If you are a true ping pong fan and are lucky enough to have ample outdoor space at your disposal, such as a garden or a large terrace, an outdoor ping pong table would be truly the best! Enjoying with friends and family, sometimes a place of fierce competition, the outdoor ping-pong table is a place where both the laughter and passion are truly unleashed!
Whether you play ping pong for hobby or competition, you shouldn’t choose your table at random. Some outdoor ping pong tables are designed for intensive training while others are intended for entertainment with family or friends.
Outdoor ping pong tables tend to cost more than indoor models because they are made of more durable and weather-proof materials. We’ve tried to review models from different ranges on our list, from the basic outdoor tables that come with relatively low cost, up to more feature-rich tables with a premium price.
Keep reading as we slice up our whittled down list of the best outdoor ping pong tables.
No. | Highlights | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cornilleau 100S Crossover Outdoor Table | Editor's Choice | ||
2 | Kettler Top Star XL Weatherproof Table | Runner-up | ||
3 | Cornilleau 500M Crossover Outdoor Table | Best Premium | ||
4 | STIGA Baja Outdoor Table Tennis Table | All-Rounder | ||
5 | Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor Table | Best Deal | ||
6 | JOOLA NOVA Outdoor Table Tennis Table | Most Popular | ||
7 | Kettler Axos 1 Outdoor Table Tennis Table | Great Value | ||
8 | Stiga XTR Series Table Tennis Table | Best Budget |
- The 8 Best Outdoor Ping Pong Tables
- 1. Cornilleau 100S Crossover Outdoor Table – Editor’s Choice
- 2. Kettler Top Star XL Weatherproof Table Tennis Table – Runner-up
- 3. Cornilleau 500M Crossover Outdoor Table – Best Premium
- 4. STIGA Baja Outdoor Table Tennis Table – All-Rounder
- 5. Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Best Deal
- 6. JOOLA NOVA Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Most Popular
- 7. Kettler Axos 1 Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Great Value
- 8. Stiga XTR Series Table Tennis Table – Best Budget
- Buying Guide: What to Look for in Outdoor Ping Pong Table?
- Do You Need an Outdoor Ping Pong Table?
- Final Thoughts
The 8 Best Outdoor Ping Pong Tables
1. Cornilleau 100S Crossover Outdoor Table – Editor’s Choice
- Play Surface Thickness: 5mm
- Material: Resin
- Play-back Feature
- 10-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in France
Without a doubt, the best outdoor ping pong tables on the market are made by Cornilleau. No other company has done more to perfect these kinds of ping pong tables for convenient outdoor family gameplay.
Of the great Cornilleau ping pong tables on the market (considering features, functions, and price), you simply cannot top the Cornilleau 100S Crossover Outdoor Table.
This model is built with a 5mm resin laminate playing surface, which is 3mm thinner than its pricier big brother Cornilleau – 500S Crossover Outdoor Table on our list. But this table still delivers excellent bounce that you will need for seamless gameplay.
And with the additional features and functionality you get with the Cornilleau – 100S Crossover, you will see why it’s the number one outdoor ping pong table for the last two years.
The frame is built with 40mm scratch proof steel while the undercarriage is made of thermoplastic polymer and steel. This type of solid and sturdy material ensures solid and sturdy support to the table. Tables legs are made with steel and resin with an adjustable leg leveler, which guarantees extra stability on the uneven floor surface.
This outdoor ping pong table comes with polyethylene net and ABS net posts that’s been already integrated into the carriage. As a bonus, you don’t need to remove it when you’ve finished playing. Also, the adjustable net function lets you set up your desired net tension.
However, this ping pong table doesn’t come pre-assembled, so you need to carry out the assembly. But assembling is simple, and it takes around one hour. There are manual and YouTube videos to guide you in this regard.
PROS
- Great Value for the Price
- Easy to Move and Store
- Lower Assembly Time
- Best for Family and Casual Players
- Push and Lock Framework for Easy Folding
CONS
- Not Suitable for Professional Gameplay
- Fixed Net System hence Lesser Replacement Option
Bottom Line
The Cornilleau – 100S Crossover is not the least expensive model on our list because it’s on the side of higher-end models. However, the features, functions, and performance that come with this ping pong table make it the best valued outdoor ping pong table.
