First of all, consider the price range you want to be in. A conversion top for table tennis can range anywhere from $150 to $500 dollars, or maybe even higher. What you pay really depends on how much you want. The more you spend, the higher quality of top you are going to get. The highest priced tops aren’t always necessary, but you may find that the lower priced tops don’t give you what you are looking for either. For the purposes of most buyers, somewhere in the middle is more than sufficient.

When shopping for a table tennis conversion top, make sure the top you get will fit your pool table you have at home. This may seem like common sense, but not all pool tables are the same size, so you need to make sure you’re buying a product that you can actually use! Measure your pool table if you don’t know its dimensions before you go. Most pool tables are 7 or 8 feet in length, but some may be larger, so make sure you know what you need before you make a purchase.

Another thing to look for is how the conversion top is stored. You probably want one that can fold in half so that it is easy to store. If it doesn’t, you’re not much better off than if you just had a whole second table for the game.

Weather proofing is also an option. Most of these tops are designed for indoor play, but some will be able to be used for outdoor use. These are more on the higher end price-wise, though, so there’s not much sense in paying for that unless you anticipate actually using it outdoors.

Finally, you’ll want to decide the brand you want. Some of the biggest names in table tennis conversion tops are Stiga, Kilpatrick, Prince Sports, and DMI.

And as a parting thought, if you are concerned with the condition of your pool table, make sure you get a conversion top specifically designed to not to damage to the table underneath.

Just some of the factors that you’ll be able to choose from include size, durability, style (to some degree), manufacturing brand, and, of course, price. Let’s look at some of the options for each of these categories so you have a better idea of what to look for when it comes time to make a selection.

Table tennis conversion tops come in different sizes. Choosing the size that’s right for you is not about the size you want; rather, it’s about how big the dimensions of your existing table (usually a pool table) are. You need a conversion top that will fit correctly to the table you are converting. Because the ping pong top fits overtop the pool table, getting the right size is essential both to let the ping pong table work, and to protect the pool table surface underneath.

Another factor to consider is what you want your conversion top to be able to withstand. For example, most people choose indoor tops. But there are outdoor/weatherproof tops available, if you so desire. Generally these cost a little more, so if you’re going to buy one, make sure you intend to use it; otherwise it’s extra money spent for no reason.

Then there is style. Most ping pong table tops will be similar: they will sit atop the existing table, they include two posts (and a net to attach to them), and they fold in half for easy removal and storage. There are different styles of how the top will actually rest on the table. The style you choose will probably depend on the style of your pool table.

There are many manufacturers that produce table tennis conversion tops, but the most common are Stiga, Kilpatrick, DMI, and Prince Sports. Finally, price is another choice you’ll make. Conversion tops in the $150-$200 range are probably best for you if you’re picking this up as a casual family game that you assume your kids will outgrow. However, if you want the top to be usable and durable for a longer period of time, the pricier models may be well worth your investment.