How “Straight” must a Table Tennis Table Be?

I bought the famous DONIC brand table tennis table nine months ago. Now, whenever I fold the table, I notice that the plate is quite distorted. If you hold both parts upright, there is a gap in the center of about 2 cm width, and it is suspended in the center by 1 cm. With all these issues, I am doubtful about the quality of the table that I bought.

I think that the table bends/warps are not a common issue but instead use low-quality material to make the table.

Before coming to my conclusion, I tried to do some searches on Google to find more information about the table, and I quickly realised that there are certain restrictions on the table.

Not All Tables Can Be Used in Any Condition

From the information, I found that some of the table tennis tables are only suitable to be used for dry rooms within a building.

Some tables are not resistant to heat, cold, direct sunlight, and moisture (relative humidity about 60%). Some other tables cannot be outside the house, like the backyard or garage, as they are only meant for indoor use. Some are not resistant to sunshine, high humidity, etc.

I checked the installation of panels in the hall. The plates were either “sloppy” adjusted – or not at all. The ball rolls to one side, which means the table’s leveling is off.
Since I had placed the table tennis table in the basement and the basement is generally considered a wet room, I would measure the basement’s humidity to about 40% – 50%.
I tried to complain to the table supplier where I bought the table. The table has only been in use for nine months, and it is already distorted, which is entirely unacceptable for me.
I provided gave them the assurance that my basement humidity is always under 60%, and according to the installation conditions, nothing to the fact that the plate can get distorted.
I also took measurements of the edges to see if they are different. There’s not much evidence that moisture has penetrated because this is probably not veneered chipboard.
When the moisture draws in, the edges swell, which then creates small gaps between the veneers, but through my measurement, I didn’t get any, it may indicate that the plate has not drawn moisture and the error existed from the beginning.
My reasoning, therefore, is that the disk is suspended in the middle because of a material error. The plates had not been planned from the beginning, or they are now hiding because the press pan is not compacted enough or the plate is too thin. I did measure that the plate is of the same thickness, the edges look fine, so I don’t think it has drawn much moisture.
It is unlikely that the plate is sagging. But it isn’t very pleasant. Since I do not think to be successful with a complaint, and then, assuming that a substitute table looks exactly like this again after nine months,
I will probably go for a DIY solution and get 4 wood chippings to put under the middle of the plate so that it is also supported there.
I did consult my friend who happened to be a carpenter, and he told me that an indoor plate is usually quite susceptible to moisture and should only be stored in reasonably dry rooms. After the damage happens, it depends on whether it is still playable.
He asked me if I still can play a “straight” ball or if the ball comes off course without a spin? As the table gets more distorted, I am not able to play a “straight” ball. Now depends on my game needs.
Since I only play in the basement with friends and family for our leisure, a slightly slanting plate does not make a difference to the game. I am not happy with this table and buying it was a waste of money.

Related post:

• Table Tennis Table Assembly Guide
• Tips On Choosing Joola Outdoor Table Tennis Tables

Warren Davies