Buying an outdoor table tennis table is probably one of the best purchases you will ever make.
Hours of fun with friends and family await you.
However, you need to make sure that your buying a quality model from a reputable brand that has been built to last.
So, I’ve put together my list of the best outdoor table tennis tables with a detailed review on each.
Joola Table Tennis Wettkampftisch DUOMAT
The Joola Table Tennis is another one of the higher quality tables, designed with the better player in mind. It’s an ITTF approved table and has been used in two European Championships. As you’d expect for the money, the build quality is excellent and the bounce is fast and even. The powder coated metal frame means it’s able to withstand outdoor use without the metal frame chipping and rusting. It can be easily moved and folded for storage, despite weighing 128kg. It’s another table that needs to be stored inside.
Key features & benefits
- Elite playing surface
- Fantastic build quality
- Easy to move and store, despite the weight
JOOLA Adult World Cup 25-s Table Tennis Table
Like the other JOOLA tables, this is an extremely high quality bit of kit. It’s another elite table with ITTF approval and has been used in tournaments around the world. It’s available in with a blue surface and shares the excellent build quality and surface as the other models in the range. If you have the money to spend and want an elite table, this could be the choice for you. The heavy weight table means it’s able to withstand outdoor use, but again store it inside.
Key features & benefits
- Elite surface – ITTF approved
- Heavy and well made
- Allows for solo play
Carlton Unisex TTi10 Table Tennis Table
The Cartlon Unisex TTi10 is an excellent upper-mid range table tennis table. It is significantly cheaper than the top end of the market but retains a lot of the same features. The adjustable wheels, folding table and detachable nets all make for an excellent indoor/outdoor table. The surface is knock-resistant, so if you’re a beginner/anticipating child use of the table, you’ll be less concerned about the potential damage.
Key features & benefits
- Knock resistant surface, ideal for family/beginner use
- Fully adjustable to suit a range of sizes
- Suitable for solo play
Donnay Outdoor Table Tennis Table
The Donnay Indoor/Outdoor Table Tennis Table is a great mid-range price option for anyone wanting to play table tennis at home. It’s a durable chipboard construction and made with a matt blue finish which minimises light reflection, making it easier to see the ball. The table can be use outside, but should be stored inside to protect the table from the weather.
Key features & benefits
- Easy fold up for storage and movement
- Detachable net
- Single-sided folding so you can play solo
Butterfly Centerfold 25 Rollaway Table Tennis Table
If you’re willing to spend more money, the Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway Table Tennis Table is a great choice. It is a heavy table, built to withstand the outdoors and extensive use. The wheels are locking and adjustable and the whole table comes with a 5 year warranty. It’s also approved by the International Table Tennis Federation. Again, store inside when the table is not in use.
Key features & benefits
- 1 inch thick surface for excellent bounce
- Solid steel and wooden construction
- Perfectly even bounce for high level play
Butterfly Starter Indoor Table Tennis Table
The Butterfly Starter Table Tennis Table is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, entry-level table tennis table. It’s 2/3 of the full size, so is great for kids. It’s also really light weight and easy to move (there are attached wheels, making movement very quick), so can be taken outside easily. Set up is very simple – the legs fold down quickly and the whole table lies very flat for easy storage. The table comes with detachable net and bats.
Key features & benefits
- Very light and easy to transport
- Only 2/3 of full size, so great for small spaces outside
- Folds away for easy storage
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Why invest in an outdoor table tennis table?
An outdoor table tennis table can give you hours of fun. It’s a sport that doesn’t take a huge amount of skill, the equipment is relatively inexpensive and the who family can play. It doesn’t matter if you’re super fit or barely do any exercise, you can still enjoy table tennis at home.
- It’s a game that you can do at home easily. You don’t need a pitch, a pool, a course or the like – just a table and a bit of room.
- You can be set up and ready to go within minutes. Move the table into position, set it up with the net and start playing! Easy!
- The whole family can play. It’s not a physical game, so adults and children can play together relatively fairly.
- You can practice on your own! Many table tennis tables allow each side to fold, so you can practice alone – great if nobody else wants to play with you!
- It’s really easy to store. A lot of outdoor games come with kit that is difficult to put away – it’s hard to move and store football goals for example. An outdoor table tennis table can be folded up and wheeled away!
What to look for in an outdoor table tennis table
The table tennis table world is like any other in the sense that each product had its own features, benefits and price points to consider. Here’s a list of the major points you’ll want to consider when you’re looking for an outdoor table tennis table.
Table thickness
This is synonymous with quality. Generally speaking, the thicker the table the more robust and hard wearing it is. It’s also heavier and if made well, will have a much more consistent and even bounce. If you’re taking the sport seriously, table thickness of at least 19mm is important. The thicker the table, the less chance there is of warping, which can affect the bounce and speed of the table. Professional tables are 25mm thick.
Table size
The standard size for table tennis tables is 9ft by 5ft and stands 2.5ft high, but you can buy tables marketed for kids and families that are smaller. These are typically 6ft by 3ft. As mentioned earlier, table thickness varies from 12mm to 25mm.
Foldability
Most tables will fold away in the middle with a couple of simple clips to undo. Generally speaking, this is a feature that will be seen across the range of tables – it’s not generally cost dependent.
Wheels
Many of the tables will have wheels built into them to allow for easy transportation. The better, more expensive tables will be heavier and therefor will have a stronger wheel set up. These will typically be on the frame of the table, rather than underneath the table itself which is sometimes the case with cheaper models.
Best outdoor table tennis tables – conclusion
You should make a purchase decision on what suits you. If you’re looking for a table to practice very seriously on, you’ve got give seriously consider the thickness and surface quality of the table. If portability is more important, then consider the weight of the table and the ease of folding and storage.
Although most tables are absolutely fine to be used outdoors, they need to be stored indoors to protect them so make storage a consideration when making a decision, irrespective of your budget.
There’s a wide range of tables on the market and I’ve give you a thorough review of many of the leading models. I’ve also given you plenty of guidance on features to consider, so good luck – you’re armed with enough info to make a great choice!