Whether you're hosting cultural gatherings, reunions or corporate meetings, folding tables are key items for the event. Before you pull out your credit card and start shopping, take a moment to learn a few basics about folding tables.
1. Folding tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price, so knowing your need is essential. If you're celebrating your husband’s fiftieth birthday with a weekend barbecue, for example, consider buying a 30” x 72” (6ft) or a 30” x 96” (8ft) folding table to accommodate all the food and condiments.
2. Folding tables also come in different styles. The most common styles are banquet tables, card tables, seminar tables, and café tables. Banquet tables can be rectangular or round in shape and can vary in length from 4 feet to 8 feet. Card tables are usually square-shaped and are used for board games such as dominoes, chess or other family-friendly games. Seminar tables are long and narrow and are approximately 18 to 24 inches wide. This style is typically used for training rooms, conferences, office meetings and schools and guests are usually seated on one side of the table. Café tables are generally square or round can be easily placed on your patio or deck to hold a book or beverage.
3. The nature of the occasion and where the event is being held should influence your buying decision. For events held indoors, aluminum or plywood folding tables are a great choice because they are sturdy and provide adequate leg space. If the event is outdoors, consider plastic folding tables because they are weather-resilient and easy to clean.
4. Folding tables come in different lengths and heights. Rectangular folding tables usually range from 4 feet to 8 feet in length. Round folding tables are available in 24 to72 inch diameters depending on the type. There are also adjustable height folding tables.
5. Folding tables come in a large selection of leg styles. If you’re hosting a business meeting or luncheon, pay close attention to the leg styles. Most banquet style folding tables have individual folding legs. On the other hand, rectangular folding tables generally have H-shaped, I-shaped, Roman II-shaped or seminar style legs for maximum legroom.
