The 9 Best Ping Pong Table Tops for Pool Tables in 2022
Purchasing a ping pong table for your home is great for family entertainment and helps ensure that you get in your training. However, ping pong tables are pretty big pieces of furniture, and unless you are relatively well off, you probably can’t fit one in your home. I, for one, would love nothing more than to have space for a table, I tried squeezing one in once but it was very impractical.ย
But fear not. That’s where ping pong table tops come in. They can convert pool tables to ping pong tables. This way you don’t have to change your current room set up and you can still enjoy the wonderful game of table tennis. Let’s dive into ping pong table tops for pool tables.
Table of Contents
The 9 Best Ping Pong Table Tops for Pool Tables in 2022
A ping pong table top or conversion top, as itโs called, can turn almost any pool table into a ping pong table โ a pool table ping pong top, if you will.
Essentially, a conversion top only consists of the playing surface of a table tennis table. There is no undercarriage. This means you can easily place it on any adequate surface, and hey presto! Youโve got yourself a table tennis table.ย
Why Should I Purchase a Conversion Top?
Table tennis tops for pool tables provide a way for people to play table tennis who otherwise might not have the space. Table tennis tables are big pieces of furniture, and fitting one into your home is no easy task.ย
This is why conversion tops are so handy. You can convert an already existing piece of furniture into a ping pong table such as a pool table, dining table, or kitchen island. And then, when you are finished, you can easily take apart the conversion top and store it. Out of sight. Out of mind.
Ping pong table tops are mostly advertised for pool tables but donโt let that mislead you. They can fit on a range of different surfaces. Just make sure to cross-compare dimensions with the model you like and the table you will use. A little overhang is fine. But too much may make it unstable.
Also, they tend to be far more affordable than full-size tables. If you are not a frequent player, this provides a more accessible entry point. Few people want to drop almost four figures on a high-end table tennis table, but many casual fans should be happy to pay for a mere fraction of this cost.ย
The Best Ping Pong Table Top for Pool Table of 2022
1. Butterfly Pool Table Conversion Top
Features:
Dimensions: 9 feet x 5 feet
Color: Green or blue
Weight: 150lbs
Thickness: 19mm
Type: 2-piece
Warranty: 3 years
Protection: Full foam backing
Net quality: โ โ โ โ โ
The Butterfly pool table conversion top is a full-size conversion top with dimensions of 9 feet x 5 feet. You can use this on a dining table or a pool table, and the full foam padding underneath provides maximum protection. As is the case with Butterfly tables, it is of high quality and has excellent bounce.ย
The table is quite heavy and requires more than one pair of hands to get it set up.
Type: 4-piece (12mm thickness) or 2-piece (16mm thickness)
Warranty: 30 days
Protection: Widespread foam backing
Net quality: โ โ โ โโ
The Rally & Roar indoor conversion top is a popular product. This is because it comes in both 2-piece and 4-piece designs. The 2-piece model has a thickness of 16mm, while the 4-piece model has a thickness of 12mm.ย
Expect to pay a little more for the 16mm version as it offers superior bounce.
Pros:
Easy to fold and store away
Good value for money
2-piece model has a 16mm surface
100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cons:
Slightly lower thickness than some of the other models on this list
The Stiga premium table tennis conversion top sits just above average compared to the competition. It’s 16mm deep which is suitable for casual play and fairly thick for a conversion top. The model featured is the 4-piece version, however, they do sell a 2-piece version but it costs a little more and is heavier. The disadvantage to this 4-piece version is that a seem runs through the middle of the table which can cause the ball to bounce irregularly.
4. Martin Kilpatrick 3/4-inch Pool Table Conversion Top
Features:
Dimensions: 9 feet x 5 feetย
Color: Blue, green, or gray
Weight: 150lbs
Thickness: 19mm
Type: 2-piece
Warranty: 3 years
Protection: Small foam pads
Net quality: โ โ โ โโ
The Martin Kilpatrick table tennis conversion top is a reliable, high-quality top that can fit over a 5 feet wide table. It has a thickness of 19mm which provides the best bounce you will get for a ping pong table top. The only downside of this conversion top is that it is quite expensive โ almost as much as some quality full-size tables in fact!
