Table tennis table project

d31b0y

So, I intend on making my own table tennis table out of laminate flooring. Got the idea from here;
http://www.instructables.com/id/Upcycling-click-laminate-to-a-tabletennis-table-1/

Turns out the measurements for most laminate is quite close to regulation size

Regulation size - 2740mm * 1525mm

1 pack of 8 boards @ 1380mm * 193mm each will come to 1380mm * 1544mm which will be one half.
Overall it will only be 2cm too long and just under 2cm too wide. No cutting required at all.

I'll be mounting it on my pool table, using wooden boards on the underneath as guides to fit snuggly between the cushions of the pool table.

Here is the worst render you'll likely see of the idea!


In the render, the red boards are glued to the black table tennis table but that's the only bonding done.

The table tennis table will stay in two halves to allow for easy removal and storage.

So, have I forgotten anything? Would you do anything differently?
I intend on tackling this on Saturday so I will upload images of the completed project if anyone is interested, along with any problems that I ran into.

Laminate I intend on using;
http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/8mm-4v-express-clic-hampton-oak-laminate-flooring-2131m2/36929/1.3.1

di11on

d31b0y wrote: »

So, I intend on making my own table tennis table out of laminate flooring. Got the idea from here;

...

This is a great idea! I'll be watching with interest!

Alkers

I didn't open the link but you won't be able to use a standard net?

d31b0y

Even if it's only 2cm longer? I thought there may be some give. Worst case scenario, surely I can just cut a 1cm groove on either side where the net meets? Or is there another reason why I wouldn't be able to use the standard net?

This is the net I intend on purchasing;
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9120046.htm

d31b0y

This went badly. Click laminate is too weak to be lifting and moving. I'm going to need to reinforce it more. Also the bonding agent I used wasn't up to the task.
I'll try again since I still have all the parts but I might look at building a sturdier frame for it and maybe even tack down the supports (if I can get tacks that aren't too long.

dodzy

d31b0y wrote: »

This went badly. Click laminate is too weak to be lifting and moving. I'm going to need to reinforce it more. Also the bonding agent I used wasn't up to the task.
I'll try again since I still have all the parts but I might look at building a sturdier frame for it and maybe even tack down the supports (if I can get tacks that aren't too long.

18mm MDF would be a better bet. You'd need 2 sheets unfortunately. Forget the laminate. I'd get 2 boards and rip the sheets to have the join on the net line.

cletus

dodzy wrote: »

18mm MDF would be a better bet. You'd need 2 sheets unfortunately. Forget the laminate. I'd get 2 boards and rip the sheets to have the join on the net line.

I think the mdf would be too 'soft' for table tennis. You'd need some sort of hard melamine type top surface to have any sort of speed in the game

d31b0y

The laminate played brilliantly when it was setup. Just couldn't move it. I haven't given up yet!

Hanley

screw a sturdier frame - just lay the laminate on mdf and bolt the legs straight on

janeycap

Hi d31b0y,

I am thinking of getting a table tennis table for my 11 year old son. They are quite expensive so I would love to know how you got on with your DIY project?

Thanks

janeycap

Hi d31b0y,

I am thinking of getting a table tennis table for my 11 yeard old son. They are quite expensive so I would love to know how you got on with your DIY project?

Thanks

d31b0y

It was a shoddy and expensive mess in the end janeycap. It does play (and plays quite well) but it's not strong enough. The laminate doesn't quite have the same bounce as a proper table. Were I to pay a bit more and buy a better frame etc., I would probably have paid the same amount as for a decent second hand table. It wasn't worth the time or effort (just don't tell my wife that!).

Do yourself a favour and just keep a look out for a second hand table.

Here is one for €150
http://www.adverts.ie/table-tennis/table-tennis-for-sale-bargain/11093061