The differing, almost urban myths that make up the history of table tennis vary from country to culture. In the west, we credit the invention of the game to a one British officer whose name eludes most ping-pong historians. It is said that the game was invented in 1881 from a carved champaign cork, dinner table, books and used cigar boxes. Here’s how: The officer cut the cork into a ball that bounced ever so slightly. The dinner table became the ping-pong table with the books used as a “divider” or “net” for the ball to clear. The cigar boxes were hard enough to use as “paddles.” Later, using more appropriate equipment but still in the early 1930s, most table tennis games were played for fun. The sport, in fact, was viewed as an amusement and not a sport at all. Royalty, wealthy and even ladies played the game we now know as table tennis (ping pong).
Though it may seem like the game and equipment of ping-pong hasn’t changed all that much, it’s quite the contrary, especially for the table tennis table. Most things in one way or another have relatively stayed the same, but the table has gone through the most changes, especially in design and measurement. In the latter half of the 1900s, the game took on more players and therefore the popularity of the sport increased tenfold. With popularity comes regulation; with regulation comes committees; with committees comes international regulation; thus, the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) to this day governs the rules (and table sizes) of the sport.
Below are some great buys on new Ping Pong tables that we currently have in our shop and can be purchased right now. If your looking for used ping pong tables, go to the listings towards the bottom of the page.
Table tennis table for recreational use, Folds without removing net, rolls on wheels, Features safety levers to prevent children from climbing into folded table, Folds into playback and storage position without removing the net, Measures 60 x 54 x 6 inches (L x W x H); 3-year warranty against manufacturer defects (more)
List Price:$569.99 Buy New: $399.99 You Save: $170.00 (30%) New (9) from $399.99
Easy-to-assemble table tennis table that can be used as two multi-use tables, 0.75-inch black top with edge banding and striping, 3-inch ball bearing wheel casters, Playback position so you can practice by yourself, Includes net and net posts (more)
Buy New: $598.95 You Save: $151.04 (20%) New (13) from $598.95
Innovative table-tennis table with 3/4-inch tournament blue top, Two-inch square self-opening legs and 2-inch steel support apron, Five-inch silver mag ball-bearing casters and stylized corner pads, Folds up halfway for individual practice or all the way for storage, Measures 60 x 30 x 108 inches (W x H x D); one-year limited warranty (more)
List Price:$119.99 Buy New: $114.99 You Save: $5.00 (4%) New (3) from $114.99
Mini table-tennis table with the same playing action as regulation tables, 3/8-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) playing surface with laminated blue top, One-inch diameter steel frame with protective black powder-coat finish, Velcro lock and carrying handle for easy transport; folds up for storage, Includes 2 paddles and 2 balls; measures 60 x 28 x 30 inches (W x H x D) (more)
List Price:$849.00 Buy New: $649.00 You Save: $200.00 (24%) New (6) from $649.00
Outdoor table tennis table with weatherproof 7/8-inch composite top, Specially coated green anti-dazzle surface won't reflect sun's glare, Fixed net includes automatic tensioning device for maximum tautness, Includes side racquet and ball holder; folds up for easy storage, Measures 108 x 30 x 60 inches (W x H x D); 3-year warranty (more)
The ITTF likes to use the metric system (here, however are both). The length of the ping-pong table is exactly 2.74 meters long (9 feet long). The width of the table is 1.525 meters wide (5 feet) with the height set at 76 cm (30 inches) off the ground. The net clears the table at a height of 15.25 cm (6 inches) with varying dimensions for the white lines. That is, the white line bisecting the table length is 3 mm (1/8th inch) wide while the white line outlining the table is 2 cm wide (3/4 of an inch). Moreover, the net is allowed to overhand the edges of the tables at no more than 15.25 cm (6 inches). In October of 2000, the ITTF changed the size of the ball from 38 mm to 40 mm, with a max weight of 2.7 grams.
Many times, it is possible to find a good used Ping Pong table being auctioned. A lot of used tables are sold after the original buyers decide they don't want to play anymore or just don't have the room to store the table. We've provided you listings for good used ping pong tables that you can bid on.
Below are the current listings on eBay. If you see one that appeals to you bid on it or type what your looking for into the search bar and you will be shown those items that are available right now on eBay.
If you’ve ever wondered what an official ping-pong table is made of, then you’re not alone. Most people guess wood, plywood, fiberglass or even plastic. Though it is possible to buy some dummied-down (cheaper) models of ping-pong tables, the real thing can’t be beat. Gone are the days of dining room tables and here to stay (as long as the ITTF concurs) is the table tennis table of Masonite timber. The official color is matted blue (green or black in some cases) with a smooth, yet resistant finish. Players are given amble space to move freely during the game, in order to “play” all the corners of the table. Players are allowed a minimum area of 46 feet length, 23 feet width and 16 feet in height. The four corners should have a minimum of 5 feet so that players have equal chance to hit and score using various angles and table tennis techniques to win. The ping-pong table and the ping-pong player create a unique game of geometry and cunning moves to create a sport unlike anything played the world over.
The differing, almost urban myths that make up the history of table tennis vary from country to culture. In the west, we credit the invention of the game to a one British officer whose name eludes most ping-pong historians. It is said that the game was invented in 1881 from a carved champaign cork, dinner table, books and used cigar boxes. Here’s how: The officer cut the cork into a ball that bounced ever so slightly. The dinner table became the ping-pong table with the books used as a “divider” or “net” for the ball to clear. The cigar boxes were hard enough to use as “paddles.” Later, using more appropriate equipment but still in the early 1930s, most table tennis games were played for fun. The sport, in fact, was viewed as an amusement and not a sport at all. Royalty, wealthy and even ladies played the game we now know as table tennis (ping pong). 
