Choosing the best folding table

A folding table is one of the best pieces of furniture you add to your space. They are extremely versatile and flexible furnishings that make great choices for rooms where space is limited. In addition, they can easily be moved around and stored away. The foldable design of these tables offers a quick way to transform empty rooms into dining areas or spaces for family gatherings or game nights.

Folding tables come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes, giving buyers plenty of options. However, for most buyers, finding the right folding table that suits your functional and styling needs can be challenging. We’ve created this easy guide to help you choose the right folding table for your space.

What material should you choose for your folding table?

Material is one of the most important factors to remember when shopping for a folding table. Your choice of material will influence the look and durability of your folding table. Some tables are made from a combination of different materials. Below, we look at materials you can select for your folding table.

Wood

A timeless classic, wood is one of the most common materials for both outdoor and indoor furniture. It's sturdy, durable, and lends its natural beauty to a space. In most cases, wood is used to make the table top and the legs, while the folding mechanism will be made from metal. This makes the table stable. You can choose from different wood species, including teak and acacia. Teak has a high oil content, which makes the wood resistant to moisture and termite attacks. It’s also strong and can last for generations in a wide range of climates with little maintenance. Acacia is tough and weather-resistant. It also has a warm tone and displays and distinctive, beautiful natural grain.

Metal

Folding tables made from metal are more durable. If well taken care of, they can last a lifetime. Metal is more resilient to everyday wear and tear. The most common types of metal for folding chairs are steel and aluminum. Steel is the go-to option for most household items. It is resistant to rust, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Steel folding tables can take a lot of weight and will not clash with any colors in your space. Aluminum is lightweight and can be easily moved to change the look and feel of your space. In addition, aluminum folding tables are highly durable and don’t get corroded over time. They also require little care.

Glass

A glass dining table adds a sleek and stylish look to a space. Most glass dining tables have wood or metal frames to provide support, making them sturdy. They are also a great choice for small rooms as the glass table will bring light and fill the room, giving the illusion of more space. A toughened type of glass known as tempered glass is often used. Glass also works well with everything, so you don’t need to adjust your décor color. While this material is long-lasting, care must be taken to prevent scratches and breakage. Glass might not be the best option for people with pets or kids.

Engineered wood

Engineered wood is a great alternative to solid wood. They are an inexpensive option for people who are on a budget. The most common types of engineered wood are MDF and plywood. Folding tables made from this material are lightweight and easy to move around. Engineered wood is also easy to customize to your requirements, so you can find MDF/Plywood folding tables in different shapes and styles to suit your design tastes. However, this material requires more care and cannot be repaired easily.

What shapes of folding tables are there to choose from?

Like regular tables, folding tables come in different shapes. Each table shape is suited for a particular use or space. So, how do you know a certain table shape is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at the different folding table shapes to help you choose wisely.

Round and oval tables

Functional and versatile, round and oval-shaped folding tables make a great choice for dining, parties, and social gatherings. The design of these tables allows people to sit in a circle, making conversations easy. Many large families, businesses, and organizations prefer round or oval tables in their meeting rooms as they allow members to face each other. You'll mostly find them in one style but in different sizes to accommodate your needs. However, keep in mind that you may need more space to unfold a larger table. It will also be heavier to handle.

Rectangular and square tables

Rectangular and square folding tables are perhaps the most common. These tables are highly versatile and can be used in virtually all spaces. This includes the dining room, office, conference rooms, and more. These folding tables come in different widths and lengths to fit your space. They also have 90 degrees edges that make it possible to push together several tables of similar height for more seating space. Square folding tables look great in square rooms. They are a good option for people who don’t have large families or don’t expect to host large gatherings.

How tall should a folding table be?

It's important to choose the right height for your folding table so that you can sit comfortably. The height of your table influences your posture, health, and productivity. Choosing the right height will save you from various negative consequences like back pain, joint pain, and others. Regarding height, folding chairs can be placed into two categories.

Fixed height

Folding tables cannot be adjusted or moved to increase or reduce the height. The standard height of folding tables ranges from 71cm and 91cm. These should accommodate most chairs.

Adjustable height

These folding tables have buttons and notches that allow you to make the table taller or shorter depending on your needs. They can be raised or lowered within 15cm and 20cm of their height. However, adjustable folding tables with cross-style legs can become tall or short.

Additional features of folding tables

Apart from material and size, there are a few other features you need to look out for when shopping for a folding table. This will help you choose a table that meets your needs.

Bi-folding

The legs of these tables can fold up, and the surface can also be folded in half. They are far more compact than regular folding tables. Some models have a handle that makes it easy to carry the table. Bi-folding tables make great choices for homes with limited storage spaces.

Bar height tables

If you plan to host an event where beer or cocktails will be served, bar-height tables are the best choice. These folding tables are designed to give your space the look and feel of a bar setting.

Flip top

You may also find folding tables with a tabletop that can be tipped vertically. This convenient feature allows you to store the folding tables easily.

Key parts of a folding table

A folding table has a few parts that every potential buyer should know. These parts make the table what it is.

• Tabletop

This is the flat surface mounted on top of the table frame. The table top can be made of wood, glass, metal, engineered wood, and other materials.

• Locking mechanism

The locking mechanism is usually hidden under the tabletop. It's connected to the legs of the table, allowing you to lock the table in place to ensure safety and stability when using it. Unlock the mechanism when the table is not in use and fold its legs.

• Apron

A piece of metal secured under the tabletop to provide stability and distribute weight evenly.

• Legs or frame

This is the support system of the tabletop. Legs or frames come in a wide range of materials and styles to balance the surface weight.

• Foot caps

This refers to the rubber or plastic glides fitted to the table legs. They prevent scraping or scuffing the floor and reduce noises when moving the table.

How to maintain folding tables

Like other pieces of furniture, folding tables must be maintained to keep them in top condition. Different types of material may require different care. Here are a few care tips to keep in mind.

• Identify maintenance issues early enough

Inspecting your folding table regularly is highly recommended to spot any issues before they become worse and more expensive to repair. Inspect every part of the table to ensure everything is working properly.

• Start with basic cleaning

Cleaning your folding tables regularly helps to remove dirt and dust that tends to accumulate on the tabletop surface and frame. Gentle cleaning with water and mild soap should do the trick. Dry the furniture with a clean cloth or leave it outside to dry in the open air.

• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning

You don’t want to see soapy residue left on your folding table. So, ensure you rinse the furniture thoroughly after cleaning it.

• Avoid cleaners containing harsh chemicals.

Try not to use cleaners containing harsh chemicals that can fade or corrode the material used in the construction of your furniture.

• Don’t use abrasive tools

Unless you're removing rust, never use abrasive tools, such as scouring pads and hardwire brushes, to clean your furniture. They will damage the paint or leave scratches on the furniture.

• Clean spills as soon as they occur

The longer spills sit on your table, the higher the chances of causing hard-to-remove stains.

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