Table tennis is an excellent pastime to do at home. All you need is a bit of space, a good table, a pair of paddles, and a ball to play with. There are two major types of equipment that you can buy: indoor or outdoor tables. Below is a guide for choosing one or the other:
Indoor Tables
In most cases, people should purchase a ping pong table that is meant for indoor use. This will most closely mimic what’s used in actual competition so it would be nice to train on a similar surface. These are usually made of wood with metal supports underneath and a soft net in the middle. Many can be folded in two and have small wheels for easy storage. They can simply be moved outside on occasion if the space inside is occupied. However, it should be placed back indoors right away. Prolonged exposure to the sun or moisture can lead to warping.
The best indoor ping pong tables come from known brands that use premium materials. They calibrate everything such that the bounce of the ball is just right — that is, approximately the same as that of competition tables. If interested buyers will only use this equipment for leisure, then such level of quality may not be necessary. Entry level or mid-range units will do. Keep them away from extreme temperatures and store them away neatly when not in use and they should last for years without issues.
Outdoor Tables
These units are only advisable if the table will be set outdoors permanently. Otherwise, the indoor type will still be preferred because of its playing characteristics and cost. Outdoor units are simply too expensive for casual buyers. The price will only be justified if they will be used extensively outside the house. A courtyard or a spacious backyard might do. It would help if all of the sides were covered in some way to prevent excessive interference by the wind which could affect the ball’s trajectory.
Due to their expected exposure to the elements, these are built like a tank to withstand anything that nature throws at them. Some are even made of cement which will neither rot nor get corroded unlike wood or metal. Their surfaces are covered with a material that enables the ball to bounce just like it would on a regular indoor unit so there should be no worries about game play. However, their heft and cost can truly be a barrier. Try to find a space within the home or garage as much as possible.