The JOOLA Table Tennis Top comes from a company that is known for manufacturing high-quality table tennis equipment. With a thickness of 15mm, it allows for decent quality play, and the charcoal black finish is a sight to behold!
What we like in particular about this table is the extent of EVA foam protection. It covers the entire underside of the table top providing maximum protection against scratches.
The Hathaway Quick Set Conversion Table is a rather inexpensive model that is great for people who are trying to save a bit of cash. It features a 2-piece design with 4 hinges that allows for more compact storage.
The table quality isnโt the best among the conversion tops listed here, but it is certainly serviceable for a bit of fun. It also comes with 180 days of warranty. Not bad at all.
Pros:
Easier to store thanks to its 4-piece hinge design
One of the more affordable table tennis conversion tops
Cons:
Build quality isnโt quite as good as other models on this list
7. HEAD Summit USA Indoor Table Tennis Conversion Top
Features:
Dimensions: 9 feet x 5 feetย
Color: Dark gray
Weight: Unlisted
Thickness: 15mm
Type: 2-piece
Warranty: 90 days
Protection: Foam protection
Net quality: โ โ โ โ โ
This conversion top by HEAD is a great choice for beginners and casual players. The built-in carry handles make it really easy to get out/put away and they eliminate the chances of you pinching your fingers! They also double up as ball storage, very nifty!
Included with the ping pong table top is a deluxe net and post that features both height and tension adjustment. This surpasses the nets of some of the other models which are a little flimsy.ย
Stiga is a well-trusted table tennis company which gives you peace of mind when purchasing their conversion tops. This model is a little thin, but it is very strong as it uses steel supports.ย
Included is a basic hand-tightened screw clamp net. A nice addition, given that many of the nets included with conversion tops are of poor quality.
The JOOLA Tetra is a conversion top suited for casual table tennis. Featuring a 12mm thick table top, it does not provide a particularly good bounce, and the net is pretty much as bad as you are going to get.
However, it is the most affordable model on our list and offers a good entry point to table tennis for the family.
It folds along its hinges for easy transport and uses four foam corner pads to protect the underlying table.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to store due to its 4-piece design
Cons:
Very light at 74 pounds โ may move easily during games
Ping pong tops for pool tables store easily because they are thin and often break down into two or more sections. You also shouldnโt have to worry about purchasing a net as they usually come with one. But if you do have to buy one, check out our ping pong net and post guide.
Thickness
This will have a big impact on the quality of play. The thicker the ping pong table top for the pool table, the better the bounce is likely to be. Of course, you wonโt get the premium bounce of a quality table tennis table, but you should be able to acquire a table top with a good bounce for casual games. Try to get one with a thickness of 16mm (โ โ) or more.
Weight
While ping pong table toppers are nowhere near the weight of an actual table tennis table, they can get pretty heavy if you get a quality model. Most people should be able to set them up fine โ especially with another person to help. But if for instance, you’re purchasing for your children, one of the lighter options may be a better bet. The drawback to light models is that they tend to be thinner (poorer bounce) and they move easier if you knock into them.
Padding
A high priority should be keeping your pool table in immaculate condition. This means buying a ping pong table top with adequate padding to protect your pool table’s surface. All of the tables featured come with protection, but if you are especially concerned about scratches, you may want to choose a model with full-foam backing.ย
Net Quality
Nets are often included with table tennis conversion tops, and while they often don’t measure up well against quality ping pong nets, you shouldn’t settle for a cheap flimsy net. We recommend getting a model with a net that has a quality clamp and height adjustment if possible.ย
Size
Almost all ping pong conversion tops are full-size, but there are a select few available which are not. So you really double-check before purchasing. The last thing you want is a smaller table than you had planned. All of the tables featured on our list are full-size.
How to Set Up a Conversion Top on a Pool Table
Setting up a conversion top is a simple process that should only take a few minutes. This is because it is essentially resting on the surface of the table. There is no clamping or anything of the sort required.ย
Simply lift each of the halves of the top and gently place them on the pool table while being careful not to scratch it. Nearly all conversion tops come with an underlying EVA foam layer, so itโs pretty difficult to do your pool table any real damage.
