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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

DIY Ping Pong Table

Ping pong is a great game that has been around for years. The Chinese played it, and it has trickled over into other countries. But what if you love the game so much you want to make your own customized table? Here are some tips to help you make that happen.

Basics

    In order to build a regulation table, according to essortment.com, it must be 9 feet long by 5 feet wide. You can easily find 2x4s that will match these specifications. You can also have them cut at a lumberyard or at a home improvement store. Be aware of the type of lumber you choose. If it is too heavy, the table will be impossible to move. If it is too light, the table will not stay stable during the game. A simple pine will do nicely.

The Tabletop and Legs

    The top of the table can be a large sheet of plywood. It should be at least a quarter of an inch thick; the thicker this is, the better the balls will bounce. Also, the tabletop will last longer if it is thicker. Two sheets of plywood should be attached side to side to cover the top of the table, and the seam should be in the very center of the table. According to tabletennismaster.com, the legs, in order to be of regulation height, must each be 29 3/4 inches long. They can be cut from regular lumber.

Time to Paint

    Normally, ping pong tables are green, but you can paint yours any color you'd like. When you mark off the lines, make sure they are 3/4-inch wide. The end lines go at each end of the table, and the sidelines, of course, go on the side. The centerline should follow the seam between the two boards that make up the top, and should be 1/8-inch wide. Once the paint has dried, install a 6-inch high net across the middle.

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