Choosing between
wood folding tables and plastic folding tables is one of the first decisions
that party rental companies and event venues have to make when investing in
inventory. There are plenty of benefits to both, but what’s the real difference
between the two? How does the cost of a wooden folding table factor into thepotential return on investment when compared with a plastic folding table?
Plastic folding
tables give you an alternative to
heavy wood, which is a fantastic benefit when it comes to setup and teardown
time. If you want great quality and the option to skip a tablecloth for a more
utilitarian look, then plastic might be for you. Churches, schools and
individuals have been using plastic folding tables for years and continue to
sing their praises.
Another advantage
to plastic tables are the specialty options available. Bi-fold and adjustableheight tables are only available
in plastic and give venue managers great alternatives for their inventory. Even
better?
It may seem easy to pick out a folding table, but
you’d be surprised how many considerations there are. One folding table is not
the same as any other. Durability should be among your primary concerns. For
example, a particleboard folding table is probably only going to last you a
single year. On the other hand, a good multipurpose folding table will cost
four times as much but last 10 to 15 times longer. Which is the better
investment?
While durability is most often expressed as the most
important feature, there are additional aspects to take into consideration when
choosing a folding table. Here’s a comprehensive list:
· Table
weight—Take into account the strength of all your volunteers who will help set
up tables, not just the very strongest ones. You don’t want anyone straining
their back or becoming otherwise injured by lifting tables.
· Leg
attachment method—A sturdy leg mechanism should be bolted to the underside of
the table, not attached by wood screws. You’ll be constantly folding andunfolding the legs, and you want to be sure that the legs will hold up under
such use.
· Edge
and corner construction—You never thought about this one, did you? A heavy-duty
edge will help preserve the table. Corner construction of rectangular tables
should be impact-resistant to prevent damage from being dropped accidentally.
· Ease of
maintenance—If a table needs sanding or refinishing, forget about it. The table
you choose should be able to resist stains, withstand contact with hot objects
and remain easy to clean.
·
Reliability testing—A good table will have been put through rigorous
testing protocols, which ensures durability and lower cost of ownership over
time.
· Cart
options—You may require unique storage and cart needs. Consider the width of
your doorways and storage areas and look at a supplier with a variety of cart
options to help you get the most efficient use of your facility.
·
Duration and depth of warranty—Reputable manufacturers back up their
product with a solid warranty over a considerable length of time of at least 3
to 15 years or more depending on table style.
· Breadth
of line—To pull off the variety of events demanded of today’s leading venues, a
wide variety of shapes and sizes are required, from adjustable height cocktail
tables to varying widths and lengths of rectangular tables, and to specialty
half and quarter rounds. Sometimes the right table for the right application
may be a completely different style and construction from the meeting room to
the ballroom or banquet area.
