North County Table Tennis

How to Build a Concrete and Rebar Table Tennis Table

Outdoor concrete table tennis table

Building a permanent outdoor table tennis table from concrete and rebar creates a durable, weather-resistant playing surface that will last for decades. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a wooden frame mold and pouring a regulation-size concrete table.

Table tennis equipment

Table Specifications

  • Dimensions: 9 feet long × 5 feet wide (2.74m × 1.525m)
  • Height: 30 inches (76cm) from ground to playing surface
  • Thickness: 3-4 inches (7.6-10cm) of concrete
  • Net Height: 6 inches (15.25cm) at center

Materials Needed

For the Wooden Frame (Mold):

  • 2×4 lumber: approximately 40 linear feet for frame sides
  • 3/4" plywood: two 4'×8' sheets for the base
  • Wood screws: 3" deck screws
  • Release agent or cooking oil (to prevent concrete from sticking)
  • Level
  • Saw (circular or hand saw)
  • Drill with bits

For the Concrete Table:

  • #4 rebar (1/2" diameter): approximately 20 pieces at 9 feet long, 10 pieces at 5 feet long
  • Rebar ties or wire
  • Concrete mix: approximately 50-60 bags of 80lb concrete mix (or 1.5-2 cubic yards ready-mix)
  • Concrete reinforcement mesh (optional, for extra strength)
  • Concrete sealer and/or table tennis table paint
  • Cinder blocks or concrete piers for support (8-12 blocks)
  • Sand for leveling base

Important Tips

  • Weather: Pour concrete when temperatures are between 50-80°F and no rain is forecasted for 24 hours
  • Level is Critical: Check level multiple times during frame construction and concrete pour
  • Reinforcement: Don't skip the rebar - it prevents cracking and adds crucial strength
  • Sealing: Seal the concrete to protect against moisture and weathering
  • Safety: Wear gloves when working with concrete (it's caustic) and safety glasses
  • Help: This is a heavy project - recruit 2-3 helpers for the pour

Maintenance

  • Clean the surface regularly with a broom and water
  • Reapply sealer every 2-3 years
  • Touch up paint and lines as needed
  • Inspect for cracks and repair with concrete patching compound

Note: A concrete table tennis table is a permanent structure. Check local building codes and HOA regulations before construction. Consider professional help if you're unfamiliar with concrete work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Foundation

  1. Select a level location with good drainage
  2. Clear the area of debris, grass, and roots
  3. Arrange 8-12 cinder blocks or concrete piers in a grid pattern (one in each corner, plus 4-6 in the middle)
  4. Use a level to ensure all blocks are at the same height (30 inches from ground)
  5. Add or remove sand beneath blocks as needed to achieve level

Step 2: Build the Wooden Form Frame

Wooden frame example

Example of a wooden frame structure for concrete forming

  1. Cut the plywood sheets to create a 9' × 5' base (you'll need to join two sections)
  2. Place the plywood on top of the cinder blocks/piers to create the bottom of your mold
  3. Cut 2×4 lumber for the sides:
    • Two pieces at 9 feet (long sides)
    • Two pieces at 5 feet (short sides)
  4. Stand the 2×4s on edge around the perimeter of the plywood base
  5. Screw the 2×4 frame pieces together at the corners
  6. Screw the frame to the plywood base every 12 inches
  7. Add vertical support braces on the outside every 2-3 feet to prevent bowing
  8. Coat the inside of the frame with release agent or cooking oil

Step 3: Install the Rebar Grid

Rebar grid layout

Rebar grid provides structural reinforcement for the concrete

  1. Create a rebar grid with 12-inch spacing:
    • Lay down 10 pieces of 9-foot rebar lengthwise, spaced 6 inches apart
    • Lay down 10 pieces of 5-foot rebar crosswise, spaced 12 inches apart
  2. Use rebar ties or wire to secure all intersection points
  3. Elevate the rebar grid 1.5-2 inches above the plywood using small concrete spacers or rebar chairs
  4. Ensure the rebar is centered in what will be the thickness of the concrete

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Concrete

Pouring concrete

Carefully pour and spread the concrete mixture

  1. Mix concrete according to manufacturer's instructions (or have ready-mix delivered)
  2. Begin pouring concrete into one end of the frame
  3. Work the concrete around the rebar with a shovel or rake
  4. Fill the frame to the top edge of the 2×4s (3.5 inches thick)
  5. Tap the sides of the frame to release air bubbles
  6. Use a straight 2×4 as a screed board to level the surface by dragging it across the top of the frame

Step 5: Finish and Smooth the Surface

  1. After screeding, use a bull float or hand float to smooth the surface
  2. Work in long, sweeping motions
  3. For the net divider, place a 2×6 board vertically across the center while concrete is still wet
  4. Let the surface set for 30-60 minutes until water sheen disappears
  5. Perform final smoothing with a steel trowel
  6. For a slightly textured surface (better for play), use a broom finish after troweling

Step 6: Cure the Concrete

  1. Cover the concrete with plastic sheeting or wet burlap
  2. Keep the surface moist for 7 days
  3. Mist with water 2-3 times daily if using burlap
  4. Avoid walking on the surface for at least 3 days
  5. Allow to cure for a minimum of 7 days before removing forms

Step 7: Remove the Forms and Finish

Finished concrete table

The finished table ready for painting and play

  1. After 7 days, carefully remove the screws and dismantle the wooden frame
  2. Allow concrete to cure for an additional 21 days (28 days total) before painting
  3. Sand any rough edges smooth
  4. Clean the surface thoroughly
  5. Apply concrete sealer if desired
  6. Paint with dark green or blue table tennis table paint
  7. Mark the white boundary lines (3/4" wide) and center line using tape and white paint
  8. Install a permanent or removable net system at the center
Enjoy your new table tennis table