The 10 Best Outdoor Ping Pong Tables
This wiki has been updated 38 times since it was first published in December of 2016. When the weather turns nice, these outdoor table tennis tables make it easy to take a fun family activity out into the fresh air. They’re ruggedly designed, with features like UV-resistant coatings and sturdy steel legs, so they'll stand up well to rain and sun exposure. Some fold up easily for compact storage, and many come with durable covers and pockets for ping pong paddles. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Cornilleau 500M Crossover
2. Joola Nova
3. Kettler Champ 5.0
Editor's Notes
July 20, 2020:
In today’s update, we swapped out the Goplus Midsize with the similar, yet more readily available, GoSports Mid-Size. The new addition, however, comes with two paddles and a set of ping pong balls, and a handy storage and carrying pouch for them. While it’s not regulation size, this attractive red table makes a nice choice for anyone looking for a backyard set that doesn’t take up much space on the deck or patio. It’s more affordable than most, too, and comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re interested in a regulation-size model for hosting fun tournaments among family and friends, it’s hard to go wrong with the Joola Nova, which is easy to store and transport, since it separates into two pieces, each of which has its own trolley system. This durable option features a weatherproof net, and its rich blue color won’t fade in the sun. For another tournament-quality selection from the same manufacturer, look to the Joola 11610, which offers a net with an adjustable tension system. Its powder-coated metal stands up well to the elements, and its deep shades of blue and red make this attractive model stand out in any backyard.
We kept the Cornilleau 500M Crossover in the number one spot on our list, and this highly durable choice comes from a French manufacturer with decades of experience in designing table tennis equipment. It boasts conveniences like height-adjustable legs, a glare-free resin top, and large eight-inch double wheels. It’s made with safety in mind, with corner protectors to prevent injury as well as keep it from becoming chipped during transport. Another quality model from the same maker is the Cornilleau Pro 510M. This one provides two thick and stable legs to help ensure wobble-free play, and both ends are wheel-chair friendly. It’s made of 100% steel with a high-density, solid laminate tabletop that can stand up to both bad weather and hard hits from ping pong paddles. For a reliable set that comes with everything you need to get started, check out the Kettler Champ 5.0, which includes paddles, balls, and a heavy-duty cover to help keep it protected during storage. It holds up well when set up, too, thanks to its powder coating that protects from corrosion and chipping. If you're interested in a set for use inside your home, check out our list of the best indoor ping pong tables.
April 17, 2019:
We made sure that players of most experience levels and budgets would find something on our list to turn their backyard into an exciting gaming arena. Those looking for a genuine tournament experience will love the Joola 11610 and the Joola Nova, both of which come from an official USA tennis table sponsor — the Nova is even regulation size, allowing you to experience the same challenges the pros do. Those who want the option to swiftly tuck their table away when it's not in use will like that the Joola Nova separates into two halves for storage. The Goplus Midsize is another good option when space is at a premium, since even when fully-assembled, it takes up little room, and without its net provides a multi-use surface for other games, snack time, and more, really letting you make efficient use of your space. If you want to get fully in the zone with no distractions, the Cornilleau Pro 510M should be your go-to. It has a steel net, so you'll never need to pause the game to adjust its tension. It also has extremely stable legs, so wobbling won't mess up your scores. The Cornilleau 500M Crossover will also eliminate concerns over the table itself interfering with your skills, since its laminate surface provides an excellent bounce. When you are outdoors, you may not have as many convenient places nearby to rest your gear, but luckily the Killerspin MyT7 BlackStorm, the Kettler Champ 5.0, and the Butterfly TW24B have accessory holders on the sides for your paddles and balls.
Special Honors
Donic Outdoor Roller 1000 This weatherproof table is constructed with a 6-millimeter resin top that’s firmly glued to a metal undercarriage, for a high bounce of the ball. Its legs are strengthened by metal supports at the front, and rubber wheels provide stability and easy maneuverability, even on uneven ground. It features a fixed net and post set, as well as storage spots for paddles and balls. It can be converted into a handy playback mode, so you can practice independently. donic.com
4. Stiga XTR
5. Butterfly TW24B
6. GoSports Mid-Size
7. Cornilleau Pro 510M
8. Kettler Axos 1
9. Joola 11610
10. Killerspin MyT7
A Brief History Of Ping Pong
The heavy rubber balls didn't allow for very long rallies, so J. Jacques and Son started making celluloid balls.
Ping Pong is actually a trademarked name for the sport of table tennis. The name was first invented in the late 1890s by the English firm J. Jacques and Son. In the early 1900s, they sold Parker Brothers the rights to use the name of Ping Pong in the United States. So, to learn the history of Ping Pong, we must actually look at the history of table tennis.
It is commonly believed that table tennis first came into existence some time in the 1860s and 1870s, when bored English military officers serving in India were looking for something to do in their spare time. They developed a version of table tennis, which, over time, became the version that we know today. An alternating theory says that table tennis was first developed in the 1880s, when bored English tennis players were looking for a way to continue playing their favorite game throughout the frigid winter months. The result was table tennis. Whichever theory is true, of one thing there are no doubt: bored Englishmen were involved.
After its development, table tennis quickly gained popularity, prompting J. Jacques and Son to start manufacturing premium Ping Pong tables, balls and paddles. At first, they and all other manufacturers made the balls out of rubber. The heavy rubber balls didn't allow for very long rallies, so J. Jacques and Son started making celluloid balls. This new style of hollow plastic ball was much lighter and easier to control, allowing for longer volleys. As players hit these celluloid balls back and forth, they made the telltale ping-pong sound with which we are all so familiar. After this, J. Jacques and Son renamed the game from Gossima, their previously registered name for it, to Ping Pong, which they promptly registered and trademarked.
Since J. Jacques and Son and Parker Brothers had a trademark on the name Ping Pong, other companies selling tables, paddles, and balls started to refer to the game as table tennis. In 1926, the International Table Tennis Federation was formed. It quickly set about establishing a set of international table tennis rules and held the first official Table Tennis World Championship in London. This took what up until then had just been a fun parlor game, and turned it into an official sport with serious players all around the world.
What To Consider When Choosing An Outdoor Ping Pong Table
One of the first decisions to make before purchasing an outdoor Ping Pong table is regarding the placement. Will the table permanently occupy a space, or do you need a table that you can pack away when not in use? If you don't have a dedicated space to set up your Ping Pong table, choose a folding model that features wheels. This allows one person to easily move it and cuts down on the amount of storage space it requires. Higher quality models will usually have wheels that you can lock into place during game play. Those who want to practice alone should also choose a folding model. Folding up one half of the table gives you a surface to practice hitting against that will send the ball directly back at you. This is a great way to improve your volleying skills. Stationary tables tend to be sturdier and more visually attractive, but they require a very large space commitment.
If it is a table for young children and teens, or an office table, it is better to choose a more affordable model.
You should also consider who is going to play on the table. If it is a table for young children and teens, or an office table, it is better to choose a more affordable model. More than likely, it will suffer a large amount of abuse. No Ping Pong table can stand up to endless abuse, but it is much less stressful to replace an affordable, budget-friendly model than a high-end table. On the other hand, if this table is intended for more serious players or perhaps just you and a few select friends, you may be happier with a premium table. High-end tables will produce a more consistent bounce on the ball, making them better for serious practice. One of the ways to gauge quality is to look at the thickness of the table and the material from which it is made. A one-inch thick table will produce a better and more even bounce than a 0.75-inch table. Tables made from a denser material, like plywood or solid wood, will be better than those from less dense materials, such as particleboard.
The legs will also make a big difference in a table's playability and durability. Models that have thick aluminum, zinc, or steel alloy legs will stand up to regular use and movement much better than those with thinner frames. Keep an eye out for a model that comes with leg levelers, too. These can be vital to creating a level playing field when setting up your table on an outdoor surface.
Physical And Mental Health Benefits Of Ping Pong
Ping Pong is more than just a fun way to pass the time. It is actually surprisingly healthy for the human body, as well. Ping Pong provides both physical and mental benefits. This fast-paced game requires quick reflexes, concentration, and lots of hand-eye coordination. Tracking the ball as it leaves the opposing player's paddle and comes towards you requires a high degree of mental alertness. If your opponent puts a spin on the ball, you must use your problem solving skills to anticipate its trajectory after the bounce and adjust your paddle accordingly. Repeating these actions again and again throughout games of Ping Pong helps to develop and improve mental acuity. Studies have even shown that it can improve cognitive awareness in those suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Going to the gym and running on the treadmill can be rather boring, and most of us will rarely spend a full hour doing it. Ping Pong is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It is extremely fun, almost to the point of being addictive. Luckily, this is one addiction that is beneficial to your health. The average adult burns roughly 300 calories in just one hour of Ping Pong. It also promotes fast-twitch muscle development.
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.