Play Pool Or Ping Pong on the Same Table

A table tennis conversion top will provide you the most cost-effective and space-efficient way to bring more fun into your game room, family room, garage or basement. Table tennis conversion tops simply enable you to quickly and easily convert your billiard, pool and snooker tables into ping pong tables. Here some key attributes you must consider before you buy a table tennis conversion top.

Consider Your Conversion Top Thickness

You will learn conversion tops come in different levels of thickness. I encourage you to seek a top with at least 3/4 (3 quarters) of an inch in thickness. These tops will be far less likely to warp over time, especially if you place your billiard table in a room with either significantly changing temperatures or significantly changing humidity levels.

Thicker surfaces also provide a more consistent and accurate bounce. The official check is to drop your ball from 30 cm and look for a 23 cm bounce. You want a sturdy surface with reliable game play characteristics, so stick with the thicker surfaces.

Measure The Length and Width of Your Billiard Table

This may seem obvious, but I have heard of individuals forgetting to get the exact measurements of their snooker or pool table when they order their conversion top. I encourage you to double check your measurements as items this large aren't fun or cheap to return.

Most ping pong tables are 9 feet by 5 feet, so you should know if you must order a less typical size to fit your table and room.

Why Conversion Tops May Not Work For Snooker Tables

People frequently lump billiard, pool and snooker tables together. But in fact, snooker tables are usually quite a bit larger. A typical snooker table will be 11 feet by 5 feet in length and width and about 34 inches high. Most ping pong tables -- and thus most ping pong conversion tops -- are 9 feet by 5 feet. Also, the standard table tennis height will be 30 inches, a full four inches shorter than most snooker tables.

You can still make it work if you really want, but be prepared for some strange proportions and snooker table lips that peak out from beneath the table tennis surface. In most cases, I recommend a fold-up table tennis kit rather than a conversion top.

Consider Complete Kits to Save Money

I don't know about you, but when I make a big purchase I like to make the most of it as soon as possible. I also like to keep big purchases from ballooning into gigantic purchases.

This is where table tennis conversion kits are both convenient and cost-effective. Simply put, it just makes sense to me that you would buy your table tennis paddles, balls and net at the same time with the appropriate matching table tennis top.

This will help you achieve greater instant gratification with your purchase and save you money as these packages are usually less expensive than the collective cost of the individual components. I hope this helps you understand what to consider while you research how to make the most of your gaming space.