Indoor Table Help

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Question 1: What size is an indoor table?

9 foot long x 5 foot wide by 2 foot 6 inches high (2.75m x 1.53m x 77cm) This is the official size set by the International Table Tennis Federation regulations. Please note: Net and post set extends the table width by 6 inches on each side.

Question 2: What space do I need around the table?

As a minimum approximately 4 foot (1.3 metres) at each end and 3 foot (1m) at the sides. Sometimes you might see professional players standing along way from the table during rallies - it's only when you reach a very high standard do you need this sort of large distances around the table. If you think space is limited a Junior Table might be a better choice.

Question 3: Are the playing tops all the same?

Each manufacturer uses different production methods to build the tops. It's also where cost savings can be made easily in manufacturing. It is not just the thickness of the top which is important but also how the surface coatings have been applied. Look for a roller coating for the playing surface - this system produces the best top giving a consistent bounce and clearly printed lines. Some cheaper tables are sprayed with paint which produces an inferior finish. The thickness of the top varies between 12mm right up to 25mm. While 25mm tables produce the best bounce they are only really required for tournaments. For home use 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm all perform very well. 12mm tables have the advantage of being lighter and easy to move around the home whereas 19mm tables are generally more study.

Yes - The brand of table does make a difference. Each manufacture chooses different material and construction methods when manufacturing a table. Look at the warranty as an indication of how confident the manufacturer is regarding the materials used.

Question 5: Warranties?

		Indoor
Dunlop		5 years
Lion		3 Years
Adidas		3 Years
Butterfly		3 Years
Stiga		3 Years

Question 6: What is playback?

Playback is the ability of the table to fold in a way that enables solo play. This is a useful feature and works well. On many designs you simply fold one side of the table and you can hit the ball against the folded half. It's good for practice and it's good fun.

Table in playback mode

There are a number of folding systems on table tennis tables. For home use generally choose a single or double folding design. These two type are on wheels and are easy to use and almost always have the playback feature.

Unless storage space is very limited we recommend Single or Double folding for both indoor and outdoor tables

	Slimline Storage (Depth approx 3 - 5 inches)	Playback (For Solo Play)	Rollaway System (On Wheels)	Perminate Net & Post (no need to remove net when folding)	Easy Assembly	Comments
Slimline Folding						Ideal when you have only very limited storage space. Some slimline tables have wheels on the table edge although they offer only limited functionality. Look for a lighter table as slimline tables require lifting to set up. Please note: two adults and 5 mins are required to set up these tables.
Single Folding						These tables have two separate halves - they are easy to open and close and move around. The net & post set is put on after the table is opened. These tables have the playback facility. Good allround tables, ideal for home, schools, clubs.
Double Folding						Double Folding tables are built on one single frame and they are moved around as one single unit. Easy to use and very popular as outdoor tables where small storage space is not so critical. Net and post set stays in place perminately.
Static Table						Suitable for parks and schools - tables are perminately open and ready to play.

ADDITIONAL Questions...

1. Do I need a table with Brakes?
Very useful and makes folding and unfolding the table much safer and easier. If possible choose a table with brakes.

2. Do I need leg levellers?
Again can be very useful if there are uneven surfaces. For indoor tables floors often are not completly flat - with outdoor tables levellers can make all the differece when placing the table on a lawn or patio.