Table Tennis

Buying any game room furniture is quite the investment. Choosing the right one can have a big impact on your play and your wallet, so you want to make sure you are getting the best quality for the amount you pay. There are several things you should consider before choosing your ping-pong table.

• Consider the product’s surface thickness.

Most regulation size products range in thickness from 12mm to 30mm. Generally, the thicker the surface, the better the product. For example, some of the best ping-pong tables for high-traffic recreation centers or competitions are 25mm or more. Beginners and those buying for their own personal game rooms can get by fine with thinner material, but the quality of play is not always the same.

The thicker top will have a truer bounce, is less likely to warp, is often sturdier, and can handle being moved around a lot in places such as schools or clubs.

• Note the product’s durability.

Whether you’re looking for a piece to use in a recreation room, at home, or entertaining multiple guests around your property, your product should last. When checking your ping-pong table for its durability, pay attention to both what is on top and what is underneath.

The surface of the piece should, at the very least, have a treated paint surface, with no decals, stickers, or other elements that interfere with the quality. Higher end products, often those approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), feature special surface treatments meant to withstand higher volume play.

What’s underneath is just as important as the surface of the item. Each has its own configuration, but many state what type of metal is used and how thick the tubing is. The most solid ping-pong products will be around 50mm. Look for 3-to-6-inch locking caster wheels to keep the furniture piece moving smoothly and safely, such as in and out of storage or around the house, if you plan on moving it a lot. That way your product will stay in perfect condition for as long as possible.

• Take the item’s size into consideration.

While ping-pong tables can come in multiple sizes, there is only one official regulation size. Non-regulation or non-standard pieces are only for recreational use. Often, these come in smaller proportions meant to fit into most rooms or backyards. Each manufacturer tends to have their own range according to their product standards. The most common for a non-regulation indoor table tennis table is 6ft x 3ft x 2.5ft.

Regulation-size items are sized according to the dimensions mandated by the ITTF. Most pieces are regulation-size, which is 9ft x 5ft x 2.5ft.

When buying your furnishings, you want to make sure it fits into the room or space you plan on using it in. There should be enough space on all sides to play the game comfortably, and it should be far away from anything that might break.

• Ask yourself whether you’ll be playing inside or outside.

Where you’ll be playing is just as important as the product you’re playing on. You can play outside, but only if you have the right outdoor ping-pong table. Only setups specifically manufactured and labeled for exterior use should be used outdoors.

Outdoor products often consist of a specialty playing surface and undercarriage with weatherproof treating. These are tested against frost, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, heat, and moisture. Though many outdoor table tennis furniture looks the same as their indoor counterparts, they may be made of aluminum or fiberglass to withstand the elements.

• Review your budget.

In the end, your budget will decide what kind of equipment you can afford. Whether you choose to get a non-regulation size product, which is often cheaper, or an ITTF standard piece, you need to know how much you are willing to spend. Any accessories, such as paddles, need to be factored into your budget.

No matter what item you ultimately choose, the experts at West State Billiards and Gamerooms can walk you through the decision-making process. We want you to get the right design and fit for you and your entertainment needs. As part of our services, we also offer professional installation, so you can rest assured your piece is set right.

With premium table tennis brands like Cornilleau, California House, Presidential, and R&R, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Come visit one of our three showrooms or look through our selection online to find the right one just for you.

Why Should You Choose West State?

At West State, we believe in providing you with the ultimate entertainment experience when it comes to building the game room of your dreams. We take pride in helping our customers discover what they want in a ping-pong table, answering all the questions they have and helping them find the right furniture piece that fits both their wants and their needs. Our team works hard to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase from as soon as it’s installed.

Since 1946, West State Billiards & Gamerooms has been providing the Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, and San Diego counties with the best deals on quality game room furniture and other items. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of customer service and products in Southern California. Come visit one of our showrooms and take home your dream ping-pong table!

Table Tennis Table FAQs:

Is ping pong the same as table tennis?

Yes. Ping pong and table tennis are the same sport, but how people use the terms can vary.

• “Table tennis” is used for competitive and professional settings, like leagues, tournaments, and international events
• “Ping pong” is associated with casual play, social matches, and home setups

Professional table tennis involves specific table and surface standards, coaching, rankings, and rule enforcement. In recreational ping pong, the main goal is to have a good time.

If you’re talking specifically about the professional sport, you’ll want to use the official name, table tennis. In most cases, however, it really doesn’t matter which term you use.

Equipment and Setup Differences

When setting up for ping pong at home, you have a variety of options. An indoor table tennis table looks beautiful as the centerpiece of a home rec room. If you’d rather have fresh air and extra room to move, an outdoor table tennis table is a perfect addition to any yard, deck, or patio.

When browsing for a table tennis table for sale, you may see both terms used for the same product. Families often choose a foldable ping pong table for space-saving convenience. The best ping pong tables, regardless of label, focus on reliable play and lasting quality.

Playing on a professional ping pong table or a home model still involves the same game. Our tournament ping pong tables are designed to provide professional-level quality for whatever you have in mind, from family games to serious practice.

What is the official size of a table tennis table?

The official ping pong table dimensions for tournament play are:

• Length: 9 feet
• Width: 5 feet
• Height: 2.5 feet

These are the global standards defined by the International Table Tennis Federation and are followed at all levels of professional competition, from regional events to global championships.

Source: International Table Tennis Foundation. ITTF Statutes 2025.

Why Size Matters

Ping pong table dimensions are important for a number of reasons, such as:

• A tournament ping pong table must meet these dimensions for competitive use
• Any professional ping pong table will follow these specs for consistency
• Full-size tables offer a more realistic playing experience at home or in clubs

Indoor table tennis tables often match these measurements, but you can also find compact or foldable options to fit smaller spaces. Many foldable ping pong table designs are built to full size but offer added convenience for storage and transport.

Space Needed Around the Table

To play comfortably around a regulation table, we recommend at least:

• 5 feet of space behind each end
• 3 feet on each side

This extra room helps players move freely during fast-paced games. Outdoor table tennis tables placed on patios or decks can offer more open space for dynamic rallies and safer movement during intense play.

When evaluating a table tennis table for sale, match the size and space requirements to your environment. The best ping pong tables stick to official dimensions while balancing performance and build quality.

What is the best material for a ping pong table?

The playing surface directly affects performance. The best ping pong tables use high-density fiberboard, which ensures a consistent bounce and smooth feel. This is commonly used for professional ping pong table surfaces, as it offers excellent control.

Other surface materials include:

• Medium-density fiberboard: Used in recreational tables, more affordable but less consistent than high-density fiberboard
• Aluminum composites: Common in outdoor table tennis tables for weather resistance, but lacking with regard to feel

Material thickness can also affect performance. A tournament ping pong table typically has a surface thickness of 0.75 inches to 1 inch. Thicker boards provide better bounce for fast, competitive play.

Location Matters

Different surfaces can suit different play locations.

For example:

• Indoor table tennis tables: Prioritize surface quality, smoothness, and bounce
• Outdoor table tennis tables: Include sealed or coated surfaces to prevent damage from sunlight and moisture

A foldable ping pong table can offer the convenience of outdoor play without worrying about the elements. These models often include lockable wheels, safety latches, and adjustable nets, allowing easy storage between games.

When browsing table tennis tables for sale, surface quality should match your skill level and usage. The best ping pong tables deliver durability and responsiveness, indoors or out.

West State Billiards offers a variety of table tennis tables for sale with different surface types.  With our broad selection from top brands in the sport, we’ll help you find just the right fit for your space.