diy ping pong table

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http://www.examiner.com/article/build-an-outdoor-ping-pong-table

Building your own outdoor ping pong table can be a great project. Not only can you save money, but you’ll end up with a one of a kind table that can add a great new element to your backyard fun. This requires light carpentry skills but will only cost you about $80-100. Build time: 1 afternoon, plus painting. Here’s what you need:
• Two 2 x4 boards in 8 foot lengths.
• One 4x8 MDF (medium density fiber) board. MDF handles temperature changes better than wood. (A regulation table is 5’ x 9’, but who cares about those few inches when we’re just talking about having some outdoor fun for parties and kids.)
• 4 legs. Buy a cheap dining table at a thrift shop just for the legs. (I found a table for $20, whereas buying wood legs through eBay or at a wood shop will cost much more.)
• Trim wood for the skirt—two 3’ lengths, and two 7’ lengths, plus about 4’ extra for bracing the legs
• Latex porch paint (blue or green) for the legs and top, plus some white for the lines
• Attachable net/balls/paddles—an inexpensive buy at any sporting store.
• Plastic covering—a good option is to buy 4 yards of plastic or vinyl at a fabric shop—like raincoat material—this is often less than $5/yard and bolts come in 68-74” widths, so it’s wide enough to simply drape over the top of the table when not in use. (Or just buy a ping pong table cover if the price is right.)
First, you want to create the support for the table. (See illustration photo.) Place MDF board on level surface, with the top side down. Arrange your 2 x 4s on the MDF surface like a ladder. Glue in place and screw together. Then attach the skirt sides. Use the legs to help you mark out the exact for placing the skirt and corner pieces. Glue and screw skirt and corner braces into place. All of the support should be secured to the MDF surface. Next, attach the legs to the skirt/base just as they were in the original table. Often, the legs have bolt-like screws that get secured through the corner braces. (This construction allows you to easily remove the legs and store the table at the end of season.) Stand the table upright and paint all exposed surfaces with your blue or green paint. Once dry, mark off the outer edges (about 1 inch) of entire table as well as a strip down the center with painters tape and paint the white lines. For extra fun, let your kids help decorate the table with their own artistry. Finally, attach the net and Voila! Game on!
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