Ping Pong, or table tennis, is possibly one of the most accessible and easy games to get into. It is a fun, simple way to pass the time and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. Many people consider buying a ping pong table in order to add some extra entertainment to their homes but find that the table itself would take up far too much room or be too cumbersome. Thankfully there are ways to easily convert billiards and dining tables into table tennis tables and we’ve reviewed and compiled them for you in this list. All of these options can easily be found on Amazon.
Before we get into the reviews, there are a few things that you should know when looking at table tennis conversion tops. Firstly, it’s that these are not full-size table tennis tables. These are just the playing surface from the full-size tables that are able to conveniently sit atop surfaces such as billiards, dining room, and other large tables. These are made for convenience and quick play for the most part.
In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 18 hours of research:
7 Best Ping Pong Table Tops for Pool & Dining Tables (2021) – Overview
Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for more details and picks 6-7).
Best Overall
1. JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion with Foam Backing and Net Set
- 2-IN-1: Transform your billiard table into a full-sized table tennis table for the best of both worlds!
This first table comes from the very trusted brand, JOOLA. They have a very good track record as they’re a brand that is often featured in Olympic events and other important tournaments around the world. The quality of this table tennis conversion top is no different from their other products. This particular one is meant to be used on billiards tables that are up to eight feet in length as the conversion tabletop itself is the tournament size of nine feet.
It is also made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) making it quite durable. Assembly and storage will never be a concern with this tabletop as it comes 99% preassembled. The only thing that needs to be put together is the net, which easily attaches to the tabletop and will not scratch the billiard table. Additionally, because it isn’t bulky or cumbersome, it can be easily stored in a place like a closet or under a bed and still allow for plenty of room.
For those worried that the tabletop might cause damage to the underlying billiard table, have no fear. The tabletop is built with an EVA foam backing, meaning that if the tabletop slides or moves whilst it is in use, it will not scratch or damage the billiard table beneath it. All in all, this is an excellent option for someone looking for a ping pong table who doesn’t want it to replace their billiards table.
Pros:
- EVA Foam guards billiard table against damage that might be caused by tabletop
- Comes almost completely preassembled
- Easy to store and doesn’t take up a lot of room
Cons:
- Really only meant for billiards tables
Lowest Price
2. JOOLA Tetra
- JOOLA - AN OLYMPIC TABLE TENNIS BRAND TRUSTED FOR 60+ YEARS: Launched in the 1950s, JOOLA has been the proud sponsor of the biggest tournaments in the world, Including the Olympics, World...
This next table is another fine quality table by JOOLA, this time with extra functionality and ease of storage in mind. Like the previous tabletop, this one is the regulation length of nine feet and is made with particleboard rather than MDF. It is also a very pleasing and eye-catching shade of blue.
The big difference between this tabletop and the previous one is its storage capabilities. Unlike the previously talked about one, the Tetra can be split in half, and then those halves can be folded up and stored away. This makes the table extremely easy to store and put together.
On top of this excellent feature, the tabletop is not meant exclusively for pool tables. Instead, it is made with the purpose of being used on all types of surfaces from hockey, dining, or picnic tables. This would make it an excellent addition to a household looking to add an extra layer of fun or a way to entertain guest that can be pulled out in just a short few minutes.
Also, if you’re worried that this tabletop might scratch your priceless dining room table or hurt your favorite air hockey rink, you will be comforted to know that this tabletop comes with an EVA foam backing exactly like the previous table. No matter what you play on, the foam pads are sure to keep it safe.
Pros:
- Detachable, foldable halves for added storage and convenience
- Affordable price
- Can be used on most large table services
Cons:
- Made with particleboard instead of MDF
Best for Dining Tables
3. Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table for Billiard Table
- MARTIN KILPATRICK GAME TABLES - Convert your pool table to play ping pong with one of the ultimate pool table accessories
This pool table conversion, by Martin Kilpatrick, boasts that it is the ultimate pool table accessory. This is not an unfounded claim, as it really is an excellent product and it has some excellent features that help reinforce this. First off, this tabletop conversion is made in the same factory as the Butterfly brand of ping pong tables and accessories. Therefore, it is a product of high quality and you are sure to get a consistent bounce each time you play.
