Outdoor ping pong tables: can you leave one outside?

Backyards, patios, pool decks, community clubhouses: lots of people want a ping pong table outside. The question is always the same: can a ping pong table stay out in the sun and rain? The short answer: only if it is an outdoor table, and even then with a little care.

Here is what changes in an outdoor ping pong table, which materials are used and how to make one last.

Indoor vs outdoor table

The difference is in the top and the frame.

Indoor tables use wood-based board, which works great inside. But wood absorbs moisture: even under a roof on an open porch, it swells at the edges and warps over time. Each material is explained in what a ping pong table is made of.

Can an outdoor ping pong table stay in the sun?

Yes, the top and paint are made for it. But daily direct sun fades the color and dries out the plastic parts (wheels, corner guards, net clamps). If the table sits in strong sun, a cover solves most of that.

For playing, the sun is a bigger problem than the table: the ball disappears against a bright sky and the glare blinds the player facing it. If you can choose, put the table in the shade.

Can an outdoor ping pong table get rained on?

It can get wet without damage. What shortens its life is standing water:

• water pooling on the top leaves marks and can seep into seams at the edges;
• water sitting on tubes and bolts speeds up rust, even on galvanized parts;
• constant moisture under an unvented cover leads to mildew.

After rain, dry the top before playing. A wet ball skids and bounces differently.

Concrete ping pong tables

Concrete tables are common in parks, schools and apartment complexes. They do not fold, do not move and are nearly indestructible. The bounce depends on the surface finish: on well made tables it is good, on rough or cracked ones it is uneven. They often have a metal net, which sounds different but plays by the same rules. If you want to play without owning a table, a concrete table in a public park is a great way in. See where to play table tennis.

Wind: the biggest enemy outdoors

The official ball weighs only 2.7 g (less than a tenth of an ounce) and is 40 mm across. A light breeze changes its flight, especially on slow, spinny balls. A few tips:

• set the table where a wall, fence or hedge blocks the wind;
• line the table up so the usual wind blows along it, not across it;
• on windy days, keep the rallies close to the table;
• lock the wheels and fold the table after playing: an open table acts like a sail and can be pushed over.

How to care for an outdoor table

1. Use a cover whenever you are not playing. It keeps off sun, dust and leaves.
2. Fold the table instead of leaving it open. Upright, water runs off instead of pooling.
3. Dry it after rain and let it air out before covering it.
4. Clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which polish away the matt finish.
5. Check bolts and latches from time to time.
6. Bring the net inside. It is the first part to wear out outdoors.

For long stretches without use, see how to store and care for a ping pong table.

Is an outdoor table worth it?

Yes, if the table will live outside or somewhere damp, like an open garage or a covered patio. If it will stay in a closed room, a thick-top indoor table usually bounces better. If you are torn between models, start with how to choose a ping pong table.

Frequently asked questions