Ping pong is one of the most fun pastimes, but the tables can be bulky and tiresome to place in your home. Instead of buying a whole ping pong table, opt for a ping pong table conversion top. These nifty devices let you play the game after turning any surface into a ping pong table.
So that you don’t have to do any research about the best options, we have found the five best ping pong table conversion tops on the market. We also provide a buyer’s guide to help you find the best model for your home. Let’s get started.
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If you don’t have much time then use the links below to quickly find my best ping pong table conversion top, check out the price on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
- Best Overall – Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table Top
- Best Affordable – MD Sports Table Tennis Table Top
Ping Pong Table Conversion Top Reviews
If you are in the market to convert a pool table into a ping pong table then this is the page for you! I’ve gone through dozens of table tennis conversion tops to bring a list of 5 that you can truly trust.
Each of these conversion top reviews uses different build materials, dimensions, surface thickness, and backing. For you to fully compare the difference between each pool table conversion top I’ve made a handy table that details some of the characteristics of each table side by side, giving you a more informed comparison.
We all know that pool is a fantastic pastime, one we all love, but to house, even a 7-foot pool table takes up a lot of space. Being able to convert the same space into a place where you can play both billiards and table tennis with a simple conversion top is a fantastic addition, and in my opinion, well worth the investment.
Both sports are extremely fun and bring friends and family together which should never be underestimated!
5 of the best table tennis conversion top compared against each other in the handy table below, but if you want a little more information, then check out our buyers guide below the reviews.
You may be interested in some ping pong accessories
As none of these regulation-sized conversion tops come with paddles or balls.
You may be interested in these as they are frequently bought together with these table tennis conversion tops for pool tables and dining room tables.
Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table for Billiard Table
If you’re looking for the best overall ping pong table conversion top, then you should consider the Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table For Billiard Table. This is a top of the line model that provides quick and easy conversion from a pool table to a full sized ping pong court.
Whenever both top halves are assembled, the entire court will be 9 by 5 feet, which is a perfect size for your billiard table. The conversion top is 3/4 inch thick, and it includes a 1-1/2 inch metal rail for additional stability. The conversion top also includes a net and post set.
The set is specifically designed to be used on a 5 foot wide pool table, ensuring that it fits the surface correctly.
The biggest benefit of the Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table For Billiard Table is that it is incredibly high quality. Weighing nearly 120 pounds, it is incredibly durable and looks very attractive. It certainly is not the top you should select if you want something lightweight and flimsy. It even comes with a 3 year warranty to back up its durability.
The Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table For Billiard Table features an incredibly impressive foam protection too. This ensures that your delicate billiard table top remains safe underneath this conversion top.
The biggest downside of the Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table For Billiard Table is that the metal support rails only extend around three sides of each table. In other words, the railing does not surround the entire table. As a result, this top can sag in the center, especially over time.
PROS
- Durable
- Fits pool tables perfectly
- Full foam backing
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Expensive
- May sag in the center
- Requires two adults to assemble
Butterfly Pool Table Conversion Top for Billiard Table
The Butterfly Pool Table Conversion Top For Billiard Table has the same dimensions as our top pick. It is 9 by 5 feet and is 3/4 inch thick. This is a really great size for conversion top because it is regulation in terms of dimensions and is really close in terms of thickness. If you are looking for a conversion top to up your game for competitive purposes, these dimensions are the best.
One thing that separates this conversion top from the Martin Kilpatrick is that it is a bit easier to put together. It has two halves so that you can easily set it up on your full table.
The net will click in place, making this top one of the easiest to put together. On top of its convenience, it comes with a full foam backing and a 3 year warranty.
The biggest drawback of the Butterfly Pool Table Conversion Top For Billiard Table is that it isn’t very attractive. The finish isn’t as durable or appealing as our top pick, which is why we have ranked it number 2 on our list.
PROS
- Easy to set up
- Regulation size
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Unattractive finish
- Not as durable
JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion Top
The JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion Top can transform your pool table into a complete table tennis experience. It includes fully protective EVA foam to ensure the billiard table remains safe. The top is regulation size in terms of length and width and is 5/8 inch thick.
Much like the Butterfly Pool Table Conversion Top For Billiard Table, the JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion Top is relatively easy to set up.
It comes in two separate halves and weighs 115 pounds. This will make it much easier to create your ping pong table experience and store when not in use.
One of our favorite features of the JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion Top is how attractive it looks. It comes with a sleek charcoal finish that is durable and highly attractive. This is a great table top choice if you want your den or playroom to still look put together.
Because the conversion table includes two separate halves that are connected through the net, the center does sag a bit. It’s not as bad when you first take it out of the packaging, but the sag will likely get worse with use.
PROS
- Regulation size
- Easy to set up
- Highly attractive
CONS
- Sags in the center
- Net could use some work
GamePoint Tables Table Tennis Conversion Top
Most conversion table top tennis tops are better suited for recreational use. They aren’t typically designed for the more serious player in mind. If you are someone who wants the most professional conversion top option, then the GamePoint Tables Table Tennis Conversion Top is best.
