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A DIY ping pong table is something that anyone can manufacture. Check this tutorial and see how it is done!

A ping pong table is the staple equipment for ping pong players. After all, one cannot play the game without the platform, after all.

Some players are willing to invest in high-end ping pong tables so that they can play right away. However, others want to be creative by making DIY ping pong tables by themselves. If I had the money to afford a ping pong table, I would rather go to the golf course and practice my swing with a golf chipper.

Of course, the latter is not a bad route to take. It is cost-efficient and lets you exercise the inner craftsman in you. 

How to Construct A DIY Ping Pong Table?

In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to make a cheap and straightforward ping pong table. Based on estimates, this table will only cost you less than a hundred bucks, which is already appealing.

However, this one is not a regulation table. Keep in mind that in the International Table Tennis Federation rules, a standard table has a dimension of 9 feet (length) x 5 feet (width). 

Meanwhile, this DIY table is a feet shorter on both sides (8 feet x 4 feet). Of course, the sizes are still identical. 

Sure enough, you can always construct a regulation table if you desire to. 

Step 1: Preparing The Table

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the table. To make things easier on your part, you should get a pre-furnished MDF table in your nearest hardware. 

The next thing you need to do is to make a horizontal cut in the middle of the table. If you are not confident in cutting it by yourself, you can let a woodworker to this part for you. 

What you need here is to be able to make equal panels out of the table. By the way, I chose MDF over other table materials because it provides excellent bounce consistency; it is also resistant to warping, too. 

Step 2: Painting The Table

Once you have the table prepared, you can already start painting it. If you want to follow the rules given by the ITTF, the paint you need to apply should have a dark hue. 

Furthermore, it would help if you painted the inner edges of the table with white stripes. They will serve as the demarcation line to determine if the ball is out or not. 

But of course, if you just play ping pong for fun, you can already skip these steps.

1. Place the tables on a workbench.

2. Prime the table boards twice. Let the first priming dry first before you apply the next primer. 

3. After the priming process, let the tables dry for 8 hours, at least.

4. Line the inner edges of the table with duct tape. The primer will become the white lines on your table. 

5. After that, use a roller and a beaker in painting the table boards. Preferably, you should pick a dark green paint. 

6. Let the paint dry before you apply the second coating. After eight hours, remove the duct tape you put on the table.

Step 3: Assembling The Table

Stability is a common concern for most weekend warriors when they are making their DIY ping pong tables. However, these panels are not susceptible to moving while you are playing unless if you crash or lean on them. 

Of course, these MDF tables are heavy, so they are not susceptible to wobbling. Another secret to stability is finding a smooth and even ground where you are going to place the table. 

But if you are not convinced of this, then you can use mending plates and affix them to one of the edges of the board (where the net and post would usually be attached). After that, you can use thumb screws to fasten the plates to the other panel. 

Once you have the table, the next thing you need to mind is its storage. This guide teaches you some of the surefire methods to free some space in your home. 

Conclusion

I hope that you learned from this simple DIY tutorial. As you can see, you always have the capacity to make regulation tables in your own garage and backyard. 

The tools and materials needed to make a great table are all accessible. Furthermore, they don't cost that much, and the process is not that technically-heavy either. 

I recommend that you try making one by yourself and see if you have what it takes to make ping pong tables for recreational use.

That's it for now. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.