don't have to worry about it warping.
The Hit Sport Outdoor Table Tennis Table is an excellent example of a durable outdoor table. The special coating and stable structure means you won't have to worry about the changeable Irish weather. It is also one of the more affordable outdoor sets and has a foldaway system for easy storage.
If it is an indoor table you are looking for, then be sure you have mapped out enough space in your home for it. A standard table tennis table size is around 9-foot in length and 5-foot in width. You will have to allow for room around the table as well, but these measurements should give you a clear indication of how much space you need to have for one. Of course, some tables are smaller, while others are bigger, but those measurements as a standard are a good place to start.
Size Guide
As previously mentioned, there is a standard size for table tennis tables, but there are a few exceptions to that rule if you don't have space for a typical 9-foot table. Broadly speaking, there are three different sizes to choose from:
1. Standard Size Table
There are many names for this table such as regulation, full size, and Olympic. This is because it is a standard of measurement that most suppliers use. As these measurements are so common, how you can tell the difference in quality is by the thickness of the surface. Thickness can range from anywhere between 9mm all the way up to 22mm. The Butterfly Easifold DX22 Rollaway Indoor Table Tennis Table, for instance, has a 22mm thickness to the surface. This means it is often used for clubs, sports centres, and schools as the quality of the surface will allow heavy-duty use.
2. Junior Table
This is the second most popular one and is around ¾ the size of a standard table. The typical measurement of it is 2ft 6" and a 12mm surface. It also has a lower price point so is ideal for children or if you don't have space in your house. The Butterfly Junior Table Tennis Table is a popular choice for a junior table as it folds away in the same way a picnic table would, making it easy to store.
3. Table top
This is the best option if you don't have space for a full table in your house. The table tennis table top sits on a dining room table or any flat surface. They don't have legs and are foldable, so you can easily store them, and they won't take up more room than you already have. They vary in standard like all other table tennis table tops, but it is easy to get good quality. The 6ft Table Tennis Table Top | Green for instance, has a 12mm surface which shows its quality. It also comes with a net & posts kit, 2x paddles and 3x balls.
All three are good options no matter which one you choose; it all comes down to where it is going and preference. Now onto the buying guide and price range of the tables.
Buying Guide
The price of table tennis tables varies and can start anywhere from €149 up to €3,495. Why such a large gap? Well, it comes down to a few things such as quality, size, thickness, and whether it is an indoor or outdoor table. We'll bring you through a few different tables that are all good quality and suit various price ranges.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly standard table tennis table, then the Hit Sport Folding Table Tennis Table | 9ft is the perfect choice. It has a 12mm playing surface and folds away to use minimum space. A strong steel frame protects the top, so it is pretty durable, and it has a playback facility, which means you can fold half the table up and play against yourself. The price range is on the lower end for a quality table tennis table such as this.
If you don't want to spend that much on a table tennis table, though, there is always the option of purchasing a Flex Net. It is a portable table tennis net that you can attach to any table and transform your table into a table tennis table. There is an added benefit of not needing much storage space on this as it is simply a net.
Suppose you are looking for a more mid-range table— then the Butterfly Easifold DX22 Rollaway Indoor Table Tennis Table. This table has an extra-strong 22mm surface. Each half of the table has two sets of wheels for ease of movement and a lock on them for when the table is folded out. The playback facility is easier than ever to use as the table is actually two separate halves. It comes in at €589 and is worth it if you are looking for an excellent mid-range table.
If you’re looking for something that is made to last then The Butterfly Outdoor All Weather Table Tennis Table was made for you. Built to endure the harsh Irish weather, it comes with a zinc-coated surface and has a 9mm surface level. This is perfect for anyone who wants a permanent table outside. You won't have to worry about this blowing away in the wind as its net weight is 155kg. Coming in at €3,495.00, this table really is an investment.