It comes in several different colors to choose from: gray, blue, and green. This way you’re able to pick a tabletop that compliments your pool table or room well. In terms of features, it has a lot of similarities to the tabletops that have already been covered. It is regulation size and is actually thicker than most table tennis tabletops.
This means that you will get a great bounce and your games will feel as close as they can to a real competitive match without having to buy a full-sized table tennis table. Like most tabletops, it has EVA foam padding to prevent it from scratching the surface it sits on.
Unique to this tabletop is the protection rails and table connectors. The protection rails help to keep the table stable ruing play and the table connectors allow the two halves of the tabletop to stay connected and can be easily disconnected for storing the tabletop.
It can fit in eight-foot long pool tables as well as nine-foot ones. However, in order for the tabletop to fit on the larger tables, you will need to remove the protection rails that come with it. Removing these does not risk damaging your table, as it only serves to stabilize the tabletop. This tabletop also comes with a 3-year warranty and it is assured that the tabletop can also work with other surfaces besides pool tables.
Pros:
- 3-year warranty
- High quality, competition-ready tabletop
- Protection rails ensure stability during play
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other tabletops on the list
4. Eastpoint Sports Table Tennis Table
- TOURNAMENT SIZE: Enjoy endless family fun for kids and adults with the EastPoint Sports table tennis table conversion top. This tournament size foldable topper measures 9' (L) x 5' (W) for official...
This is a very professional-looking tabletop. It has the Eastpoint logo painted on an eye-catching blue table. If someone were to suggest a table tennis match and you brought this out of your closet, then they would surely know that you mean business.
Besides the aesthetically pleasing look of this table, it also has many of the other features that are common to ping pong tabletops such as foam pads to protect the surface underneath the tabletop, table halves that can be folded for easy storage and transportation, and a net and post set.
The tabletop is also on the thinner side, making it very easy to pick up and move on top of the already convenient foldable halves. A tabletop such as this would make the perfect addition to any home, game room recreation room, or office space looking to add some quick portable fun. It can even fit over air hockey tables! But how does it feel to play on, you might ask? Well, because of the thinner surface it might not give the most satisfying bounce, but it will not fall flat. Your games will still feel intense and enjoyable.
Pros:
- Professional aesthetic
- Lightweight, easy to transport, and has foldable halves for easy storage
- Net and foam pads are included
Cons:
- A thin surface won’t provide the best bounces
Best for Pool Tables
5. GamePoint Table Tennis Conversion Top
- DURABLY BUILT - The ping pong tabletop is a Beauty to Behold, Easy to Handle and simply Amazing to Play On. The Blue color scheme adds a Sensational style while the material used gives you the High...
This tabletop is another beauty to behold. The light blue surface will always be a sight to behold every time you unfold this top-quality tabletop to play. It is definitely one of the more expensive tabletops on the list, but if it’s within your budget, then this tabletop is a great choice. To begin, it is a very durable tabletop. It is made from high-quality wood that is sure to stand up to even the most fierce of ping pong matches.
The GamePoint tabletop is also regulation length and thickness, making it perfect for those that are looking for a more competitive gameplay experience or want to simulate a tournament setting without a large, bulky ping pong table. The thickness of this tabletop will ensure that every bounce will feel satisfying.
Unlike the other tabletops that have been covered above, the GamePoint actually has the foam guards built into itself. Meaning that the only requirements needed to get this tabletop ready for play are to unfold it, find a suitable surface, and then attach the net and posts. Like the rest of the tabletops on this list, this is a product that is easy to store. It can be folded in half and easily stowed away in a garage, closet, or under a bed or billiards table.
Pros:
- The regulation thickness allows for satisfying bounces
- Built-in foam protections
- Durable and nice to look at
Cons:
- Expensive
6. MD Sports Table Tennis Set
- UNIVERSAL, OFFICIAL-SIZE: Fully assembled, the MD Sports Table Tennis Topper provides 9’ x 5’ of playable surface area and fits most tables. Convert a pool, foosball, air hockey, or regular dining...
The MD conversion top is the cheapest tabletop on this list but that does not mean it is of low quality. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. MD Sports is known for manufacturing quality products such as dartboards, foosball tables, and pool tables, so they absolutely know what they’re doing when it comes to this tabletop. It is a very durable piece and will surely last you many years.
