Choosing Your Table Tennis Table
It isn’t always easy to make a choice, given the variety of tables available. But it’s actually easier than you think. To guarantee you make the right choice, follow our short guide. Here, asking yourself the right questions is key.
1. What Kind of Player are You?
There is a table to suit every kind of use. Broadly speaking, there are three categories - i) recreational use, ii) table tennis in a competitive setting, and iii) n public places such as parks, camp sites etc. We’ve put together a few guidelines to help you choose a table for recreational use, which is by far the most common type. If that’s not what you’re looking for, please check out our competition tables here and our tables for group use here.
2. Do you plan to play indoors, outdoors, or both?
Our indoor and outdoor tables correspond to a different design philosophy. The big difference between them is the material used for the playing surface. Indoor tables have a chipboard table top while outdoor tables are made of ore laminate, also called HPL (High Pressure Laminate).
Indoor tables are not built to withstand impacts or poor weather conditions, so they must not be used outdoors, unless you go to great lengths to protect them. Outdoor tables are much more resilient and can be used either indoors or outdoors. They are recommended for indoor use too, especially if you think they might have to withstand a few knocks and bumps over the years.
Here's a quick video of how indoor and outdoor tables differ:
Indoor table tennis tables have a chipboard top:
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Outdoor table tennis tables have a resin laminate top :
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3. What Criteria do You Use?
Table tennis is a sport anyone can have a go at. When it comes to choosing the right table, there are many types of players. That said, Cornilleau tables researched and made in France all share a set of core characteristics for best-in-class play - i) Playing experience, ii) Durability, iii) Safety, and iv) Ergonomics
1. Playing Experience
What marks the best playing experience are high rebound quality and spin response.
Cornilleau outdoor tables not only have a core laminate playing surface with thicknesses of up to 8mm, providing a rebound quality comparable to that of a competition table, but also a sturdy frame that allows the surface to remain perfectly flat over time.
To make sure players aren't affected by the sun’s rays, all Cornilleau tables come with anti-glare coating too.
2. Durable
Given their volume and cost, table tennis tables are not intended to be replaced frequently. Which is why all our outdoor tables have a 10-year guarantee as standard - we often receive messages from owners referring to models they’ve had for much longer than that!
And by guaranteeing the availability of replacement parts for at least 20 years, we do our bit to help you keep your table tennis table for as long as possible.
3. Safety
Adhering to European safety standards, Cornilleau made the decision to go way above the standard requirements. Most Cornilleau table tennis tables have 16 locking points rather than the 8 points required by the standard, which prevents it from crashing down.
Tables are also equipped with protective corners on the table edges.
4. Stable & Portable
Table tennis tables need to be perfectly stable while at play and during storage. Cornilleau tables come with secure brakes that helps a table stay put - but that's not the only feature - it's thicker legs makes it less likely to move.
And for movement, outdoor tables have oversize double wheels that offer unrivaled maneuverability, while some models like the 600X and 700X have an easy track handle that helps you lift them up steps and over other small obstacles.