Ping Pong Table Recommendations

[stephenp1983]

I am looking for a ping pong table for a last minute christmas gift for my wife for our garage.  I want one that isn't a peice of junk, but isn't to expensive either.  I've seen some for 79 dollars at walmart and I want something nicer than that.  This is the one I was really considering because I can pick it up.  Any opinions on it or other recommendations

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00626325000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

[AtomSmasher]

I have no recommendations for you.  I just wanted to say that I'm actually just starting to play ping pong again.  I used to play a lot back in college, but a few weeks ago I was at a friends house and he just got a ping pong table and we've been playing a several hours each weekend since.  Good times.

[shardian]

I have the one from Wal-mart. I got it on clearance after christmas last year for $20.

Anyways, it is a pretty nice table. A $300 table it is not, but is still durable, folds up easily and looks pretty darn good. I have looked at the one at  sears, and the Walmart one is comparable. You are basically getting the same table, and then paying $100 for the banding around the edge.

[deadkenndys1105]

Isn't this a build it yourself community.     Im sure you could build a table with a custom paint job and everything.  How about some neon green t-molding around it?  I wouldnt pay that much for a ping pong table but thats just me.

[tommy]

Make sure you don't leave the table in a hot or humid area, I've had many PP tables bend and warp due to heat and moisture.

[Minwah]

I'm moving house next year and there is already a (slightly undersized) pool table and dart board...I'm thinking of making a table tennis table if I ever get the time.

My love of table tennis was rekindled while traveling in Aus last year, playing in hostels etc.  Having your own table must be sweet!

[Lilwolf]

One of the big differences in Ping Pong tables is if the edges have another board on them that goes down a bit.  This reduces warping a lot.

Good luck

[shardian]

One of the big differences in Ping Pong tables is if the edges have another board on them that goes down a bit.  This reduces warping a lot.

Good luck

That is called banding. The nicest tables have steel banding. For the average person, it is major overkill though.

I thought about building my own,except for a few details:
1. ping pong table is 5'x 9', so each half of the table would be 5'x4.5'. Particle board is 4'x8'.
2. Room is a premium, and I like the fold up mechanism of commercial tables.
3. The laminate alone required for the table top would have cost more than the Walmart ping pong table.