The ping pong tables intended for competition meet the standards of the International Federation and therefore have similar characteristics. But there are also tables for other uses. Learn about the different types of table tennis, materials, uses, dimensions and sizes, quality factors and Federation regulations.
Regulatory tables
To play in competition, the International Table Tennis Federation or ITTF * specifies that the upper surface of the table, that is to say, the playing surface must comply with the following points:
be rectangular, with a length of 2.74m and a width of 1.52m.
it must be horizontal and 76 cm from the ground.
The height of the net is 15.25cm
The playing surface can be made of any material. However, this material should provide a uniform 23cm rebound if the ball is dropped from a height of 30cm.
The color of this surface should be dark, uniform and matte. In addition, it must have a white lateral line 2 cm wide on each side and over the entire length. This surface must be divided into two identical camps by a net perpendicular to the playing surface and parallel to the end lines.
For doubles games, two half-camps are taken into account, materialized by a central 3 mm wide line and parallel to the lateral lines.
Types of ping pong tables
As we mentioned, there are different table tennis tables depending on the use for which they are intended:
Outdoor tables
They are intended to be resistant to bad weather, vandalism, intensive or collective use. In addition, many outdoor tables do not offer the rebound characteristics required by the federation. However, it should be noted that there are resin or fiberglass tables that can be used outdoors for competition. They can be mobile or fixed.
Examples: concrete tables for parks, tables with wheels or garden family tables, etc.
Indoor tables
Not having to undergo the constraints of bad weather or vandalism, they are made from less resistant materials but generally better meet the needs of the table tennis player in terms of rebound quality. The top or playing surface is often made of chipboard or resin. But you will also find various tables intended for leisure.
Examples: competition tables in resin or chipboard, small tables for children or cramped interiors, folding ones or luxury tables with precious wood tops.
Playing surface quality
In any case, it is the quality of the top board that determines the quality of the rebound and its durability, the good visibility of the ball. Here are the criteria that determine this quality:
- choosing the right material and coating
- the care taken in its manufacture,
- its thickness depending on the material chosen
Finally, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use will allow you to maintain the quality of your table’s rebound over time: do not expose a table intended for indoor use to bad weather, respect the advice and recommended cleaning products, etc.
* ITTF – International Table Tennis Federation
Image, Pixahive by GSK.
