Home made table tennis table ?

[mrmcox]

Hi guys, my first post here..
I'm not much of a DIY'er myself, but love to save money where possible, and will spend time and effort to do so. I will also have help and advice from friends and family in the trade.

My project is to build a table tennis table, a little optomistic for a first project, but willing to spend a few quid trying, rather than buying a stock one for over 300 quid.

I have all the gear and tools that i need, my only problem is the material for the playing surface. I have read that most branded tables use high density fibre board, of 1inch thickness. Usually in 2 halves 5foot x 4.5foot.

If I cant get High density fibreboard, It wouldnt be a problem to use MDF, or maybe even plywood of 1 ich thickness. I just can seem to find anyone who can supply sheets in this size, I can only find 4ft x 8ft which is no good. Any ideas where I can get anything 9x5, or at least 4.5 x 5 ?

Also is there some way I can "treat the wood" to make it waterproof so it can stay outside without weathering ?

If I can sort the playing surface out, I'm confident I can make the frame and supports. Thanks for any advice..

 

[gregers]

sounds like a good project,
but before you do,take a looksie in the likes of friday ad,or gumtree etc you will be amazed what comes up.
also look at it from a ifferent view,you will need 4 sheets,but you will be short on 1 side only.5'x4'.

 

[Burnerman]

You can get sheets of WBP (weather and boil proof) ply of the thickness you need in 10' x 6' sheets which will stay outside under a cover. It may be of a shuttering quality though. MDF won't do this at all.
I can't comment on the 'bounceability' of this material though, which could be an issue!
John

 

[mrmcox]

thanks for the info guys, I'll keep it in mind. I don't think any of the builders yards / timber yards round here stock any sheets in that size, so may have to make a special order.

 

[chippie244]

http://www.timbmet.com/