Table Tennis - Table

The table tennis tables or the ping pong tables are the hard surfaces on which the ball is struck and hit. The playing surface is 2.74 metres long, 1.525 metres wide and placed 76 cm (2.5 ft) high above the floor. The table should yield a uniform bounce of 23 cm when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30 cm (11.8 inches). The surface is dark coloured with a matte finish over it.

The playing surface is divided into two halves by placing a net that runs vertically to the end lines. For the doubles event, the court is further divided into two halves with a 3 mm wide white centre line. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the governing body of table tennis that approves the standards and all the rules regarding the table. 

Types of Table Tennis Table

The table tennis tables are classified into four types depending on the construction -

• Type I - The tables are stationary and have a non-rolling ability due to the absence of wheels below the undercarriage. The tables may be equipped with an undercarriage that may not be attached to the tabletop or constructed from two individual tabletops with a folding undercarriage. 
• Type II - These are the rollaway tables with two tabletops. Both the tabletops have separate folding undercarriage. 
• Type III - These are the rollaway tables with a single undercarriage and two tabletops. Both the tabletops can be folded separately. 
• Type IV - These are the rollaway tables with a single undercarriage. The tabletop of these tables folds in and out altogether. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor Table

• Indoor table tennis table - The indoor tables are more consistent and uniform in terms of bounce. They are considered to be equal or better than the outdoor tables. The tables, however, aren’t ideal for playing outdoors and should be avoided from getting wet. Some of the standard indoor table tennis tables include STIGA advantage pro, butterfly centrefold 25, JOOLA tour and motion etc. The thickness of the indoor tables ranges from 12 mm to 25 mm.
• Outdoor table tennis table - The outdoor tables are sturdier, durable and are constructed with larger casters. The frames and table legs are manufactured to withstand outdoor conditions and therefore are made from rustproof materials which aid in the table’s durability and strength. Some of the standard outdoor table tennis tables include the Cornilleau 250 S crossover, the STIGA XTR pro outdoor, JOOLA Nova DX etc. The thickness of outdoor tables ranges from 5 to 7mm. 

Manufacturing of Table Tennis Tables

The table tennis playing surface or the tabletop board is made from materials like plywood, particle-board, metals, plastics, concrete or fibre-glass. The finishing of each board affects the frictional and bouncing properties of the surface rather than the choice of material. Therefore, tabletop manufacturing can include a wide range of materials. However, during the major tournaments, only wood and its derivatives are used for manufacturing the playing board.

The ITTF always approve dark coloured table with CIELAB lightness of a maximum 40% and should have a maximum of 60-degree specular gloss. On the other hand, the undercarriages are never white and have a lightness (L) in the CIELAB system maximum of 90%. The undercarriages should be designed in such a way that it doesn’t reflect light upwards and never create any dazzling to the spectators or players. It is generally painted with fluorescent paint or accommodated with under-table light to increase the attractive presentation of the table.