Differences Between Indoor & Outdoor Pingpong Tables

Pingpong--also called table tennis--is a popular recreational sport played around the world in a number of different environments.There are a number of differences between indoor tables and those used outdoor, and the materials used on each affect how they play. Choose the right pingpong table for you based on where you plan to keep it.

Materials

Indoor and outdoor pingpong tables are made from different materials. Indoor tables are made from wood that is not weather resistant and will buckle and bubble if it gets wet. Any warping will alter or ruin the surface, making it hard to play on. Outdoor pingpong tables are made from metal and the surfaces are made from treated wood or melamine, so rain or ice or snow will not damage it and the ball will bounce straight and true. If you may move your pingpong table from indoor to outdoors, it's best to get an outdoor table.

Bounces

Because the two tables are made from different materials, the pingpong ball bounces much differently on each. Wooden table surfaces have a bit more give, meaning the ball will bounce a bit less harshly on hard hits or not carry quite as much on close hits over the net. Outdoor tables' surfaces are incredibly bouncy with faster speeds and play between players. This gives advantages to those who play a speedier game on an outdoor table and a game of spins on an indoor table.

Cost

Indoor tables generally are much cheaper then outdoor tables, based purely on materials. Metal tables are rust and weather resistant and painted while a flat, painted piece of wood creates an indoor table. With the exception of very high end professional wooden pingpong tables, the indoor wooden table works better for a lower budget. Just make sure you have enough room inside to properly play a game.