Frequently asked questions

 

1) Does the table conform to International Table Tennis Federation regulations? 

Yes and no.

The table's dimensions, matte surface, ball bounce, optional lines are all regulation. 

However, its corners are rounded to protect both small kids and the table itself. Our rugged and beautiful Prism model net is 5 inches wide at the base. While regulation nets are 72 inches and overhang the table's edges by 6 inches, our nets end flush with the table for child safety. 

2) Is the ball bounce normal, like that of an indoor table? How does the ball play feel?

Yes, the bounce is per regulation. 

Our tables conform to the International Table Tennis Federation specification for bounce, ie, almost identical to an indoor table: dropped from 12 inches, the ball must bounce back 9.5 inches.

The ball play, however, differs according to the finish. Exposed Aggregate plays slightly faster. Silk plays slower, and allows for more ball spin. 

Watch Sean O'Neill, twice member of the US Olympic Table Tennis team, play the HENGE table. He writes:

“Alan, I was very excited to learn that my local park had recently installed two HENGE tables for our community.  As a two-time US Olympian, I am always looking for ways to use our sport to help bring people together.  The placing of these two pieces of “Playable Art” by our library has been a BIG HIT!

"At first I imagined that the ball would slide on the concrete surface and the bounce wouldn’t be all that true.  Boy, was I surprised when my teammate and I were able to execute all the strokes of modern table tennis with the heavy topspins and play from the back court.  I don’t know how you got the surface to be so consistent, but congratulations on the great bounce and outstanding workmanship.  I also work with Oregon Disabled Sports and thanks to this project we now have two permanent tables for our wheelchair players to use!

"If you are speaking with any other communities about installing your tables I would be happy to share my personal and professional views on the quality and playability of your product for both the disabled and able body groups.”

Sean O’Neill

1988 & 1992 US Olympic Team

USA Table Tennis Hall of Famer 

3) What are the table's dimensions?

108" L x 60" W x 30" H, with a 6" tall net. While regulation nets are 72 inches with 6" overhang on both sides of the table, our net models Prism and City Grid, are 60" wide. 

4) What is the construction? 

HENGE tables' mix design is Portland Type 1 cement and aggregate which produces a 5000 psi concrete conforming to ASTM standard and is reinforced with steel rebar. The T20 model has powder coated mild steel plates. After molding, the concrete parts are hand polished, then sealed with a polymer which resists graffiti paint and salt spray. Our optional glowing Exposed Aggregate finish is produced by diamond grinding the table's surfaces to reveal the beautiful multi-hued pebbles inside our concrete. The net is made of either powder coated mild steel or shining, long-lasting stainless steel. 

5) What is the required assembly?

The table comes in four pieces on two pallets: two tops, a base, and a net.  Assembly should be handled by a licensed contractor per our installation guide. A concrete foundation and fork lift or similar lifting vehicle are necessary. Our optional foundation pad (made from reinforced concrete) replaces the need for the customer to pour their own and mount the base. 

6) What is the delivery lead time? 

Delivery time is 4 to 8 weeks from the date of purchase order and deposit. We will make every effort to deliver sooner if possible. 

We ship by common carrier truck. 

7) What are the options?

  • Nets 
    • Prism 
    • City Grid
    • in steel powder coated black, white, or colors
    • in stainless steel
  • Concrete Tint (for either the base or top)
    • Silver
    • Dark Gray 
  • Finish: 
    • Silk. To your hand it feels, well, like silk. To your eye, Silk presents a patina of rich and subtly varying tones.  
    •  Exposed Aggregate. We grind down the concrete surface (top and/or base) to reveal pebbles. 
  • Recycled content (option). One LEED point each.
    • Glass 
    • Concrete rubble
  • Your Name/Logo 
    • Plaque,  4" x 6" stainless steel, in black powdercoated print, mounted on base. 
    • Net Cutout. We cut your design into the metal net. Best results on the Prism--your design is on both sides, in positive, facing each player. 
  • ITTF regulation lines on top: 1" perimeter, 1/8" center,  in white or colors. 
  • Installation clips: These help your crew rig the table top for easier lifting. 
  • Prefabricated concrete reinforced pad. Comes with base preassembled and pre-mounted. Saves hours of crew time. 

9) What model tables do you have?

We are currently shipping the T20. 

We will resume shipping the T40 in 2013. Please drop us a line if you would like notice. 