It is 5 by 9 feet and 5/8 inch in size. The GamePoint Tables Table Tennis Conversion Top is built incredibly durable and stable.
It includes a protective foam so as to keep the table underneath in great condition. It even includes a competition quality net, which is something that the other tops on this list cannot say.
Something that makes this stand out from the top three choices is that it is pre assembled and easy to store. Instead of it being made in two separate halves, it can be folded in half, but it is only one piece. This prevents the sagging that the other three tops experience.
Given that this conversion top has so many professional qualities, you might wonder why the GamePoint Tables Table Tennis Conversion Top is number 4. Well, it is incredibly expensive for what it offers. Even though the net and table offer impressive quality, it is still a conversion top. If you want to play ping pong for professional purposes, you certainly should just select an actual table.
PROS
- Regulation size
- Very durable
- Competition quality net
- Suitable for outdoors.
- Fitted style, protects top and sides.
CONS
- Too expensive for what it offers
- Only one color option
MD Sports Table Tennis Conversion Top
Not all conversion table tennis tops need to be super expensive to give you a convenient playing experience. The MD Sports Table Tennis Conversion Top is the perfect example of this. Costing notably less than the other items on this list, this conversion top offers a fun experience that fits nearly all tables and budgets.
The MD Sports Table Tennis Conversion Top is 9 by 5 feet and 1/2 inch thick.
The bottom is even padded with PVA foam, ensuring that your table underneath is safe from any scratches. The table has a fold up design, making it easy to set up and store. The net is of pretty good quality, considering its price. The net is retractable, making this part easy to set up a take down as well.
The biggest con of the MD Sports Table Tennis Conversion Top is that it isn’t as good quality as the other items on this list. For example, the net is much cheaper. Still, you do get what you pay for given that this is easily the most affordable option on this list. As long as you store it carefully and don’t bend it intentionally, it should last you a long time.
PROS
- Affordable
- Preassembled
- Easy to setup and store
CONS
- Less durable
- Only one color option
Buyer’s guide and key features
I hope you found our best table tennis conversion tops a good fit for your needs, but before selecting any ping pong table conversion top, there are a variety of factors to consider first.
Here are some features to be on the lookout for when selecting the perfect ping pong table top for you:
Dimensions
The most important factor to consider when buying a conversion top is its dimensions. The ping pong table top should be the same size as the table you plan to put it on. If it is too large for the table, you won’t be able to secure the conversion top down. Conversely, it may be difficult to play ping pong well if the top is notably smaller than the table it is sitting on.
Simply pull out your tape measure and measure how long and wide the table you intend to place the top on is. That size should give you an idea of how big your ping pong table conversion top should be.
In addition to the exact dimensions of the table, make sure you have enough space in the room to play. You will need a minimum of about 3 feet around the table for casual games. If you want to play more competitively, you’ll likely need a minimum of 5 feet around the table.
Top Thickness
Another important feature to consider is the thickness of the top. Many people do not realize this, but the thickness of the table impacts how the ball bounces. Thicker tables let the ball bounce easier. Official tournament table tops will typically be 1 inch thick.
Because most conversion tops are not used for professional uses, there aren’t many models that have regulation thickness. We recommend selecting a conversion top that is at least 5/8 inch thick.
Protective Pads
When you use a conversion ping pong top, it will lay directly on the table. You may not want to damage the table that the ping pong tops sits on. For this reason, many tops come with some sort of foam backing or pad. Most will be made of PVC or EVA foam.
Even if you do not intend to put the conversion top on a table you care about, it is a great idea to select an option with protective pads. This will allow you to use the top on different tables down the line.
The Net
You can’t possibly talk about a ping pong table without discussing the net. Definitely ensure that the model you select comes with a durable and efficient net. The net should include posts that connect easily to the table and stand up straight.
FAQs: Ping Pong Conversation Tops
What is the official size of a ping pong table?
9 x 5 x 2.5 ft (length x width x height)
Why should I select a conversion ping pong table top?
A conversion ping pong table top offers you additional space and convenience that a regular table simply can’t compete with. If you are short on space, you should select a conversion top because it will allow you to maximize the area of the room by placing the top on a preexisting table.
Can I practice on a conversion top for professional purposes?
Even though some conversion tops are great quality, it is better to practice on an actual ping pong table for professional purposes. Conversion tops do not provide you with the same bounce and thickness as regular ping pong tables. This will dramatically affect your game.
Conclusion
Conversion ping pong tables are great ways to maximize your space while playing tabletop tennis. We recommend the Martin Kilpatrick Ping Pong Table For Billiard Table because of its durability and warranty. No matter what model you select, make sure it is the right size, comes with protective pads, and features a killer net.
Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.
