Outdoor Table Help

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Question 1: Outdoor or Indoor - Do I need an outdoor table or will an indoor table be suitable?

Indoor tables can be quickly damaged if they are exposed to excess moisture or direct sunlight. Therefore if you are planning to use the table outside or if you are storing the table in a building which might be susceptible to dampness, it might be safer to buy an outdoor table.

Indoor tables can be used outdoors with care on a fine and dry summers day provided they are kept out of direct sunlight and and they are kept indoors overnight.

Many people ask us if they can buy an indoor table for their garage - the answer is generally yes it will be fine in a dry garage. However, if the garage is damp (a quick way to check this is to put a cardboard box in the garage and leave a few days, if the cardboard has lost it's firmness and shape then you might have a moisture problem) you might consider an outdoor.

Conservatories

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Question 2: Can outdoor tables stay outside all year?

Yes - although the more protection it receives the longer it will last. Ideally it should be protected with the outdoor cover and if possible stored in a sheltered position. Watch out for high winds as tables can blow over if not placed in a sheltered spot The material of the playing surface is important when leaving the table outside year round. Melamine and aluminium are the best materials and these will resist all weather type for a number of years. These tops tend to be thinner (normally 4 - 5mm) - when choosing a top for outdoor use it is not a case of thicker is necessarily better. Some outdoor tables have wooden 12mm tops which while they have been waterproofed are not likely to last as long.


Question 3: Is brand important?

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

Question 4: Warranties?

			Outdoor
			Tops	Frame	Notes
Dunlop			10 Years	3 Years	(EVO1000 Frame 1 Year)
Lion			5 Years	1 Year
Butterfly			3 Years	1 Year
Adidas			3 Years	1 Year
Stiga			3 Years	1 Year

Question 5: 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 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 difference when placing the table on a lawn or patio.