10) What is the maintenance?

Graffiti removes easily with a hot power wash. After several removals, note how the sealer is performing. You may need to re-seal the table in accordance with the sealer manufacturer's requirements and guarantee to ensure lasting performance. 

Once a year, cold powerwash the table's horizontal surfaces. This will restore the newer appearance and remove air pollutants, dirt, grease, etc., which if allowed to remain, will eventually embed into and reduce the effectiveness of the sealer.

If someone chips the table, a $5 epoxy like Devcon offers an easy repair. Follow instructions.  

11) What is the warranty?

We fully guarantee each table against parts and labor failure for a period of five years, assuming normal wear and tear consistent with table tennis play.

12) Environment and Site

  • Sun: Orient the table north/south to avoid glare in the face of players at dusk. 
  • Grade: Select a level area for the players (8' x 15' minimum; 10' x 25' suggested), not just the table's footprint (60 x 60 inches). 
  • Salt spray: The table's sealer and stainless steel fasteners protect against salt spray. 
  • Wind: Wind at 15 knots is an approximate speed where play starts to become tricky. However, wind's effect on the psychology of play seems to be like that of water temperature on bathers: players tend to share the burden equally--and watch how their fellow player is handling them. Siting near a wall or cyclone fence (with see-through fabric added) create a wind shadow.
  • Rolling Ball barrier: plantings, fencing, or curbs stop balls from rolling far from the table. Grass or gravel can work the simplest and best.   
  • Sound: Table tennis play on a HENGE table makes sound that is almost opposite that of the indoor game: the ball against the table makes a soft click, sometimes a snap. A ball hitting the metal net makes a slightly louder gong sound--our two models and steels make a different sounds: the stainless gong is more bell-like than mild steel's. 
13) To the public planner, designer, and administrator: Location and Social Fabric

In siting the table, take into account:
  • pedestrian flow
  • seating, including building steps
  • water
  • interstitial areas where people move between modes of transport
  • building entrances
  • meeting points
  • lines of landscaping and architecture
  • color of the ground
  • width of pedestrian way
  • first view during approach
  • view from road (if any)
  • prevailing definitions of passive and active recreation
The site you choose can enhance the effect the table and its players have on others. The surprise of seeing a permanent handsome object to play a game we mostly know from our home garage or basement---a game that produced a fair bit of laughter---means the right site can draw both players and audience.   

14) How can I put paddles and balls in the hand of the public? 

To help the public try out a outdoor tennis table they are not used to seeing, here are suggestions. 

  • If park's bylaws permit, post a sign of online and local sources. 
  • If bylaws permit, allow donation of equipment by a local store, carrying the retail donor's brand. A free paddle program is running in Philadelphia, with low theft rate. Mark the handles with "Let Me Stay and Play" or similar.  
  • Ask a nearby store or library, if any, if they would on a trial basis lend paddles against a deposit or driver's license. They may welcome the chance to meet new faces and to show their commitment to the community. 

15) What is HENGE's mission? 

We observe that people like to mingle--not super close, but just enough to hear some news, and each picking his or her own distance.

We help people do that. 

Art and beauty relax and stimulate. People feel healthy and coordinated around handsome structures. That applies to the people walking past the table, not just the players. 

In spirit, HENGE is not really about the table as an object. Fear not--we work hard and take pride in making the best outdoor tennis table in the world, one that is very fun to play.

But our focus is really on what people do around the tables; how they reveal a little about themselves, and invite the same. 

15) Where do you find HENGE tables? 

Private: 

  • Miami FL: the exclusive condominium tower Paramount Bay, its West Pool area designed by Kravitz Design
  • The LeFrak Organization Newport Rental Towers, Jersey City Waterfront, Jersey City NJ

 

North American municipal parks and recreation departments:

  • New York NY
  • San Francisco CA
  • Philadelphia PA
  • Cambridge MA
  • Montreal QC
  • Denver CO
  • Minneapolis MN
  • Beaverton OR

 

Military bases

  • Fort Worth TX
  • Croughton England
  • New Orleans LA
  • Kitsap Bangor WA

 

16) What's the world city with the most concrete tables? 

It is probably Beijing or Shanghai, but we know it as Berlin Germany. We haven't gotten to China lately. 
Have you? Send us a report. We would love to hear from you. 

Concrete Tables in Berlin (not by HENGE)