Let me guess. You have finally gone beyond the point where Table Tennis is not just a hobby, but almost an addiction. That's why, you have decided that it is time to get your very own Table Tennis table, that you plan to set up in your home and enjoy countless hours of ping pong! It is but natural that you look for some tips on choosing a Table Tennis table, to help you make the right choice according to your requirements. That is exactly what I am going to talk about here. Think about Table Tennis and I can't help but think about Forrest Gump, (a character played by Tom Hanks in the movie of same name), who goes on to master it to such a level, that he graduates from an amateur to a champion in a matter of few months, as he puts his heart into it. The game requires phenomenal levels of concentration and athleticism. To play it properly, one needs the right equipment, which includes a good pair of paddles, balls and of course a proper playing surface. A Table Tennis table is a sizable investment which doesn't come cheap and you need to ensure that you get value for money. There are a few things that you need to check when buying a Ping Pong table. Let us have a look at them. How to Choose a Table Tennis Table? The choice of a table will depend on what level of expertise do you have in playing the game, whether you are going to keep it indoor or outdoor and of course your budget allocation. Here are the prime factors of consideration. Dimensions You need to be aware of the proper Ping Pong Table size. The standard dimensions, mentioned in Table Tennis rules, for any tournament level Table Tennis table are 9 feet (length) x 5 feet (width) x 30 inches (height). While mos models will confirm to this size, they will differ in the kind of material used for the top. The best tables have a Masonite top, with coating that ensures that the surface has low friction. Make sure that the table has the right dragnet with sufficient tautness and the right height (15.25 cm). Top Thickness & Finishing The most important part of the Table Tennis table is its top, which needs to have the right thickness and finishing. This ensures that you have the right bounce when playing Ping Pong. The recommended thickness is 1 inch, but a top with a thickness of 0.75 inch will be good enough for amateur level play. To check if the table has the right thickness, hold the ball at a height of 30 cm and let go of it. If it bounces 23 cm high, you have a table with the right thickness and if it is anything less or more, the thickness is not right. Depending on your usage, you could either go for a recreational table, a club type or a tournament type table. The table finishing needs to be excellent which provides the right amount of friction for play. Make sure that your table has a smooth finish and is leveled properly. Strong & Foldable Roller Legs There are two choices when it comes to choosing the kind of table base or legs arrangement you want. You could either go for a foldable one, with rollers or a fixed one. A foldable one with roller wheels is recommended if you are using it outdoors. It is easier to carry it around or move it with the rollers. Brands & Cost There are many brands for you to choose from. Some of the best brands are Butterfly, Stiga, Donic, Joola and Tibhar. They have all kinds of tables ranging from recreational to tournament type. The price of tables ranges from $150 to upwards of $400. Instead of making a biased choice, browse through the whole range of Table Tennis tables of various brands, made available in the market. Guided by the points shared here, you will be able to choose the right one.