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If you have decided to add a table tennis table to your garage, we know the excitement that comes with it. But we also know that constant searching for the ‘best’ table can dampen our excitement. But don’t worry; we have given you a guideline on choosing the best tennis table for your garage.
The best table tennis table is an indoor table. Try choosing a table with a thicker surface for a more consistent bounce. Also, consider buying foldable tables, as they can help save space after games. Choosing an ITTF-approved table will ensure that the table is up to industry standards.
If you’d like to learn what materials are best for a table tennis table in the garage or what other factors you should look out for, continue reading.
Best Table Tennis Material For Indoors
Table tennis is a beloved game that family and friends of all ages can play – so we completely understand if you’re thinking of investing in a table. After all, who wouldn’t want to add this timeless game to their gaming inventory? Table tennis is not only a hard-hitter in social settings but also fun to play as a single player.
So whether you want to play a game or two in private or have leisurely fun with friends, the right table tennis table can give you the best of both worlds. But before you buy any ol’ tennis table, it is essential to consider a few factors. The first is space. In many people’s households, there’s simply not enough space to accommodate a tennis table.
Moreover, many people lack adequate garden space or do not have one at all in which to place a table. So what is the next best option? The garage. Before heading out to your local store to buy a table, there are a few things you need to know. The first is that there is a difference among table tennis tables as there are tables made specifically for indoor use and others made for outdoor use.
How can we tell them apart? Well, mainly by the materials. Outdoor table tennis tables are made from materials that can withstand changing and harsh elements. Indoor table tennis tables are made from materials that do better in more stable environments. This leads us to our next point.
To understand what table tennis tables are best suited for garages, we first need to look at what materials are typically found in indoor tennis tables. Knowing what materials are used will help prevent you from unintentionally buying an outdoor table and give you an idea of what materials to look out for when purchasing one. Here are some typical materials found on indoor table tennis tables;
- Particle board
- Solid wood
- Plywood, or
- Plastic
It is important to note that indoor tennis tables are not solely made from the materials above. The board is usually made from some form of wood derivative or plastic. On the other hand, the frame and legs are typically made from metal. As indoor table tennis tables are generally constructed from some form of wood, it is best to avoid exposing them to water.
Wood exposed to water can swell, warp, disintegrate over time, or even develop mold. So if you have a leak that you just haven’t gotten to yet, it might be best to fix it before you incorporate your new table into your garage. So why are indoor tables not suitable for outdoors? Well, because of the nature of the materials. As stated, wood does not fair well under wet conditions.
Not only that, but wood and plastic cannot withstand other weather conditions, such as constant heat, wind, or snow. Strong winds can easily warp or damage wood and plastic. Rain can destroy wood and oxidize metal components.
And the sun can eventually cause the table to wear and tear due to anti-UV coatings. However, if you really need to use the table outside, consider limiting it to one or two games and then bringing it back inside into safety immediately after.
However, it is crucial to ensure that the environment inside your garage is accommodating to preserve a tennis table. Unheated garages can eventually lead to damage to the table. So it is best to make sure that the garage can maintain a stable temperature and not experience extreme temperature changes.
What To Look for In Table Tennis To Get For Garage?
Besides knowing what materials to look for, it’s also important to consider other factors before purchasing your soon-to-be table. Below are some additional criteria that might help you decide which table is right for you.
Table Tennis Bounce
Did you know that table tennis balls will bounce differently on different types of tables? The different ‘bounce’ is due to how the tables are made. In more specific terms, differences in ball bounce are due to the materials used during production. For example, outdoor tables are made of a mix of materials such as metal, concrete, and wood.
These materials absorb the energy of the ball and thus slow down the bounce rate. But if you are a recreational player, don’t worry. Most recreational players are unable to differentiate between indoor and outdoor bounce rates.
However, more professional players will be able to notice the difference. When looking for a table tennis table, it is essential to consider the playing surface. Why? Well, the thicker the playing surface, the more consistent the bounce. A thicker playing surface means the ball will have an even and consistent bounce regardless of where it lands on the board.
If the board is not thick enough or poorly produced, you may find that some areas of the board are sturdier, whereas others are more flexible. This inconsistency in the board will ultimately lead to uneven and inconsistent bounce that will throw you and your opponent off their game.
Surface thickness ranging from 1/4 of an inch to 5/8 of an inch is best for friendly games. Tennis tables within these ranges are often budget-friendly and lightweight. However, consider 7/8-inch to 1-inch thickness for a more constant bounce that is perfect for seasoned players or anyone who likes a balanced game.
Table Tennis Storage And Single Player
For most people, space is a valuable commodity. Household space allows you to be much more creative with your interior with relatively more ease. It’s probably safe to assume that you have considered space in some way if you’re considering putting your table tennis table in your garage.
