Does Thickness of Ping Pong Table Matter? (You MUST Know)
When you are looking for a new ping pong table, it can be overwhelming to know all about the different features and specs to be aware of. However, there is nothing more important than the tabletop thickness, and in this article, you’ll learn why.
The thickness of a ping pong table has a major effect on the ball’s bounce. Tabletop thicknesses are between 12-25mm, and the thicker, the better. A more thick tabletop will bounce the ball better, have a sturdier, more quality build and feel and perform better in all ways.
That being said, you should always look at the tabletop thickness before getting a new table because you could be really disappointed when you notice that the tabletop isn’t as good quality as you wanted.
All international tournaments and the Olympics are always played with a 25m thick tabletop because they are better. A good example of such a table is the Butterfly Centerfold 25 that fits all events and needs.
This doesn’t mean that a thinner table wouldn’t be good by any means. In fact, most people won’t even notice the difference if they don’t know about it. But whether you have some background in table tennis or are a passionate home table tennis enthusiast, you will certainly notice the difference between 12mm and 25mm tabletop.
Remember that only the ultimate tournaments are played with 25mm tabletop, and for home hobbyists, a +16mm tabletop will do just fine, depending on your personal preferences, of course. Now, look at the table below and see the different tabletop thicknesses and how they fare in bouncing the ping pong ball.
| Ping Pong Tabletop Thickness | Quality Grade |
| 12-15mm | Poor |
| 16-18mm | Decent |
| 19-21mm | Good |
| 22-24mm | Great |
| 25mm | Excellent |
Contents
How does the thickness of a ping pong table matter?
As you saw in the table above, anything less than a 15mm tabletop won’t just cut it if you care about the quality of table tennis. However, for youth centers, elderly homes, and places where the table is more towards having a good time instead of competing, a table of any thickness will likely be just fine.
Before making assumptions based on the thickness, you should know where exactly the thickness affects to be educated about it and make a better decision.
1. Ball’s bounce
The most noticeable and important thing that the thickness of the tabletop affects is the bounce of a ball. A thick tabletop will produce a more consistent bounce that is well optimized for quality table tennis standards.
Generally, if you are a serious player, I wouldn’t recommend tables below 19mm because the bounce isn’t what a serious table tennis player will be satisfied with. On the other hand, recreational players can be satisfied with all thicknesses; however, I won’t recommend tables below 15mm because the bounce isn’t good.
Of course, I have table tennis experience behind me, so that might be just my opinion, and you could totally be fine with a 12-14mm tabletop.
2. Sturdiness
Another big difference between a thin and thick tabletop is its sturdiness. Naturally, a less thick table won’t be as sturdy as one with a thicker tabletop. Personally, I find this step nearly as important as the bounce because 12mm tabletops are really flimsy and feel insecure, which makes me really think about it every time I see it.
The tabletop weighs considerably less if it is a 12mm one instead of 25mm, and you can really notice it when you are leaning on it, adjusting the net, or really touching it in any way. That’s why I wouldn’t go with the thinnest option and go with somewhere between.
3. Durability
A thinner tabletop is also more easily damaged than a thick one. Regardless of how thick the tabletop is, a ping pong table will cost a considerable amount of money, and you wouldn’t want to risk it in any way.
The reality is that a thinner table is more prone to damage, and not only because of the thickness. In many instances, a thinner table is also made out of lesser materials in quality, which makes them more easily damaged.
4. Feel
Last but not least, the overall feel of table tennis is improved when the table is thick enough. In addition to the bounce, sturdiness, and looks, a thicker table has a certain feel that makes the whole game seem better and more of a quality sport.
What is full-size table tennis?
A full-sized table tennis table has the official ITTF-approved dimensions that are 9ft (274cm) in length, 5ft (152.5cm) in width, and 2ft 6inches (76cm) in height. The net should be 6inches (15.25cm) high.
Nearly all table tennis tables have the standard dimensions; however, there are junior table tennis tables that are 3/4 of the size of a standard table tennis table.
What size is a 3/4 size table tennis table?
Table tennis tables that are 3/4 of a size of a standard full-sized table tennis table are 6.75ft (205cm) long instead of 9ft (274cm) and 3.75ft 114cm) wide instead of 5ft (152.5cm). However, the height remains the same.
Which company has the best table tennis tables?
There are many table tennis brands where some are better than others; however, when it comes to table tennis tables, there are a few brands that are far superior to others. In fact, different brands are often specialized in one or two certain products and are famous for them.
Anyways, take a look at these brands that have the best ping pong tables in the market. (Click the brand to browse tables)
- Butterfly is probably the most well-known brand in table tennis. They have all the table tennis products you can imagine, and they shine on tables as well. They offer anything from competitive tables to recreational ones without forgetting juniors and conversion tops!
- JOOLA is another huge name in the table tennis world, and they are best known for their huge selection of tables where every kind of table tennis player can find their own.
- Stiga is not as big of a table tennis brand as Butterfly or JOOLA; however, they manage to be at the top when it comes to table tennis tables and rackets. In fact, Stiga tables have been featured in many competitive tournaments.
- Killerspin is a name to remember. As one of the youngest table tennis brands, Killerspin has become a massive name, especially in the United States, because of its innovative and breathtaking ping pong tables. Seriously, take a look at Killerspin’s tables and be amazed!
- Cornilleau is a final brand in this list but not the least. Table tennis is a fairly indoor sport, so Cornilleau was smart in the time and decided to conquer the outdoor ping pong table world and have stayed there for quite some time now. If you would ever need an outdoor ping pong table, Cornilleau is certainly worth considering.
Are Butterfly table tennis tables any good?
Butterfly has table tennis tables that are the best as they can be. For example, the Butterfly Centerfold 25 is an amazing table with a 25mm tabletop, ITTF-approved standards, and an innovative foldability that makes it easy to store and transport. Butterfly tables certainly are worth considering.
