Ping pong tables that are used for playing outside have special characteristics that make them durable when faced with the elements. You will want to ensure that your table has all of the weather proofing components available so that it will last as long as possible for you. Buying a wood table may lead to problems with warping from the sun or water damage. This is why you will want to pick an outdoor ping pong table that is great for outside use.
If you want to use a ping pong table outside, then you want to get an aluminum table. With an aluminum table, you will be able to have your table in a place of high humidity without having any problems from water damage. You can get wood ping pong tables that are suitable for playing outside, but you need to make sure that they have a waterproof coating. This coating will help it stand up to the many elements outside, such as the hot sun or heavy rains. There are also some tables that can have synthetic coating to replace any wood or metal options. The better the materials of the table, the more you will likely have to pay to get one though.
When purchasing a table for outdoor use, you want to get a table that has a similar bounce on the surface compared to the bounce that would be found on indoor tables. If you are a serious ping pong player, this will be important. If you care more about durability though, you will want to look into special design features that help keep your table safe.
For any type of table that you buy, you will want to keep the table covered well when it is outside. A tarp or some other cover that can keep the sun from beating down on it, and a cover that can stop rain from pooling on its surface, will help you keep your table in good condition for a long time. A tarp will prevent warping or any other kind of fading from happening to your new table.
You will have to expect the table's bounce and speed to be different when buying different tables with unique materials. When a table is made out of wood, the bounce will generally be faster. A table that is made out of metal may have a slower bounce, but it will certainly be safer outside.
Another important aspect for a ping pong table is the sturdiness of the legs. By having waterproofed legs on your table, the table will last longer and stay rust free over its lifespan.
Another great option if you are only planning on using your table outside occasionally, is to buy a ping pong table that is designed for indoor use and then only take it outside when the weather is nice. Then you will have all of the same features that standard indoor tables have, while also keeping your table safe from the weather.