Opting for table tennis tables that can fold in half is recommended to ease this problem. Foldable tables make it much easier to store after a game or free up space if necessary. Additionally, you can also set up foldable tables in a way that will allow single-player use.
So if you ever feel like playing without the social aspect or would like to hit out some stress after a long day’s work, foldable tennis tables might be the option for you. You may be interested to know that interchangeable tables are available on the market. They can convert from table tennis to a football table or to a pool table.
These tables are highly entertaining and certainly will keep you from being bored. However, interchangeable tables often are manufactured with subpar quality. So if you want to play more professionally or as an avid hobbyist, these tables may not be for you.
Table Tennis Size
Table tennis tables come in varying sizes. However, a full-size table typically measures 8ft 9″ (2.74m) in length and 5ft (1.53m) in width. While an empty garage can more than likely accommodate a full-size table, it is also vital to consider movement space.
Without sufficient space to move freely, your game will become restricted and may even become uncomfortable. If you feel that there is not enough space for movement, try considering smaller variations of table tennis tables for your garage.
Table Tennis Table ITTF Approved
Did you know that table tennis is a recognized official sport? And with all sports come regulating governing bodies that determine the rules and regulations of that game. And table tennis is no such exception.
The International Table Tennis Federation, or the ITTF, is a governing body that regulates all table tennis organizations. The ITTF body ultimately oversees and standardizes all rules and regulations as well as organizes table tennis tournaments. Therefore, when buying a table tennis table, you might want to consider if it is ITTF approved.
An ITTF-approved table will meet all standardized requirements for official use in tournaments. So if you want to know that your table is up to standard without the hassle of double-checking other criteria, you might want to try and opt for an ITTF-approved table. However, there are also many high-quality tables on the market that are not ITTF approved.
Table Tennis Table cost
What table tennis table is best for your garage is ultimately one that is best for your budget. Here is a breakdown of the price range you might expect to find.
- Entry-level tennis tables: anywhere between $300 – $900
- Intermediate tennis tables: anywhere between $900 -$1,600
- Tournament grade tables: anywhere between $1,600- $5,000
However, purchasing a new table tennis table is not the only way to go. Try searching your local pawn shop for tennis tables or online for second-hand tables. Be cautious, though, as many scams are run online, and you should never give out your personal details, such as your social security number or card details. If you are meeting the buyer, make sure to bring someone with you.
Best Table Tennis Tables For Garage
While many excellent quality tennis tables are available on the market, we decided to share a few of our top favorite table tennis tables. Read on to learn more.
Best Overal Table Tennis Table
The JOOLA 3000 SC ticks all the boxes for the best overall table. Not only is this table ITTF-approved, but it has also gained its spot as a favorite among table tennis pros and enthusiasts.
This table is used in one of America’s premier tennis table clubs, the Maryland Table Tennis center, because of its high quality, consistent bounce, and straight surface. The table is foldable and will cost around $1,600- $1,850, depending on where you purchase it.
Best Professional-Quality Table Tennis Table
There are many high-quality tables on the market. But the Butterfly Centrefold 25 ranks as one of the favorites among many professional players. These tables are durable and of high quality. They have a 25-mm top, do not require any assembly, and are foldable with four wheels. The price range for this table is around $2,360 -$2,500
Best Budget-Friendly Table Tennis Table
Yet again on our list is JOOLA. This 5/8 inch (15mm) table is a regulation-sized table and is an excellent budget-friendly table that won’t break the bank. The playing surface is 15 mm with a slightly lighter frame. This table is foldable with net and post set included. At the time of writing, this table will cost you anywhere from $260-360. This table gets our approval due to its price and quality.
Table Tennis Tables For Unheated Garage
If your garage is not suitable for indoor tables, you might want to consider two options. The first option is to remodel the garage, such as repairing any leaks or broken windows that may impact the temperature in the garage. The second is to opt for an outdoor table that is more durable.
Unfortunately, outdoor tennis tables tend to be heavier than indoor tables. This means that it is significantly harder to move. Not only are these tables heavy, but many outdoor tables are fixed. This means freeing up space on a whim may pose a challenge.
Conclusion
The best table tennis table for a garage is an indoor table. However, indoor tables are only suited if the temperature and environment within the garage are suitable. For unheated garages, you may want to consider an outdoor table.
Resources
- https://www.libertygames.co.uk/store/table-tennis/buying-advice/buyers-guide/
- https://kdvr.com/reviews/best-table-tennis-table/
- https://kdvr.com/reviews/best-table-tennis-table/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Table_Tennis_Federation
- https://joolausa.com/tournament-used-3000sc-table-tennis-table/
- https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Centrefold-Rollaway-Table-Tennis/dp/B000BO8AKW?th=1
- https://www.amazon.com/JOOLA-Indoor-Table-Quick-Clamp/dp/B086P4GD8Q?th=1