Table tennis is a fun and competitive game. And while most people prefer to play it indoors, others love to take it outside on a sunny day. But are table tennis tables waterproof to withstand a bit of rain or moisture?
Well, a table tennis table is only waterproof if it’s intended for outdoor use. If you buy an indoors table, it will be quickly damaged by the rain or fog.
Now, are you ready to learn more about this topic?
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Table of Contents
What Makes Outdoor Table Tennis Tables Weather-Resistant?
The answer lies in the materials and structure that make up an outdoor table tennis table.
For instance, an outdoor table usually has galvanized steel undercarriage, posts, and net. Used in many applications for its durability and longevity, this type of steel can endure rain, moisture, sunlight, and even snow.
Also, a lot of outdoor table tennis table models come with resin tops, which are weather-resistant to a great degree.
Even better, some outdoor tables are made entirely of concrete, which is the sturdiest manufacturing material you can find. Other materials that make a table waterproof include:
- Plastic
- Metal
- Fiberglass
On the other hand, an indoor table tennis table is often made of plywood, MDF boards, or particleboard. And as wood gets instantly affected by water, an indoor table tennis table top will warp in the presence of rain or moisture.
Yes, most indoor tables come with solid steel frames, but that’s the only thing that’ll stand in the face of different weather conditions.
Are Outdoor Table Tennis Tables Expensive?
Relatively speaking, outdoor table tennis tables are a bit pricier than their indoor counterparts. Of course, that makes sense because materials such as concrete or galvanized steel are more expensive than wood.
Still, outdoor table tennis tables are available at a wide range of prices. For example, more affordable options are made of melamine, aluminum, or plywood resin. So, you’ll most likely find the perfect outdoor table tennis table to match your budget.
Is It Okay to Take an Indoor Table Tennis Table Outside for a Short While?
Yes, you may move your indoor table tennis table outside for a couple of hours without causing any damage to it. Just remember not to leave it outdoors overnight.
However, we still recommend that you get an outdoor table tennis table instead for many reasons. For starters, an outdoor table will allow you to take it inside, but you can’t do the opposite with an indoor table.
Also, carrying an indoor table tennis table outside, then back again to your house will be a tiresome task.
Can I Waterproof an Indoor Table Tennis Table?
Yes. You can easily waterproof a table tennis table at home by following a few simple steps.
- Buy a polyurethane sealant and a suitable brush to coat the tabletop
- Remove the net from the table and wipe the surface with a microfiber piece of cloth
- Apply the sealant to the table surface, then move to the lower side
- Leave the coating to dry for 8 hours
- When the sealant has dried completely, use sandpaper of 100 to 150 grit to even out the surface
- When you’re done, remove the remaining dust with a vacuum or a brush
To waterproof the table tennis table properly, repeat these steps four to five times. Then, you’ll have to use a rust converter primer on the undercarriage to make it resistant to moisture.
The Bottom Line
Are table tennis tables waterproof?
They are as long as they’re labeled as outdoor tables. If not, you’ll just have to go the extra mile and waterproof your table tennis table at home. Once you do, you should be able to play your favorite sport under the pouring rain – although I don’t recommend it!
Read more about table tennis tables and other table tennis equipment here.