Answers to frequently asked questions about the concrete table.
1) Does the table conform to International Table Tennis Federation regulations?
Yes and no. We don't offer the white center- and sidelines required for regulation play and the table does not have a uniformly dark color. However, further aspects of the HENGE table do adhere to regulations: dimensions, the matte surface, and the ball's bounce off the table.
2) What about that ball bounce?
Our tables conform to the International Table Tennis Federation specification for bounce, so, almost identical to an indoor table--the requisite twenty-three centimeters. Here's how Sean O'Neill, twice member of the US Olympic Table Tennis team, plays the HENGE table, and here's what he has to say.
“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?
The dimensions are 9' L x 5' W x 30" T, per International Table Tennis Federation regulations. The base's footprint is 30" L x 28" W. ITTF regulation nets have a 6" overhang on both sides of the table. We offer one net model, Post Net, that takes the standard textile net with the overhang. Our other models, Prism and City Grid, are all metal, ITTF regulation height, and the width of the table--60".
4) What's in the table?
HENGE tables are made with reinforced concrete. After molding, the table parts are ground, polished, and sealed with a sealant which resists graffiti spray paint. The net is made of either mild steel which is powder coated with a clear coat or stainless steel without the powder coat. (The Prism net is not available in stainless.)
5) How do you put the table together?
The table comes in three pieces: two tops and the base. The tops bolt to the base at sixteen points; the steel net bolts to the tops from underneath. All bolts are tamper proof. Assembly should be handled by a licensed contractor per our installation guide.
6) How does the table get to its destination?
We ship the partially assembled table by a combination of truck, train, and ocean freight. The customer's installation crew will normally unload via fork lift.
Delivery time is eight to twelve weeks from the date of purchase. We will make every effort to deliver sooner if possible.
7) Who can buy a table?
We sell to three groups of buyers:
1. Public institutions: Agencies and departments such as parks and recreation, military bases, schools, airports, hospitals, prisons, or public housing.
2. Private individuals and companies: Homeowners, condominium developments, retirement communities, country clubs, hotels, or resorts.
3. Donors: We seek out individuals, conservancies, associations, and corporations who want to donate tables to parks, public spaces and communities. We introduce partners--donors and custodians of public spaces to each other.
8) What options are there?
Nets: Available in Prism, Post, and City Grid, in black, white, or colors. For sturdiness and impressive design, we recommend the Prism net.
The table comes in a standard concrete gray, with an exposed aggregate finish on tops and base. (Silk is an optional finish for the base. It's milky grey and smooth.)
We can add your name or logo in black powdercoated letters on a 4" x 6" stainless steel plaque.
9) How many different tables do you have?
One: The T20.
We expect to resume shipping the T40 soon.
10) What about graffiti?
Graffiti removes easily with a hot power wash.
11) How do I look after the table?
Owners may need to clean and occasionally re-seal the table in accordance with the sealer manufacturer's requirements and guarantee to ensure lasting performance.
Especially horizontal surfaces, should undergo an annual cold water power washing. This will restore the newer appearance and remove air pollutants, dirt, grease, etc., which if allowed to remain will eventually grind into both concrete and wood and reduce the effectiveness of the sealer.
12) What is the guarantee on the table?
We fully guarantee each table against parts and labor defect for a period of two years, assuming normal table tennis wear and tear.
13) Where can park visitors get paddles if they want to play?
Friendly reminder: A sign can remind park visitors they need to bring their own.
HENGE recommends that a park departments or conservancy supply the paddles and balls and simply leave them under the table, for free. While this may sound daunting to table owners, HENGE in summer of 2011 tested the idea on one local table in New York. Cost for the summer: $150. The $2 paddles wore out, the balls got crushed during pursuit, but disappearance due to theft was strangely low. The easy access meant the table was in constant play from dawn till after midnight.
Of course, every neighborhood will be different, but at the test park, everyone from the homeless to the police were surprised that the paddles stayed put.
Retail volunteers: a nearby restaurant or nail salon might might agree to stock paddles in exchange for a rental fee or drivers license. If the borrower and lender chat, or do business, or even play a game after work together---that's HENGE's ultimate goal: bring people together. See next:
14) How does the table fit in the company's mission?
By interacting, people start to meet each other, and the community knits one stitch closer together. That is HENGE's mission. We are proud of the look and feel of our table. But we are more excited about what people do around the tables--watch, linger, listen, laugh, maybe play, meet strangers, and learn something about each other. At HENGE, we like to think that we manufacture more than concrete tables; we believe we are creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
15) Where are there HENGE tables?
See map.
16) Where in the world are there outdoor tables?
Outdoor tables are popular throughout most of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe. Looking at the map below, the red pins don't mark any HENGE tables, yet. But we love looking at this map anyway, not even counting the fact that it is of Berlin, Germany, a seriously fun place. The Germans have a cool way to site the tables—they tuck them where you do not expect them: in a Waldorf school next to a petting zoo, or out of sight from the street behind a willow tree. We at HENGE hope that in the future, maps of New York City and other big American cities will be similarly covered in red pins.