2. Kettler Top Star XL Weatherproof Table Tennis Table – Runner-up
- Play Surface Thickness: 22mm
- Material: Aluminum
- Play-back Feature
- 5-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in Germany
The Kettler Top Star XL is the ping pong table that all other tables hope to be. Of the units on our list, the tabletop Kettler Top Star XL features the ALU-TEC underside with Climate-Control technology makes it a superior weather-resistant table than others.
Supported by a strong steel frame, the table is further coated with synthetic powder making it resistant to rust. The Ultra-smooth, TRUE BOUNCE tournament top with anti-glare technology is just what you desire in a top-class outdoor ping pong table.
Elliptical legs automatically deploy when you unfold. This ensures optimum stability when you made the table to stand. Additionally, the roller leg frames attached to four caster wheels are convenient for moving the table.
The independent net and post are made of durable resin that makes it resistant to rust and damage caused by moisture. The product features dual-wheel casters of 5.5 inches each that ensure easy mobility and also comes with a complementary cover, three 3-star balls, and two outdoor halo paddles.
So why is this monster only number two on the list? Because of the lack of leg levelers. So, this table is not suitable for uneven surfaces. But if you don’t have that above problem, this table is packed with solid features making it one of the best high-end outdoor ping pong tables.
The assembly is a bit challenging than the Cornilleau – 100S Crossover and might take up to two hours, but nothing to worry about. There are plenty of videos available on Youtube to guide you through the assembly process with ease.
PROS
- Comes with Nets, Balls, Paddles, and a Cover
- Centerfold Design Allows for Auto-play
- Waterproof
- Easy to Move and Store
- Lightweight, but Sturdy
CONS
- Hard to Assemble
- No Legs Leveler
Bottom Line
Kettler Top Star XL is explicitly designed for intense gameplay that can withstand the toughest weather, makes this outdoor table an easy choice for all types of ping pong players. Also, in terms of safety, Kettler leaves no stone unturned to guarantee it for the consumers. The dual safety mechanism ensures accidental opening and closing during the gameplay.
3. Cornilleau 500M Crossover Outdoor Table – Best Premium
- Play Surface Thickness: 7mm
- Material: Resin
- Play-back Feature
- 10-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in France
If you’re ready to move beyond the standard ping pong outdoor table and take things to the next level, then the Cornilleau – 500M Crossover Outdoor Table might be what you’re looking for. The #1 Cornilleau – 100S and #2 Kettler Top Star XL, they each cost much less than this one.
Let’s start by looking at how the Cornilleau – 500M is superior to our previous tables.
Since this table has 7mm laminate thickness, it provides near perfect professional bounce. That’s why this outdoor ping pong table is approved by the International Table Tennis Federation.
The frame is built from solid steel with extra support attached to the arched legs to provide extreme durability and stability. With this table, you can play in sunny weather thanks to its ‘MATTOP’ surface that prevents the reflection from the sun allowing easy visibility of the ball.
This table also comes with adjustable legs that are absent in Kettler Top Star XL to tackle the wobble in case of uneven surfaces. The Cornilleau – 500M also comes with a special polyester retractable net that rolls up automatically when you fold away. This comes in handy during storage as it takes little space.
And as if all this wasn’t enough, the Cornilleau – 500M has also featured the DSI Locking System – another point why this table is so much more expensive than the competitions. With corner protection pads, this table is the safest one, especially if you have children.
However, you might find it challenging to assemble this beast. Most of the consumers reported it took almost 90 minutes to assemble this Rolls Royce of outdoor table tennis table.
PROS
- Innovative Net is Included
- ITTF Approved
- Effortless Portability
- Inclement Weather-resistant Table Surface
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Adjustable and Retractable Weather-proof Net
CONS
- Directions to Assemble aren’t very Clear-cut
- Expensive
If you are looking for something that is more than just a ping pong table that provides you industrial strength, then take the plunge with Cornilleau – 500M Crossover Outdoor Table. This table offers everything you could ever want from an outdoor ping pong table.
