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Table tennis tables are usually made of a wooden top covered with a layer of melamine or laminate to make the playing surface smooth and durable.
The frame and legs of the table can be made of different materials such as wood, aluminum, steel or plastic, depending on the intended use and the quality of the table.
The net posts and net are often made of plastic or metal and are attached to the table with clamps or screws.
In this article I explain how the material used affects the quality of the table tennis table influenced and what you should pay attention to when purchasing a table tennis table.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Different types of table tennis tables
Table tennis tables come in different types.
There are tables that are intended for indoor use (indoor table tennis tables), but there are also tables for outdoor use (outdoor tables).
Indoor tables are not suitable for humid areas, such as a shed or cellar. The play surface will warp and discolor due to weather conditions or moisture.
In addition, the undercarriage may rust. Even if you use a cover, you cannot place indoor tables in these types of spaces.
The advantage of indoor tables is that they are often cheaper and you can also play comfortably on them.
If you want to be able to play table tennis outside, you should go for an outdoor version. These often have a table top made of melamine resin.
This material is weather-resistant, which means that it can withstand all kinds of external influences. In addition, the frame is extra galvanized, so it will not rust easily.
It is recommended to take a cover that will keep your table free of dirt and moisture, so that your table will last longer.
What materials are used for table tennis tables?
In general, the playing field of a table tennis table is made of four different materials, namely chipboard, melamine resin, concrete and steel.
With any material, the thicker, the better the ball will bounce. And a better bounce every game table tennis make it more fun.
Below you will find more information about the different types of materials.
Chipboard
Indoor tennis tables generally always have a playing surface made of chipboard.
Chipboard offers a lot of playing comfort, which is why the official ITTF competition tables are also made from this material.
However, keep in mind that chipboard play tables cannot be left outside or in damp rooms.
Chipboard absorbs moisture and will warp when it gets damp.
Melamine resin
In the case of outdoor tables, melamine resin is more likely to be used. This material is much stronger and more processed compared to chipboard.
Melamine resin is waterproof and will not warp when this material is placed outside and gets damp.
The table is also often provided with a UV-resistant coating, so that the color of the table is preserved.
Concrete or steel
Table tennis tables made of concrete or steel are always intended for outdoor use and are mainly used by schools or other public institutions because they are so strong.
The materials can take a beating and can be placed without supervision.
How do you choose the right quality table tennis table?
Perhaps you have already taken a look at the different models and noticed that there are there is a lot of choice when it comes to table tennis tables.
Many of these have similar properties.
But how can you understand which tables are of a higher level in terms of quality?
The tabletop and the base
The main differences between high and low quality tables are the tabletop and base.
The quality of a table depends on a number of specific factors:
- the thickness of the steel
- the diameter of the frame tubes
- the edge of the tabletop
- the way in which all parts are attached to each other
If the base and table top are made of thicker and more massive materials, the table will of course be a lot heavier.
The thickness of the playing field also affects comfort; you play better on a thicker field.
In addition: the thicker and firmer the blade, the better the bounce of the ball. The frame of table tennis tables is often made of steel.
Wheels and folding system
The difference in quality is also noticeable in the wheels and the folding system. The thicker the wheels, the higher the quality.
Thicker wheels make it easier to drive over all kinds of (irregular) surfaces.
The attachment of these types of wheels is also much stronger, which makes them durable.
Most folding tables are equipped with wheels, making the tables easy to move.
But because wheels move and roll, they can wear out over time.
The higher the quality of the table, the more durable the wheels and the less they will wear out. In addition, there are differences in size and thickness of the wheels.
The larger and thicker the wheels, the stronger. In addition, these types of wheels are more resistant to uneven terrain.
There are also wheels that are equipped with brakes. This is useful both when the table is unfolded and when you store it.
The table will remain stable and will not just roll away.
The same applies to the folding system of the table: the stronger the system, the higher the quality.
Moreover, these types of folding systems are easier to use, so they are less likely to be damaged when folding and unfolding.
What are professional table tennis tables made of?
If you are going to buy a table tennis table that is for public use - and will therefore be used by many people - or if you want to play at a high level yourself, you will have to look at the professional tables.
Professional tables are made of solid and heavy materials, so that they can better withstand intensive use and are less likely to be damaged.
If you put a cheaper, low-quality table tennis table on a campsite, it will not last very long.
You will also see that a lower quality table with a folding system will wear out faster than a high quality one.
Furthermore, professional tables will have a thicker table top that ensures a better bounce of the ball.
ITTF competition tables feature the thickest playing surface and offer the best experience.
The tables meet the requirements that a professional table tennis table must meet according to this international association.
Conclusion
In this article you could read that table tennis tables are made of different materials.
Outdoor tables often have a table top made of melamine resin and are further made of concrete or steel. Indoor tables are often made of chipboard.
Professional tables are made of more solid and heavier material so that they can withstand intensive use.
The quality of a table tennis table depends on a number of factors: the tabletop and the base, the wheels and the folding system.
Also read: Best Table Tennis Balls | Which One For Good Spin & Speed?
