Ping pong tables aren’t cheap – that’s for sure. So if you’ve got one at home, you should be sure to care for it in the best way possible. Regular cleaning, keeping it safe from moisture, and making sure it doesn’t come into contact with substances that could affect the feel of its surface are just some of the things you need to do.
When you come to think of it, all of these different things can be done with just one essential – a ping pong table cover. Simple and straightforward, this basic need for any table tennis table can keep it clean, prevent damage, and minimize the chances of stains and moisture absorption.
But did you know there’s more to a cover than most of us readily know? Find out more on how to choose the best ping pong table cover, and discover some of our top choices with our definitive guide.
What Should You Look for in a Table Tennis Table Cover?
What sets the different ping pong cover designs apart from one another? How are some better than others? And how do you know which one will suit you best?
Colors
You’d think that the color of the cover is nothing more than a matter of preference. But you’ll see the importance of choosing the right color when you consider the way that certain shades attract heat.
Take for example, an outdoor ping pong table that’s stored in a shady area of your friend’s backyard. Although the space is relatively shadowed by the overhanging canopy of tree leaves, sun does peek through during certain hours.
In these conditions, using a dark colored table tennis cover could cause heat to build up inside the cover and cause damage to the surface of the table such as warping and cracking. In cases when a table is stored outdoors, it’s best to go with cooler, lighter shades that don’t incubate heat.
Durability
If you’re keeping your table tennis table indoors, you might not need to think about the durability of your cover too much. Just something that will keep away dust, dirt, and moisture should be good enough for an indoor ping pong table.
For outdoor tables, you may want to consider something a little more heavy-duty. Consider the fact that an outdoor table might be exposed to rain, heat, cold, and a variety of other elements despite being kept in a shed or outdoor storage space. Something that could defend itself as well as your table from these factors should be your main priority.
Maintenance
Because a cover’s main purpose is to protect your table from filth, you should expect that it might get dirty itself. So while it might keep your table clean, the cover itself might require some cleaning and washing as time goes by.
Covers made from fabrics can get easily stained and dirty, necessitating regular washing. Those made from plastic like materials and synthetics are less likely to absorb dust and filth, so just patting them down or dusting them off can be good enough to keep them clean as well.
Orientation
Does your ping pong table fold up or does it stay in its table position at all times? Most of the covers you’ll find are designed specifically for folded tables, so they might not be able to accommodate a table that doesn’t collapse or fold.
There are larger ones available intended to cover an entire table surface area. But because of the differences in size from table to table, it might be a challenge to find one that fits your table like a glove.
To make it easier to find the right ping pong table cover for you, consider looking into brands. It’s more likely for you to find a cover from the same brand that manufactured your table, so try to sift through their options before you give up the search.
Versatility
Some table tennis table covers do much more than just protect your table. This is especially true for portable or collapsible tables that you might consider bringing with you to other places.
With that, some covers function as carrying cases. With durable handles and structured designs, these covers-slash-bags can be an ideal choice for buyers who want something that can make it easier to bring their table elsewhere.
Structure
Do you have other stuff leaning up against your table tennis table when it’s in storage? Even with a fabric cover over it, it’s not impervious to scratches and nicks. A structured ping pong table cover provides greater protection and helps make sure that your table is kept safe from damage caused by bumps, scratches, and hits.
For tables that are constantly standing in table orientation, covers can be completely solid – that is, they can be made from things like wood, board, or plastic, adding a layer of protection to your table to prevent any sort of damage from moisture, to scratches, to nicks in the paint, and many others.
The 5 Best Ping Pong Table Cover Reviews
1. Covermates Upright Cover
In the upright table tennis table category, we’ve chosen the Covermates Cover. This upright cover is waterproof, and boasts reinforced construction and stitching that maintains your table in premium protection.
Keeping the cover in place are heavy duty buckles that make sure your table is aptly covered even through wind and storm. This also helps guarantee that the cover doesn’t fly up and reveal the bottom half of the table with strong gusts or a constant breeze.
If we’re talking prices, we’re happy to report that the Covermates Upright Cover is the second most affordable choice on our list. For something that comes with a warranty that’s good for two years, it’s easy to see that this design is nothing short of an investment.
2. Butterfly Weatherproof Table Tennis Cover
Designed to withstand the onslaught of the great outdoors, the Butterfuly Weatherproof Table Tennis Cover is one that caters to buyers who expect their table to go through quite a bit of potential damage outside of their homes.
The cover is intended for folding tables, and fits a standard full-sized table tennis table in its collapsed, upright orientation. But instead of just fitting over collapsed tables, the cover can be laid out flat to cover the entire playing surface of a standing table, so it can be used even for non-collapsible designs.
We chose this cover as the second best on our list because of its versatility, durability, and of course, because of the brand that goes with it. Butterfly is a pretty reliable name in the table tennis market, so you can be sure that most of their products boast premium quality that won’t disappoint.
3. Classic Accessories Veranda Outdoor Ping Pong Table Cover
Fancy something a little more aesthetically appealing? The Classic Accessories Veranda series offers a variety of covers for outdoor equipment and furniture, and boasts a very clean and sophisticated aesthetic that makes it easier to keep a folded ping pong table in plain view.
The design is durable, reinforced, and highly resistant to damage. But what really sets it apart are its clean lines and subtle color combinations that promise to keep your outdoor space pleasing to the eyes even with full-sized ping pong equipment out in the open.
Of course, price-wise, these covers are slightly more expensive. The Classic Accessories Veranda table tennis table cover is definitely for those willing to spend more for the benefit of aesthetics.
4. CoverMates Ping Pong Table Cover
Another pick from the CoverMates brand is their ping pong table cover that’s intended for ping pong assemblies in table orientation. This large cover boasts elastic hems that hold the cover in place via the table’s legs, and features a waterproof material that helps keep your table clean and safe from moisture damage.
This cover is also a very worthy investment if you want something that won’t lose its durability, functionality, or reliability as the years roll on. It’s worth mentioning though that the cover leaves the underside of the table exposed. So if humidity is an issue in your storage space, your table might still be subject to long term moisture damage.
5. Stanbroil Heavy-Duty Weatherproof Indoor and Outdoor Table Tennis Cover
We dub the Stanbroil Heavy-Duty Weatherproof Table Tennis Cover the most affordable yet reasonable pick on our list. This cheap cover is the cheapest, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality, so you can still get substantial protection out of its use.
What we really appreciate about the design is the fact that it’s made of some of the most durable synthetic material we’ve found. The only downside is that it doesn’t really feature any specific factors like stitching or reinforcement that improve the performance of the design. Despite that though, the material does seem good enough to keep your table protected for many months or years to come.
Bottom Line
Our best bet for the most impressive table cover design? None other than the Covermates Upright Cover. Made from some of the most durable materials, this highly reinforced ping pong table cover comes complete with a warranty so you can feel confident that it won’t disappoint.
Your ping pong table is an investment – don’t leave it exposed to those possible damages. Investing in the best ping pong table cover can help extend the life of your table, prevent expensive repairs, and keep your equipment in top shape – ready for that next game.