4. STIGA Baja Outdoor Table Tennis Table – All-Rounder
- Play Surface Thickness: 10mm
- Material: Aluminum
- Easy Assembly
- 1-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in USA
STIGA Baja comes in as a mid-range priced table that you can usually get for far cheaper than the #1 Cornilleau and #2 Kettler Top Star model on our list. Numerous excellent features make it the best mid-ranged outdoor ping pong table.
For example, the tabletop is made with 10 mm thick aluminum along with the silkscreen stripping guarantee that it will last through inclement weather.
The assembly is more time consuming than the other three outdoor tables we’ve just discussed and can take up to 2-3 hours. But after assembling, you’ll notice that the frame is built with sturdy welded steel while a steel apron flows around this frame to protect the table from warping.
This outdoor table also features a 5-inch double wheel caster for convenient mobility. Also, the caster lock ensures the table remains in a fixed position during storage.
STIGA outdoor table comes with two inches of steel made adjustable leg levelers, which you can’t find in a more expensive Kettler Top Star model. This feature ensures the steady positioning of the table on an uneven surface.
This table also comes with the well-designed STIGA 72″ Pivoting All-Weather Net & Post System. But it’s not retractable than other high-end models, so you need to adjust the tension periodically.
PROS
- Double Wheel with Integrated Locks
- Corner Protectors
- Heavy-duty Steel Apron
- Self-opening Steel Legs
- Hardware is Zinc Covered to Lessen Weathering
- Includes Net and Post System
CONS
- Inconsistent bounce
All in all, this heavy-duty and sturdy outdoor ping pong table is everything that you can wish in a mid-range price. Also, when it comes to safety, STIGA never compromises with it. To ensure safety, STIGA has included four corner protectors to prevent the edge from chipping or cracking off.
5. Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Best Deal
- Play Surface Thickness: 6mm
- Material: Synthetic Laminate
- Play-back Feature
- 5-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in Portugal
The butterfly doesn’t offer many outdoor ping pong tables, but their TW24B stands out among all the three because of the price point and incredible features. The mid-ranged table comes in two different surface colors, blue and green.
The Butterfly Playback Rollaway is equipped with a 1.5-inch steel frame around the top and covered with a 0.25-inch Synthetic Laminate Top to protect it from damage while the sturdy steel legs ensure stability.
Beyond structural sturdiness, this outdoor table also incorporates some safety features. A set of safety levers prevent it from accidental opening while a center cross brace creates a barrier to children going under the table when it is folded for storage.
The table does not come up pre-assembled at your doorstep. That is something you will have to carry out. Generally, the consumers said it took 2 to 3 hours to assemble this table.
However, the table provides an all-weather net set, which is very easy to assemble. You no need to remove it even when you’ve finished playing and need to fold the table.
Storage is safe and straightforward. You don’t need to remove the table’s net and post before folding. Once folded up, the 5-inch wheels at the base of the legs make mobility easy over various surfaces.
The thing that makes this table suitable for storage and stowing also makes it easy for switching to playback mode. A quick folding and securing of one side quickly give you a backboard for a solo practicing.
PROS
- Good Price for Value
- Good Designed, Built with High-quality Materials
- Easy to Move Around
- Easy to Fold and Unfold
CONS
- Difficult to Assemble
- No Leg Levelers
Bottom Line
It does have a lower bounce than higher-end models, but at this price point, it’s a good bang for the buck. Besides, this table is surface scratch and UV resistant. A simple wipe can clean the surface without leaving any residue behind.
6. JOOLA NOVA Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Most Popular
- Play Surface Thickness: 6mm
- Material: Aluminum Plastic Composite
- Play-back Feature
- Easy Assembly
- Manufactured in China
If you are looking for an outdoor ping pong table that will last through the inclement weather and is on the affordable side, then the Joola Nova Outdoor Table Tennis Table is indeed the best option for you.
It’s on the lower end in terms of the price, but that doesn’t mean corner’s been cut to meet the price. In fact, you can get more or fewer features found in other mid-ranged or high-ranged tables.
For example, the tabletop is made up of weather-proof aluminum and plastic composite material. Two inches heavy gauge welded steel to reinforce the table against warping.
