Table tennis is a competitive game to play with family, colleagues, and friends. Although it’s commonly played indoors, it’s fun to play outdoors too. You can play it in your backyard, at parks, schools, and many other outdoor settings. If you’re deciding on what type of table tennis table to get, outdoor table tennis is a great option.
In this article, we’ll discuss the main differences between indoor and outdoor table tennis tables so you can distinguish between the two when looking at the market. Furthermore, we’ll also list down all the reasons why you should invest in an outdoor one; whether you’re a beginner, experienced, or a pro player.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Table Tennis Table
Although table tennis is a sport or game originally played indoors, it can now be played outdoors as well. When it comes to table tennis tables, the indoor and outdoor types differ in terms of one major factor: design or construction.
Both table types are durable but when it comes to weather elements, outdoor table tennis tables are more durable. They’re specifically designed to withstand heat, rain, wind, and humidity so you can enjoy a fun table tennis match outside the house. This means they’re constructed with more durable materials.
Types of Outdoor Table Tennis Tables
There are many types of outdoor tables you can get in the market. However, when it comes to ones that can withstand sun and rain exposure better, the two most popular options are:
- Concrete Layer Tables
These are outdoor table tennis tables made with concrete and a polished tabletop surface. Because of this construction, it can withstand harsh weather conditions and usually lasts for at least 20 years. They’re usually fixed in place or hard to move because of the design. Despite being the most expensive, it offers great value for money with its durability.
- Resistant Layer Tables
These tables have a resistant layer that can withstand weather conditions enough to let you enjoy a fun game outdoors. Because of this layer, it can last for more than 10 years and is also more lightweight than the concrete type. This makes it easier to transport from one place to another. Moreover, these tables are the most cost-efficient options you can find on the market if you want an outdoor table to play with.
5 Reasons to Invest in Outdoor Table Tennis Tables
Aside from outdoor tables having more durable builds, here are more reasons why you should get an outdoor ping pong table:
1. Can Be Used During Any Weather
Depending on the specific materials used, outdoor table tennis tables can generally be left outside day and night and under any weather conditions. You can use it to play solo or with friends and family during sunny days, rainy days, and even during winter.
This is mainly because outdoor tables are made with a combination of metal and wood with a coating that protects them from the elements. Because of that finish, they don’t easily deteriorate even when exposed to water or too much sunlight. Without that coating, their shelf life, when used outside, would be just as short as indoor tables.
2. They’re Flexible
Whether you want outdoor or indoor play, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with outdoor table tennis tables. Since there are no extreme weather conditions indoors, the durability or weather resistance of outdoor tables would work just as fine as well.
On the other hand, you can’t use indoor tables outdoors because it will easily deteriorate when exposed to weather conditions. Moreover, their frames aren’t as sturdy as outdoor tables and won’t hold up well even on slightly uneven surfaces outside.
3. Promote Fun Outdoor Activities
Outdoor table tennis tables put your outdoor spaces to good use. We spend most of our time indoors, no matter what our age is. This means that outdoor spaces, like the backyard or the garden, aren’t enjoyed to the fullest.
With an outdoor ping pong table in your backyard, you can encourage your family and friends to spend more time outdoors. You can use it to play whether it’s sunny or cloudy, and even while you’re having a barbecue night with them.
Not only does this promote fun activities, but it also helps everyone get their much-needed screen breaks. With many people spending more and more time using gadgets and electronic devices, having a table to play a fun and active table tennis game helps encourage everyone to drop their gadgets and spend time outdoors and with family.
4. Portable and Can Be Used Anywhere
You can find many portable outdoor table tennis tables on the market. Not only can you use it indoors or outdoors, but you can also easily fold them up for easier transport. With a foldable table, it would be easier to store, cover, and bring to another outdoor location.
For instance, if you don’t plan to use it for a while, you can simply fold it up and store it inside the house. If you ever want to use it again, you can simply bring it out and unfold it again.
5. Great Alternatives If There’s a Lack of Indoor Space
If you badly want a table tennis table at home but lack the space to fit one, an outdoor table is a great alternative. Standard table tennis tables come in the size of 9 ft by 5 ft. This covers a pretty big space and if you don’t have a designated game room, fitting a regular-sized one would be quite difficult.
But, if you have more outdoor space to spare, you can place a table tennis table there instead. As mentioned, you don’t have to worry about the table getting exposed to the outside environment. They’re specifically designed to be used outdoors so you can still enjoy a fun ping pong session with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Table tennis is a fun game to play with family and friends. However, indoors isn't usually the best place to play it. Since standard indoor table tennis tables are only designed for indoor settings, you can’t use it to play table tennis outdoors. This is where outdoor table tennis tables come in handy!
There are many reasons to get yourself and your family an outdoor table tennis table. If you want to take a look at some options to buy, you can check out our outdoor table collection. We offer only the best kinds of outdoor table tennis tables from high-quality brands!