It is then just a case of connecting the halves and attaching the net, and you are good to go! Take a look at the video below demonstrating the assembly of a conversion top. Super straightforward.ย
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FAQs
Can You Put a Ping Pong Table Top on a Pool Table?
Ping pong table tops are purpose-built to be compatible with all pool tables. However, table tops fit a variety of other furniture too such as kitchen islands and dining room tables.
What Size is a Ping Pong Table Top?
Ping pong table tops are usually the same size as full-size ping pong tables. They measure 9 feet by 5 feet.
Is a Ping Pong Table the Same Size as a Pool Table?
Pool ping tables and conversion tops are usually larger than pool tables. They measure 9ft in length whereas pool tables tend to vary from 6 feet to 9 feet in length.
What Is a Ping Pong Table Made Of?
Ping pong tables are usually made from solid wood. However, outdoor ping pong tables often use wood as well as other materials such as melamine, metal, and resin.ย ย
Is it Easy to Setup a Ping Pong Conversion Top?
Setting up a ping pong conversion top is very simple and easy. It is simply a matter of lifting the pieces of your conversion top onto your pool table, connecting them in the middle, and attaching the net. The process should only take a few minutes.
Conclusion
Having meticulously studied all of the ping pong table tops available, two models stand above the rest with little separating the two. We would usually give the edge to the specialist table tennis brand: Butterfly. However, on this occasion, we feel that the3/4-inch pool table conversion top by Martin Kilpatrickis the better pick.
Both tables are 19mm thick which stand well above the rest, offering similar bounce quality to actual table tennis tables. Both also provide a 3-year warranty, a very respectable amount for a conversion top. But what edges it for the Martin Kilpatrick top is the cost. It is considerably cheaper than the model by Butterfly, and the only aspect we donโt like about it is the fragile net.
However, this is a relatively small issue. With such a large cost differential, you can easily purchase a better net if you desire. If you want maximum quality for your ping pong table top for your pool table then the Martin Kilpatrick 3/4-inch top is the one to buy.
Conversion tops not for you? Consider checking out our guide on mini ping pong tables. They too offer a workaround if you are short of space for a full-size table.ย
32 thoughts on “The 9 Best Ping Pong Table Tops for Pool Tables in 2022”
Thomas Obata
I am looking for a table tennis conversion top that is at least 112 inches long x 60 inched wide x 3/4 inches thick to cover the length of my existing pool table.
As I know, the longest table conversion top available is of 108 inches.For 112 inches, you may need to find a vendor who can custom made the table for you.
I just ordered a Martin Kilpatrick pool table top after my old one was warping after three years of playing. The table was arrived few weeks ago and I am rather satisfy with the overall quality.
The product is of good quality and surface is very solid. The 2 table halves can be well connected with the avail of plastic dove tail fittings. They have a slot in them stay below for the net bracket. It is easy to install and we are able to have fun again with the new table.
The most significant problem I have for my home billiard table is the surface maintenance. As it tends to easily get spilled beverages and food crumbs on it’s surface. I can’t stand on it and just got myself a table tennis conversion top to cover the surface of my pool table. This not only provide me with another entertainment for different game, but at the same time provide a protective cover to keep my pool table remain clean.
I am looking for a table tennis conversion top that is a 4 ft x 7ft that is not a tri fold but only a bi fold. I purchased a fat cat 3 in one pool table/air hockey/ table tennis system and the three piece table tennis top is worthless. The seams effect the ball pretty often. If it only had one seam under the net it would be perfect but because it is broken into 3 sections, and the seams are not perfectly fitted due to velcro, it is impossible to play at all. I don’t know why it is so hard to find a conversion top in this size with only 2 pieces since the full size ones are commonly in only 2 pieces. If you have one, I will buy it from you. Please let me know one way or the other. I have been searching and have not found anything.
Do you know of any conversion tops that are made of aluminum? The only aluminum tables I find are Regular ping pong tables that Come with legs and wheels and not conversion tops. I am looking for aluminum because I would like to store the table outside or in the garage.