Speaking of stability, the table features sturdy 2-inch welded steel undercarriage legs with durable wheels that give you extra rigidity and balance. You can easily fold this table into two halves in a matter of seconds. This compact table takes very little space during storage.
As all of these features are not enough, the outdoor table also comes equipped with dual anti-tilting devices, adjustable height levelers, and four locking casters for easy and safe transport.
The JOOLA NOVA comes with a matching weather-proof net and post. And it also supports playback feature meaning you can practice solo to improve your game. However, the thickness of the playing surface is 6mm, meaning the bounce is not the best out there.
Assembling the table is easy compared to other high-end models, as most of the parts come pre-assembled. Reviewers said it took around 70-80 minutes to assemble it fully before they were ready to play.
PROS
- Have Anti-tilting Devices for Extra Safety
- Easily Foldable and Portable
- Easy Assembling
- Great Value for the Money
- Waterproof Net and Post
CONS
- Bounce is not good enough
- Does not come with paddle and ball
Bottom Line
The Joola Nova Outdoor Table Tennis Table is definitely a far more convenient and affordable table than others on which you can hone your ping pong skills. Joola USA also offers excellent after-sales support, both online and offline, to keep their customers satisfied.
7. Kettler Axos 1 Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Great Value
- Play Surface Thickness: 22mm
- Material: Aluminum
- Play-back Feature
- 2-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in Germany
Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to build your own outdoor ping pong table with all the features you want. Doing so without sacrificing bounce quality is even harder. And keeping things under the budget? That’s the grand slam. This German brand has pulled it off with their Kettler Outdoor Table Tennis Table – Axos 1.
The outdoor table features a 22mm thick tabletop that provides professional-quality bounce. You can’t find this amount of bounce that can withstand intense gameplay even in more expensive higher-end models.
The weather-proofing is the key feature of this outdoor table, which is ensured by its proprietary ALU-TEC Climate-Control base. The ALU TEC metal contracts and expands depending on the weather to maintain the tabletop in good shape.
Steel legs are 2-inch powder-coated, galvanized, so they are corrosion and UV-resistant. This table also comes with rackets, balls, cover, and weather-proof net and post.
Folding the table is a bit challenging than the other tables we’ve mentioned before. You need to take the net off manually before folding it away. You might require another helping hand.
Once folded, this outdoor table takes up very little space. However, it features two red safety clips on each side to lock the table from moving around during folding away or playtime. Keep in mind this table doesn’t come with adjustable leg levelers, so beware if you want to set this table on the uneven surface.
PROS
- Comes with Safety Lock Feature
- Stable
- Weather-proof
- Free 2 Kettler Halo 5.0 paddles, 6-pack 3-Star Balls
CONS
- Difficult to fold
- No adjustable leg levelers
Bottom Line
Kettler Outdoor Axos 1 is a feature-rich table for both the beginners and pros. From the elegant looks to the weather-proof design, it has all the convenient features a player usually longs for. Just so you know, Kettler has won 19 awards till now, including the Most Innovative Brand Award and Preferred Choice Award.
8. Stiga XTR Series Table Tennis Table – Best Budget
- Play Surface Thickness: 6mm
- Material: Aluminum Composite
- Play-back Feature
- 1-Year Warranty
- Manufactured in USA
The last on our list is another model from Stiga. The Stiga XTR is the cheapest option on our list, but it doesn’t sacrifice any necessary qualifications to meet the price. This specific model features many of the high-performance features of the other high-end outdoor tables but without unnecessary bells and whistles.
The tabletop is built with high-quality aluminum composite. The playing surface is not only just good-looking but also durable. However, the surface is 6mm thick, which is as same as Joola Nova. It means it doesn’t offer that professional quality bounce. But at this price range, it’s pretty standard and suitable for recreational purposes.
The frame is built with welded cross braces, and the 1.25-inch square steel legs ensure stability. Besides, the legs self-open, meaning they will stretch automatically when you unfold the table.
This table also comes with adjustable leg levelers so you can adjust the table height on an uneven outdoor surface. The 3-inches caster wheels help in transporting the table to your desired destination comfortably.
