Furniture Fast Facts:
Table Buying Guide
TABLE TOP MATERIALS:
All tables are available with a variety of table tops options. High-Pressure Laminate (HPL), blow molded plastic, ABS plastic and plywood are the primary materials for the majority of activity and folding tables.
High Pressure Laminate (HPL): HPL tops are created by a two step method of bonding the finish and back layers to the core materials using glue under extreme heat and pressure. This process forms a table surface that is extremely durable and will not bubble up when exposed to water. Tables with HPL tops offer a variety of color choices and have a completely smooth finish. This is an added plus for classrooms, which would include writing and art projects.
Particleboard-Core: Particleboard is composed of wood chips glued together under pressure to create a high density board. Particleboard tables can range from ¾” to 1 ¼” in thickness and generally have a high pressure laminate surface. Due to their higher density, they weigh more that plywood-core or plastic tables and are best used in spaces that require little movement. Particleboard’s weight anchors them more securely in place and is a reliable standard for classroom activity tables.
Plywood-Core: These reliable tabletops have a plywood core at the center and can have a HPL or a natural stained surface. They are lighter than particleboard, which makes them much easier to set up and break down. The lighter the weight of the table, the less likely damage can occur from slight impacts or bumps that happen when moving the tables or during the initial delivery. Plywood-core folding tables are perfect for banquet rooms or fellowship halls that require frequent movement and offsite storage.
Blow Molded: The newest design to enter the production line is the blow molded plastic resin tabletops, which are extremely lightweight and can be easily set up and stored. Their plastic surface can take food spills and other messes and can be easily cleaned. Blow molded tables do have a slightly textured surface and this should be taken in account when placing these tables in areas that will be used for note taking or other writing exercises.
ABS Plastic: ABS is a thermoplastic that is lightweight and durable enough to be used to make football helmets. ABS plastic tables have interior framing made of plywood, steel, honeycomb or more ABS plastic. The interior frame provides superior strength not found in blow molded plastic tables. These tables also have a slightly textured surface but generally weigh a little more and offer more stability and strength than blow molded plastic resin tables.
TABLE HEIGHT:
Tables are offered in a fixed or adjustable height option. If a table has a fixed height, it is most likely to be 29 inches to 30 inches high, which is appropriate for adults or grades 5th-12th. Adjustable height tables usually move in one-inch increments for added flexibility when working with children or youth. Some adjustable tables offer a shorter height range just for smaller children.
LEGS:
When choosing a table, consider the standard four-leg classroom table, the T-Leg pedestal table, and the folding table. Each of these leg styles have unique footprints that take up space differently underneath the table. For instance, the T-leg pedestal tables have free space at the corners for leg comfort, but may prohibit someone from being able sit along the smaller ends of the table. The legs and frames of a table are often made of steel. Remember, the lower the gauge of steel, the stronger the table.
Choosing tables can be tricky. Since size is the most important factor, remember that the smaller the chair, the greater the seating capacity around a table. However, know how the table will be used can also determine the amount of room that each person around the table will need. Seating capacity depends on the size of the person and the size of the chair. Full size student stack chairs are usually 18”-21” wide. If you are using a standard folding chair for seating, then plan for 18” width per seat. Allowing for a liberal 26 inches per person gets the "comfortable" designation, while allowing a tight 20 inches per person get you the "maximum" designation.
Our table guide will give you a basic understanding of table shapes and capacities, however, knowing your table and chair dimensions is critical. Call our experienced customer service team for information on a specific table at 800-599-6636. Or email: sales@worthingtondirect.com.
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