Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Alex Horscroft
While most table tennis tables are made of a combination of wood and steel there is another type that often gets overlooked: concrete ping pong tables!
Nothing is more fitting for an outdoor aesthetic than concrete, given that it’s all around us. But just how good are concrete ping pong tables? And should you buy one?
What Are Concrete Ping Pong Tables?
Concrete ping pong tables, as their name suggests are made from reinforced concrete. Unlike other tables, they are cast from a mold. So besides a steel armature, they are entirely composed of concrete. Even the base. This makes them VERY heavy.
So heavy in fact, that almost all ping pong concrete tables need to be specially installed using machinery. They usually weigh between 1000-2000 kg (2204-4409 lbs). This means once they’re set up they can’t be moved. So you’d better be damn sure you pick a good location.
What Are the Benefits of Concrete Ping Pong Tables?
While concrete ping pong tables are heavy, they are super strong. They also aren’t susceptible to warping or bending like steel tables. The rugged nature of concrete means they can withstand anything the outdoors throws at it, be it extreme weather or heavy misuse from players. Nothing short of a hammer will do any real damage.
One of the coolest aspects of concrete ping pong tables is the customization on offer. As they are expensive pieces of kit, most companies are willing to offer customization. You can change the shape, color, net, and even legs of your table.
The Dimensions & Net
Concrete ping pong tables for the outdoors are usually full-size which means they measure W 152.5 cm (5ft) x L 264 cm (9ft) x H 76 cm (2.5 ft). However, there are quite a few round concrete ping pong tables on offer too. They tend to measure around 260 cm (8.5 ft) in diameter by 76 cm (2.5 ft) in height.
In addition to this, you have the custom tables I mentioned earlier, these are any size within reason. Another quality you should know about is the corners. As concrete is very hard, these sharp edges can be a hazard. This is why some models have rounded corners. A great choice from a safety perspective, but it does minimize the playing area slightly.
As for the net, you usually have two choices. The first is to the concrete route so you have an all-concrete table. The second is to have a steel net — much like ordinary outdoor tables have. They don’t behave all that differently so go whichever one you like.
The Installation of Concrete Ping Pong Tables
Due to their sheer weight, concrete ping pong tables need specialist equipment for installation. Usually, this is in the form of a crane. As such, there needs to be good vehicle access to the area where you want the table fitted. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk through your options with the seller to see if they can accommodate you.
Below is a short video to help you visualize the installation process.
What Is It Like Playing on a Concrete Ping Pong Table?
Concrete table tennis feels very different from playing on indoor tables so don’t expect the same standard of play. The bounce quality of a table is determined by its composition and thickness.
Indoor tables are made from MDF, and the best tables are 25 mm thick. While concrete tables are super thick, concrete just doesn’t perform as well as MDF does. Even steel/melamine which are the main materials for outdoor tables pale in comparison to MDF. Therefore don’t expect a top playing experience.
Remember that concrete ping pong tables are not intended for serious training, rather, a bit of fun to bring communities together.
Where Can I Buy a Concrete Ping Pong Table?
1. Stone Age Concrete Table Tennis Tables
If you’re based in North America Stone Age is the best choice when it comes to concrete ping pong tables. Theirs have a satin-smooth finish and an estimated 50-100 year life. They don’t list their concrete ping pong table prices on their website so you have to get in contact via the “contact us” tab.
They sell a total of four ping pong tables: the Uptown, Cantilever, Dining & Tuscan (plus custom). Here is some other useful info about their tables:
- Vandal-resistant fasteners
- Solid concrete so no dead spots
- 1-hour setup
- 3-year limited warranty
- Worldwide shipping
2. Concrete Sports Ping Pong Tables
Concrete Sports is based in Liverpool. They produce concrete ping pong tables along with other products such as concrete foosball and concrete chess sets.
They have fitted in excess of 1,000 tables across Europe with over 200 of these being in the UK. Therefore if you live in the UK they could be a good option.
- 2-3 week lead-time
- 50 minutes to install
- 920 kg
- 12 paddles and 144 balls with each order
- Aluminum net
3. PlayCrete Concrete Table Tennis Tables
As best I can tell, Playcrete’s outdoor concrete ping pong tables are reserved for UK buyers, however, you may want to get in contact to double-check if they catch your eye. Despite appearing as a smaller company, they produce excellent concrete ping pong tables.
They have a variety of styles available including round and bespoke tables. They even have the option to paint your own which I think is pretty awesome!
- Made in the UK
- 1.7 tonnes
- Cast with colored pigment
- Choose from concrete, stainless steel, or galvanized steel for the net
- Protected with sealer for easy maintenance
4. Redlynch Leisure Concrete Ping Pong Tables
Sorry to those of you based outside of the UK as Redlynch Leisure is another UK seller. They sell four different types of concrete ping pong tables (plus a steel table).
These include the Amsterdam (square edges), the Rotterdam (rounded edges), the Hague (circular table), and the mAccano. The mAccano is a little different from the rest. It’s much lighter at 800 kg and comes in six parts. This makes it much easier to assemble in areas with poor vehicle access.
- 800 kg-1800 kg (1763 lb-3968 lb)
- Free paddles and balls included
- Reinforced concrete
- Blue, green, natural, or anthracite concrete finish
5. James De Wulf Concrete Ping Pong Table
The James De Wulf ping pong table is one of the nicest concrete tables I’ve seen. The thing is, it’s a designer ping pong table created by Los Angeles artist James De Wulf. So unless you’ve got money to burn, his cement ping pong tables are best admired through your phone or monitor.
Concrete vs Steel Ping Pong Tables
Specs | Concrete ping pong table | Standard outdoor ping pong tables |
Size | Full-size + custom | Full-size |
Price | $$$$$ | $$$ |
Weight | 1750 – 4000 lbs | 166 – 288 lbs |
Performance (comp to indoor models) | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Estimated lifespan | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Can I Make a DIY Outdoor Concrete ping Pong Table?
Certainly — but it’s quite a bit of work!
I recommend checking out Modustrial Maker’s video which I’ll link below. His concrete ping pong table diy project is very easy to follow. He made his play surface by pouring concrete into a wooden mold. To add strength, he welded rebar together in a crosshatch pattern. This formed the center of his mold.
For the underlying structure of the table, he welded together 1 ½” tube steel pieces. This provided sufficient strength to support the heavy concrete surface.
All in all, building a concrete ping pong table seems like a fun project, but I’m doubtful that many people could do a great job of it.
More Table Tennis Goodness!
6 Guaranteed Ways to Increase Your Spin in Ping Pong
Mima Ito Equipment and Profile [2024]
How to Play a Backhand Smash in Table Tennis
I've been playing table tennis since the age of 14 and have competed against some of the top players in England. While I love playing, I also really enjoy coaching too!
Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | Rubbers: Nittaku Fastarc G-1