The STIGA XTR folds effortlessly into a compact form, meaning it doesn’t take too much space during storage. The safety latch system ensures the table doesn’t open accidentally during storage and keeps you stress-free.
What if you’re alone and want to improve your game? Well, Stiga XTR takes care of this thanks to its playback mode feature. This table also includes the weather-proof net post system with adjustable tension.
When it comes to assembly, this outdoor table beats all its competitors. The QuickPlay design ensures you can assemble this table within 20-30 minutes.
PROS
- Easy to Assemble
- Weather-proof Clamp-style Net
- Strong, Durable, and Weather-proof Undercarriage
- Inexpensive
- Foldability and Transportability are Excellent
CONS
- Bounce is not Professional Quality
- Surface is not Glare-proof
Bottom Line
Overall, the Stiga XTR is a solid and reliable outdoor ping pong table for the price. While it doesn’t provide the best bounce in the market, how cheap it is and its performance makes this table an easy decision to purchase.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Outdoor Ping Pong Table?
Having a ping pong table out in the open will let you enjoy competitive sessions of the sport with family and friends. Be wary, though, all ping pong tables are not alike, while the wooden indoor tables can sit quietly in your living room, this is not true for the outside.
Ideally, an outdoor ping pong table will have specific qualities that set it apart from the rest of the crowd. The structure of indoor and outdoor tables vary dramatically, as the latter is supposed to withstand the pressures of the external environment.
The material, impact on bounce, the thickness of the top layer, and portability are all factors worth considering when you buy an outdoor ping pong table. They have been discussed in detail as follows:
1. Material
Visually, indoor and outdoor ping pong tables are almost identical. The dimensions, markings, and features are practically indistinguishable, but there is one difference: material. Indoor ping pong tables are made from wood; this makes them perfect for a spare space in your home but not the outside world.
This wooden material, though perfect under the safety of a roof, will not do so well when faced with the vicissitudes of the outdoors environment. This is why outdoor tables are completed with a mixture of metallic and wooden material that offers better resilience against weather fluctuations.
Sun, rain, and wind are to be expected outdoors and cannot be avoided, especially if the table has been installed permanently. Hence it necessitates the use of a sturdier frame to protect the table against such threats. Using an indoor table in outdoor conditions is not recommended as it would get ruined.
Learn More: What Are Ping Pong Tables Made Of? (Complete Overview)
2. Bounce of the Ball
The bounce of the ball, after it hits the table, is another difference, and this is where indoor tables steal the show, but not by much. Since the construction of an indoor table is from a solid wooden frame, the ball bounces off smoothly after hitting its surface.
There is no loss of momentum or minimal at most; hence a ball hitting an indoor table’s surface will bounce off flawlessly. On the contrary, an outdoor will absorb some of the momentum, causing the ball to lose some of its bounce after hitting the surface.
The difference is barely noticeable, but it is still there nonetheless. However, not all indoor tables are perfect; some have serious dead spots, which will cripple the bounce and may even cost you the game. The implication being that this slight loss in bounce is not a deal-breaker, but we had to mention it nonetheless, consider this when buying an outdoor ping pong table.
3. Permanent Placing vs. Portable Tables
This part is based more on personal preference. Will you be placing your ping pong table in a permanent spot outside your home, office, or school, or will you be using it occasionally? If you’re planning on using a table outdoors and then storing it in a shed, then there are some considerations.
Ping pong tables meant to be used for only a while in the open and then placed under a roof should be foldable, lightweight, and portable. You should be able to make it compact for storage via folding, and if only you are going to be handling it, then a model with roller wheels will come in handy.
Some tables even go as far as to include brakes on their wheels for more effective handling. Of course, you don’t have to go through these features if you want to place a table outside permanently. But in that case, you will have to ensure that the said model will be able to endure the troubles of the environment for years to come.
4. Thickness of the Surface
The thickness of the surface of an outdoor ping pong table ranges between 5 mm and 25 mm. Some outdoor tables tend to have thinner surfaces because they’re built differently with other materials than just wood to protect themselves from the harsh environment. For outdoor tables, the material used on the tabletop is the primary deciding factor. Because the thickness of the surface varies depending on the material, not the vice versa.
