How to Build a Ping Pong Tabletop

Ping pong is a popular international sport that often finds its home in the basements and recreation rooms of homes across the country. It is easy to play and can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Unfortunately, ping pong tables can be expensive. Building your own table is easy and affordable, especially if you already have a base, such as a pool table or foosball table. Knowing how to build a ping pong tabletop will allow you to use an existing base to build a fully functional ping pong table.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 sheets 3/4-inch MDF board, 5-foot by 8-foot each Circular saw Electric hand drill 1/2 gallon of green or blue matte paint 1/2 gallon of white primer Painter's tape Measuring tape 1.5-inch wide stainless steel piano hinge, 36 inches long Wood screws Ping pong net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut each MDF board down to 5 feet by 4.5 feet. Make sure to measure carefully before you cut. Placing tape along the cutting line can help to keep edges clean and neat.

    • 2

      Paint the tops and sides of each board with white primer and wait for the paint to dry completely.

    • 3

      When primer is dry, paint over the white primer with green or blue matte paint. Chalkboard paint can be used also, and although it will give the table a more professional look and feel, it is more expensive.

    • 4

      Paint a white line, using leftover primer, along the perimeter of both tops, leaving one short side of each board, where the boards will meet, without a line. Use painter's tape and a measuring tape to ensure a clean, straight line.

    • 5

      Attach the boards together by fastening them to the piano hinge with wood screws. The hinge should be installed on the unpainted sides of the boards, and the boards should come together where there is no perimeter line painted.

    • 6

      Place the finished tabletop on top of a sturdy base, such as a pool table. The base should be about 30 inches off the ground and fully support the tabletop.

    • 7

      Attach a net by fastening the net's C-clamps at the middle of the table, on each side. Stretch the net between C-clamps and slide the net over the C-clamp posts.