There are two basic types of folding tables. There is the standard folding table where the legs fold up to the underside of the table for flat storage and flip top tables where the top of the table tips into an upright position for storage. The bonus with folding tables is that they fold down flat and are easier for storage purposes. Flip top table have the flip top to make them a little smaller but they still have a fixed base so storing them is a little more difficult. Some folding tables even have a top that also folds in half making them even easier to store because of their compact size. Both versions are great for when you need some extra seats at the dining room table for a family get together.
Most folding tables come with metal folding legs which are simple to open and close and are rigid enough to have people sit to eat at safely and comfortably. On some versions, the legs fold individually in from the outside corners to the underside of the table and other have the double legs that fold both legs at once to the underside of the table. Both versions work very well for setting up or taking down.
Heavy duty versions of folding tables have MDF, (Medium density fibreboard), or plywood as the wood component of the top with PVC edging. They come in different thicknesses of wood ranging from ½” to 5/8” which provide different levels of strength depending on what kinds of things you wish to have supported on them. Melamine surfaces are commonly used which of course will keep the cost of the table lower than other types. Plastic laminate is also frequently used as a top surface and when used with plywood makes for an exceptionally tough and durable table. Plastic laminate is easy to clean and comes in hundreds of different looks and colours however, more often than not they come in a fake wood grain appearance which never seems to match up with anything in a home. Melamine comes in many colours as well but most manufacturers stick to the fake wood grain for them as well. The nice thing about these two versions is that they both have a flat surface so if you want to write or draw on the table top you have a smooth surface to work with.
In order to keep costs down some companies now make the table tops out of plastics with the standard folding metal legs. These work very well and the added bonus is they are far lighter in weight which makes it easier to move them around and easier to store. The unfortunate thing about most plastic top tables is that they have a textured surface so if you want to use the table to do some writing on the surface is not friendly to writing instruments because it has that hubbly bubbly feel to it.
Often you will find that folding tables are rectangular in shape however, they are available in other shapes. Round and square are also manufactured in many different sizes. If you are looking for basic models you can get these from many local furniture companies. If you are looking for larger sizes or other shape options you will most likely have to go to furniture dealerships in your city. There is a large Canadian furniture manufacturer that carries countless shapes, sizes, and colours and if you want a custom plastic laminate top they can provide it for an upcharge.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the tables’ stability. Once you have added eight sets of plates, silverware, glasses and food you have to be sure that the table can support the weight without your worrying that it could collapse at any moment. I usually tell readers to sit on it to test the table out for strength but folding tables are not as forgiving as fixed base tables so when you are testing the table just give it a shake to see if your glasses full of drinks would topple over or if there is any stability at all to the table. Rest your bottom on one side and see if makes any odd noises or feels like it is going to fall over.
Commercial grade folding tables that are used in banquet halls are usually a higher quality table with superior materials and they will be able to stand up to whatever you can load onto them. As you can imagine, hotels and banquet halls only wish to use products that have no chance of failing when they are using them for a wedding or convention dinner. They are very strong but they are also very heavy in weight because of the reinforcements.
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