Can you put a ping pong table top on a pool table?

Table tennis tables are typically larger than pool tables so most table tennis tops will fit nicely on top of a pool table with no edges showing. A full size pool table in the UK is 7ft and in the US is 8ft, whilst a full size table tennis table is 9ft in length. Many table tennis conversion tops are designed to go on a pool or snooker table.

Buying Guide

Why buy a table tennis conversion top?

1. Variety

The most common type of conversion top is the ping pong table top for pool tables, as it takes one fun and interesting game in pool, and uses the same space for an entirely new sport that can provide many more hours of fun for the whole family.

2. Storage space

Even the most compact and portable table tennis tables still require a good amount of storage space as they can’t be perfectly flat due to the legs. Table tennis tops can be stored vertically with only a few inches of space required against a wall or in a garage, or slid under a bed for example.

3. Low price

Full size table tennis tables vary in typically from the £300 mark to upwards of £1,500 for more premium tables. However you can buy table tennis conversion tops at a fraction of the cost without compromising on playing quality. This is because you’re not paying for the legs and frame.

4. Great for kids

Table tennis is a fantastic sport for kids not only because it provides them with hours of entertainment and gets them active, but the sport is great for improving hand eye coordination and balance while introducing them to healthy competition. Table top tennis tops or miniature table tennis tables are great for introducing kids to the sport.

5. Portable

A table tennis table top is a lot lighter than a full size table tennis table which makes it incredibly easy to move to different surfaces. In the summer it can go on an outdoor dining table and in the winter indoors on a pool table, dining table or even on the floor to be played on your knees. It’s also a great option for the office.

What to consider when buying a ping pong conversion top?

Size and playing area

Full size table tennis tables are 9ft (2.74m) in length and 5ft (1.53m) in width, and require a playing area that’s 18ft (5.5m) by 11ft (3m.35m) for singles. When buying a ping pong conversion top you’ll typically see the size range from full size (9ft), down to 8ft, 7ft or even 6ft, often without compromising on playing quality too. The small table tops are more common as they’re made to fit typical dining tables and pool table sizes, but if you have the space a regular 9ft table tennis table is a great bet. To understand more about the space you need to play singles or doubles table tennis for different sized tables read our article Table Tennis Size Guide and Dimensions to help you pick the right size for you.

Protection

One concern for buyers considering getting a table tennis conversion top is damaging the table underneath it, whether it’s a dining table or pool table. That should never be a worry as most table tops come with a protective foam underside that not only keeps it from chipping the table below, it also helps to keep it in one place during play. If this is a concern for you, be sure to find a table with protective foam.

Height of your table

The standard height of a table tennis table is 76cm (about 30 inches), but it’s unlikely your dining table, pool table or other table will be precisely the right size you need to replicate these strict standards. And that’s completely fine. You typically want to aim for your table to come up to approximately waist height, and if it’s anywhere near that you’ll be able to play a great competitive game of table tennis. If you can’t find a table that’s the right size you can of course get inventive with your area. Consider playing on your knees and propping a table top tennis table up on a few even sized boxes or stools, or even on a bed.

Your budget

A good sign of quality in any table tennis table is the material the playing surface is made from and its thickness, not so much the legs or frame, meaning the range of table tennis conversion tops to choose from can also vary significantly in quality and price. Unlike regular ping pong tables you can pick up a good quality table top for less than £100 (more likely a 6ft table tennis table top), and the price can vary all the way up to about £500. First set your budget, then choose your size, and finally decide on the material and quality you can therefore afford in a table. There really is something out there for all budgets.

Storage

Where ping pong table conversion tops really come into their own is when thinking about how little storage space they take up and how portable they are, but it is still important to make sure you have somewhere in mind to keep it when not in use. Because they can be stored flat, consider resting them up against a wall in a basement or garage, under a bed or other table, or even in a cupboard out the way if you choose one of the smaller tables. Remember, a full size table tennis conversion top is 9ft by 5ft, so if you’re going for one of those, double check the measurements or dimensions of your storage area.

Can you make your own ping pong table top?

Creating your own DIY ping pong table can be fairly straightforward if you know how, and can be a cheap alternative to buying one. Follow these 6 steps:

1. Choose your material: plywood such as fir, pine or spruce is best, and if you buy it from the right place will come sanded down already
2. Cut to size: for a midsize table cut your wood with a circular saw or even a handsaw to 6ft by 3ft and to at least ¾ of an inch (2cm) in thickness. A lot of good DIY stores will cut it down for you
3. Paint the wood: clean your wood with a damp cloth and use hard-wearing wood paint in a colour of your choice, most likely with two coats (if it wears, you can always repaint later)
4. Draw your markings: using a straight level draw a ¾ inch (2cm) line around the table and paint white, or use white vinyl tape. Also draw a 3mm centre line down the middle of the table
5. Clip on your net: you can easily buy a clip-on table tennis net that’s easily attached at either side of the table and you’re ready to play
6. Split table in two (optional): if you want your table to be foldable, cut the wood in two and fix a hinge down the middle with long screws to make it even more portable

What is the difference between table tennis and ping pong?

There is no difference in the game play between table tennis and ping pong. In the US the term ping pong is more common, but most professionals around the world refer to the sport as table tennis. There is a common misconception that the rules of play are different but this is not true.

Table tennis conversion tops for pool tables, dining tables or even to be placed on garden furniture are a fantastic alternative to paying out for a full size table tennis table with legs. With a wide range of prices and quality to choose from, our favourite for those on the hunt for a bargain is definitely the Tekscore Table Tennis Top available in various sizes to suit the space you have, and with a 12-month warranty too. If you can push your budget up a bit higher the Cornilleau Turn2Ping Outdoor Table Tennis Top.

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