Buying guide: the right choice of table tennis table
Should you buy an indoor or outdoor table tennis table?
In the vast majority of cases, an outdoor table tennis table is the right choice, as they can be left outside all year round without any problems and are much more resistant. Over 95% of private individuals order an outdoor table. This choice is sensible, as it can also be slightly damp in garages or cellars. Indoor tables cannot tolerate moisture because of the chipboard. Indoor table tennis tables are mainly bought by table tennis clubs for competition.
Which outdoor table tennis table should I buy?
The table should be based on your skills: Are you a beginner, an ambitious hobby player or a professional? We have compared and tested the TT table models according to the following criteria: Playing characteristics, safety aspects, usability, design, stability, material quality, solo play option, wheels, brakes, height adjustability, support and price/performance.
The TT tables are divided into the categories beginners, advanced and premium. You will also find a winner in the categories price/performance, best outdoor table and entry-level table.
Overview table tennis table brands (Sponeta, Kettler, Cornilleau, Decathlon etc.)
Sponeta: The German brand has established itself in recent years as a high-quality brand for outdoor table tennis tables and currently produces the best outdoor ping pong table with the table tennis table SDL. Sponeta also produces tables for many other table tennis brands. Among others for Donic, Tibhar, Stiga, Andro, Thieme and Gubler.
Cornilleau: The French had two great outdoor table tennis tables in their range until 2020 with the 500M and 700M. Read here why the new outdoor table tennis table models cannot match their predecessors. In Switzerland, Cornilleau table tennis tables are unfortunately overpriced.
Kettler: This German brand is best known in German-speaking Switzerland (Kettler is Europe's No. 1 for home fitness) and is the winner in the price/performance category with the Outdoor 10.
Decathlon Artengo: The giant from France has been selling table tennis tables in Switzerland directly via its website since 2018. The Pongori table tennis tables convince in the entry-level segment and are very attractively priced.
Donic Schildkröt: Donic Schildkröt obtains its outdoor table tennis tables from the German manufacturer Sponeta.
Joola und Stiga: These brands mainly produce top competition tables and currently do not have any competitive models in the outdoor sector and source them from China.
Sportgrupa: The potential of durable, non-folding outdoor table tennis tables with a playing surface made of melamine resin was first discovered by Sport Grupa with the "Camping Table Tennis" table. Launched in 2019, the outdoor ping pong table Pingo is becoming standard for schools, parks and sports facilities.
TT tables: dimensions & minimum court size
Thanks to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), all table tennis tables have the same set-up dimensions. The table top is 274cm long, 152.5cm wide and 76cm high. The net must be 15.25cm high and protrude 15.25cm on both sides.
The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (bfu) recommends a minimum court size of 3.50 x 7 metres for a table tennis table and solid floor coverings such as asphalt, paving slabs, paving etc. for sufficient surefootedness.