How to Build a Table Tennis Table

Table tennis, otherwise known as ping pong, traces its origins all the way back to the 19th century in the British Empire. It was created as an inside version of tennis to be played during bad weather. It is a sport between two or four players play a smaller version of tennis on a table. The concept of hitting a ball back and forth remains the same. The rules have evolved to become much different (see resources for a link to the rules). Of course, the most important part of table tennis is the table. This article will give step by step information for building the table.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Board
• Net
• Metal or Wooden Legs
• Wood or Plastic for Frame

1. 
   Dimensions

   Get supplies to build your table. You'll need paint, a large flat hard board (usually masonite), frame, net, and metal or wooden legs 76 cm high. The net may be the hardest to find. It would be hard to make yourself. Go to sporting good stores to find one made specifically for table tennis. The colors of a ping pong table are usually green and white, but you can paint the table any way you want.

2. Cut the board so that it has a length of 2.74 m (9 ft) and a width of 1.525 m (5 ft). This board will become the playing surface. You will need to paint a white line about 3 cm around the border of the table and down the center lengthwise. This is done to make it easier for the players to recognize the border.

3. Attach the frame. The frame is what connects the board to the legs. You will need a piece of wood or plastic that encircles the board underneath a few inches form the border. Attach the frame using a very strong glue or adhesive. It only has to be 3-4 inches high and about an inch thick, sturdy enough to hold the legs.

4. Assemble the legs of the board. The standard ping pong table has to be 76 cm (30 in) high. You can put on the legs in your own unique way. It is recommended that make you legs retractable if you will be storing your table for long periods or time or moving it ofter. The board is too thin for anything to be directly nailed in. So make sure you attach the legs to the frame.

5. 
   Net

   Put on the net. The net is longer than the width of the board. This mean that you will have to assemble an 'L" shaped fixture to tie the net around. On the bottom side of the fixture, put in one or two bolts in to the table directly in the middle. (see picture)

6. 
   Raquet and Balls

   Go out and get the raquet and balls. They are found at almost any sporting good store. Ping pong balls are sometimes available at convenience stores located near college campuses, for playing beer pong.

Tips & Warnings

• It is illegal to play beer pong if you are under age.

Resources

• Official Website of USA Table Tennis