Does anyone have advice about the best conversion ping pong top that would sit on a dining room table? Seems like there are fewer models that might work with a dining table in comparison to a pool table — especially in terms of potential damage to the dining table and getting it on and off. Thoughts? Thanks!!
Was wondering if anyone knows a good way to light a pool table that I plan on using a ping pong conversion kit on. Seems like a regular pool light would get inthe way quite a bit while playing ping pong. Thanks!
There used to be a conversion called Switch Top that fit inside the bumpers, and rested on the felt itself. Company stopped making them. Do you know of any other type that is an insert style, instead of these that rest on the table and often overhang?
32 thoughts on “The 9 Best Ping Pong Table Tops for Pool Tables in 2022”
I am looking for a table tennis conversion top that is at least 112 inches long x 60 inched wide x 3/4 inches thick to cover the length of my existing pool table.
As I know, the longest table conversion top available is of 108 inches.For 112 inches, you may need to find a vendor who can custom made the table for you.
I just ordered a Martin Kilpatrick pool table top after my old one was warping after three years of playing. The table was arrived few weeks ago and I am rather satisfy with the overall quality.
The product is of good quality and surface is very solid. The 2 table halves can be well connected with the avail of plastic dove tail fittings. They have a slot in them stay below for the net bracket. It is easy to install and we are able to have fun again with the new table.
I am looking for a table tennis conversion top that is red in color…Have not been able to find it..Anyone know what company makes them?
The most significant problem I have for my home billiard table is the surface maintenance. As it tends to easily get spilled beverages and food crumbs on it’s surface. I can’t stand on it and just got myself a table tennis conversion top to cover the surface of my pool table. This not only provide me with another entertainment for different game, but at the same time provide a protective cover to keep my pool table remain clean.
Does some make an outdoor conversion top?
I am looking for a table tennis conversion top that is a 4 ft x 7ft that is not a tri fold but only a bi fold. I purchased a fat cat 3 in one pool table/air hockey/ table tennis system and the three piece table tennis top is worthless. The seams effect the ball pretty often. If it only had one seam under the net it would be perfect but because it is broken into 3 sections, and the seams are not perfectly fitted due to velcro, it is impossible to play at all. I don’t know why it is so hard to find a conversion top in this size with only 2 pieces since the full size ones are commonly in only 2 pieces. If you have one, I will buy it from you. Please let me know one way or the other. I have been searching and have not found anything.
Do you have any thoughts/comments/reviews on the Imperial conversion top?
Didn’t test the top myself. My partner did find some info and has insert in the post.
Do you know of any conversion tops that are made of aluminum? The only aluminum tables I find are Regular ping pong tables that Come with legs and wheels and not conversion tops. I am looking for aluminum because I would like to store the table outside or in the garage.
Not as we aware of.
Are there conversion tops rated for outdoor use?
Nope. They are for indoor play.
These are fantastic designs.. different variety. Hope to try them soon.
Dunlup table is my choice and i think it has all that i wanted in a pool table design.
Have you ever heard of a conversion ping pong table top made of Alutech and if so what is your opinion of it. Thank you.
Does anyone have advice about the best conversion ping pong top that would sit on a dining room table? Seems like there are fewer models that might work with a dining table in comparison to a pool table — especially in terms of potential damage to the dining table and getting it on and off. Thoughts? Thanks!!
We had a conversion top that had inside rails to keep it from slinging/moving against the rails. I cannot find it again. Any ideas or suggestions?
Is best to refer back to the supplier.
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Was wondering if anyone knows a good way to light a pool table that I plan on using a ping pong conversion kit on. Seems like a regular pool light would get inthe way quite a bit while playing ping pong. Thanks!
Does anyone know if there is a combo for ping pong and foosball table or ping pong top for foosball table? Thanks.
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
There used to be a conversion called Switch Top that fit inside the bumpers, and rested on the felt itself. Company stopped making them. Do you know of any other type that is an insert style, instead of these that rest on the table and often overhang?
I think this type of table been discontinued since it is not of the standard size of table tennis table.
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars