If you have decided to buy a ping pong table for your place, you’ll quickly find out it’s not a stroll in the park. There are numerous factors that will determine whether you make a great choice that suits you and also gets you value for your money. There are plenty of choices for you. Different prices, different quality, different brands. So, how will you find the right table? What’s rubbish? Should you go all out and spend or buy cheap?
With a plethora of options for your picking, it’s essential to have an idea of the cost before making a final decision. So if you are a first-timer and are looking to buy a ping pong table to hone your skills (keep an eye out for tables to practice ping pong alone), then this guide will help you know what to expect when shopping around and also help you come up with a budget.
What Is The Cost Of A Ping Pong Table?
No two ping pong tables are manufactured the same way (find out what ping pong tables are made of) and thus they tend to vary in terms of price. Some ping pong table manufacturers make their designs with affordability in mind while others make high-grade premium tables.
Having said that… the average price of a ping pong table goes for around $150 – $400 in the case of an indoor table, outdoor ranges between $400 – $700, conversion tops range between $200 – $300, and for the luxurious, state of the art tables $1,000+.
Types of Ping Pong Tables
Before getting to the cost, it’s important that you are aware of the different types of ping pong tables available, especially if you are a new buyer. They include:
-Indoor tables
-Outdoor tables
-Conversion tops
As the name implies, indoor tables are meant for indoor places like offices and homes, whilst outdoor tables are better suited for the outdoors like the patio, backyard, etc.
Given how outdoor ping pong tables are mostly exposed to the sun and other weather elements, they are created with durability being a top priority; like the inclusion of a special table coating that will assist in preventing direct exposure.
Besides that, there’s no major difference between an outdoor and indoor table. The distinction only comes in their cost. Indoor tables are usually cheaper than outdoor tables, although the price difference is contingent on the quality, retailer, and brand.
When you really look at it, conversion tops aren’t ping pong tables but a more flexible choice. They are basically extensions to be utilized in place of a real ping pong table. If your gaming space contains a central table (i.e. pool table or air hockey table with ping pong top) or dining table, then the conversion tops are an attractive option.
How Much Should You Spend?
As already mentioned, there is no definite ping pong table cost. The amount to spend is contingent on how deep your pocket is, your preference, and what you want to get from the game.
If you are searching for a high-end table whose unique design can be the focal point of your office or home, then you should prepare yourself with over $1,000 on a premium table. But if you are going for a sturdy table for small competitions and fun play, the price range will be $150 – $700.
If your budget is limited (see our picks for the best budget ping pong tables for under $500), there are awesome second-hand bargains you can get. Look for auction websites such as eBay or local newspapers and websites to find people looking to offload their ping pong table.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the type of ping pong table you opt for, just ensure it’s maintained to extend the life of the device. If you maintain your table properly, it will ‘serve’ for quite a long time. Ensure that you’ve kept it clean, it is stored in a location it won’t get damaged, and take care when unfolding and folding the table. If you follow these simple pointers, you can be sure of enjoying your ping pong table for years to come. Just remember you always get what you pay for.