For indoor tables, thickness lying between 16 and 19 mm, are adequate for regular use. Amateur players can have quite a lot of fun having competitions on one of these. Although they are not of top-notch quality, they are still significantly better than those dreadful thin tables and will last several years.
Tables equipped with thicker tops, ranging between 22 and 25 mm, are the best, and also the most expensive. This investment will pay off with durability, better gameplay experience, and professional-level quality. You won’t be able to notice much difference between a 22 and 25 mm table, but the latter is better. If you can’t afford it though, a 22 mm table would do just fine.
Do You Need an Outdoor Ping Pong Table?
If you are planning on setting up a ‘ping pong camp’, and want it outside, then an outdoor table would be a smart choice, more prudent than buying an indoor model. However, instead of boldly diving into conclusion, let’s consider the facts:
1. Considering the Merits & Demerits
Look at it from any angle as you will, ping pong is an outdoor game; it always has been this way. Internationally, you will find several countries dotted with outdoor ping pong tables because the outside environment gives you more room to play. You can also enjoy gaming sessions with friends and family during barbeque parties, and so on.
However, the downside to playing outside is that even the slightest breeze will alter the trajectory of your ball. Rain can leave dampness on the table unless you clean it properly, and that will also create friction in the gaming experience. However, most people don’t have enough space in their homes, and you can preempt most problems by placing weather cover on your table.
2. Protecting Your Table
Outdoor tables have been built to take some beating from the environment but don’t take them for being indestructible; they are not. If you leave your table on its own, outside, vulnerable, it will fall prey to gradual but inevitable deterioration.
You can, however, save your table from the destructive effects of weather fluctuations by employing some simple strategies. Regularly cleaning the surface via a dedicated ping pong table surface cleaner will ensure that dust buildup does not make the surface lose its bounce capacity. Similarly, using an inexpensive weather cover will also go a long way in preserving the structural integrity of your table.
3. Consider Cost-Effectiveness but Avoid Cheap Models
Outdoor ping pong tables can go anywhere between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. For some, it may be tempting to go for the cheapest model there is in the store; this is a horrible mistake. You will end up with a cheap model that does not play right or last that long either; simply put, a waste of money.
However, going for the most pristine and high-priced table will not be practical for most as well. Based on the parameters mentioned in this guide, try to narrow out your choices. Look for a cost-effective option that delivers decent features; that way, you will make a smart investment in a durable product.
Read this article to get very detailed information about the cost of ping pong tables.
Now, should you get a permanent outdoor table? To sum it all up, consider these points:
- Outdoor tables are effective at tackling environmental pressures of the outdoor environment
- If you have limited indoor space, your only option is to get an outdoor unit
- Outdoor tables will require some care and attention but will reward you with longevity
- Weather disturbances may interrupt your gameplay outside
- Choose an outdoor unit only if you can afford a high-tier product, but be sure to go for a cost-effective solution; you don’t need a pro model
- Ping pong is an outdoor game, and if you wish to play it that way, an outdoor table is a smart investment
- You can choose between permanent and portable outdoor units. Both have their pros and cons
- If you have ample outdoor space and don’t want to be dragging your table around, go for a permanent outdoor model
If you plan on getting an outdoor ping pong table, we recommend investing in something that meets the criteria discussed above. These features will ensure that your table lasts longer than most inexpensive buy-traps and wannabes you can find online. Just remember to take good care of the table, clean the surface regularly with a certified product, and place a weather cover on for maximum longevity.
Final Thoughts
Well, finding the ideal outdoor ping pong table for your specific needs going to come down to shopping for an option that:
- Provides excellent bounce
- Won’t force you to take the second mortgage
- Easy to assemble, easy to store, and lasts for years
The Cornilleau – 100S offers excellent bounce and superior protection from inclement weather and remains our overall best outdoor ping pong table. But the Stiga XTR won our ears and hearts for its capability of delivering excellent performance at a very affordable price.
For now, these are the best outdoor ping pong tables on the market. We believe that our review will equip you with the knowledge to invest in your next table regardless of the weather conditions and serve you for years to come.