The first thing you will likely notice about this table is its very striking appearance. The dark blue table with white accents makes this table very easy on the eyes and will likely impress anyone who looks at it. Beyond simple aesthetics, this tabletop comes with most of the same features that all of the other ones on this list have.
Namely, this tabletop is relatively thin and lightweight, is composed of two, foldable table halves, comes with a net, and has protective foam padding built-in. The feature that makes this tabletop stick out compared to other products is the double-sided PVC finish. This allows the tabletop to create a good bounce. In fact, it meets Internation Table Tennis Federation standards.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Comes with all the standard features of a tabletop conversion
- PVC finish creates good bounces
Cons:
- Not suitable for the outdoors
7. Hathaway BG2323
- PLAY LIKE A PRO – The Quick Set Conversion Top is regulation size at 9-ft x 5-ft. Designed to withstand intense competition, its ½-in thick, engineered wood core is covered in a green, PVC laminate...
This tabletop is another excellent, affordable option for those looking for quick fun to entertain friends and family. It comes in a very vibrant green color is very pleasing to look at like the other options present on this list. In general, this is another excellent option if you’re looking to turn your pool table or other similarly sized surfaces into a ping pong table.
Like the other tabletops on this list, it is the regulation size of nine feet that is made to withstand the fiercest competition if need be. It is actually made with an engineered wood core to strengthen it and the green color is caused by a PVC laminate coating that ensures durability and good bounces.
A difference between this tabletop and others is that instead of foam protections, it actually has felt underneath. There is no downside to having felt instead of foam, whatever surface the tabletop is placed on will be protected from scratches and other damage. In case you are worried about the tabletop becoming damaged, it comes with a 180-day warranty as well.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Light and easy to store
- 180-day warranty
Cons:
- Hinges for attachment may need some adjusting
Our Winner:
Now comes the interesting part: Out of the seven conversion tabletops here, which is the best? To really answer that question you really have to factor in two things: how much money do you want to spend and what kind of experience are you looking for?
If money is of no object to you, then the obvious choice should be the Gamepoint table. Out of the seven tabletops we have on this list, it will likely get you the most mileage while also providing a similar environment to a real table tennis table as the thickness and length of the tabletop meet regulation standards.
If you’re looking for a tabletop that will more closely emulate the environment of a real ping pong table, then you should invest in our first option by JOOLA. It is lower in price than the Gamepoint table and because it is from the JOOLA brand, you know that you are getting something of very high-quality that is essentially the next best thing to an Olympic-style table tennis table.
When it comes to low-budget table tennis conversions, the clear winner is the JOOLA Tetra. This was admittedly a tough choice because the MD Sports tabletop is cheaper, but not by much, and also has very similar features. However, JOOLA is a very trusted brand, and buying from them is a safe bet if you’re unsure as to what brands to look for. When buying this table you’re getting a guaranteed good product that will surely entertain you for a long time.
Extra Questions About Ping Pong Tabletop Conversions:
1. “Are tabletops good for competitive/professional play?”
Tabletop conversions are really not the sort of place one should be looking if you’re looking for a professional surface to play on. While there are plenty of excellent tabletops you can purchase, these surfaces really will only be as good as the middle-ground, full-size tables out there.
Therefore, you should only really be looking at tabletop conversions if you’re an amateur that needs a surface to practice on, or if you want something that is convenient for friends and family to play on.
2. “Are these conversion tabletops suitable for outdoor play?”
Some of them are! And while you can certainly bring your tabletop to an outdoor area and place it on something like a picnic table, leaving these surfaces outdoors for extended periods of time is a bad idea. The materials that these tabletops are made with will warp quickly if left outside for extended periods of time, all but ruining them. If you want something for the outdoors, you’ll need to invest in a full-size outdoor table tennis table.
3. “Do the tabletops come with accessories such as paddles, nets, and ping pong balls?”
Most tabletops will come with a net that can be easily attached. In fact, we specifically reviewed tabletops that come with nets for your convenience. Unfortunately, tabletops do not usually come with balls and paddles. There is a wide selection of paddles and balls out there and sometimes you can find them bundled together with a full-size table or tabletop conversion.
