When it comes to convenience and space, folding tables are a great option. They are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials and colours and suit both indoor and outdoor spaces. They can also be used for parties and banquets and are a great way to create more space for guests at your restaurant, on special occasions and events.
It is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to transform an empty room into a dining area within minutes. What makes this type of furniture even more beneficial is that they require very minimal storage space. You can fold them and store them very quickly while not in use.
Folding Table Characteristics
When shopping for folding tables, you will notice a wide range that is available and that may suit your dining space. Here are some features to look for when making your purchase decision:
Basic Features of Folding Tables
- Surface or Tabletop – This is the flat hard surface that sits atop a table frame, typically made of laminate, melamine, plastic, or wood.
- T-Mold – This mould is generally made of vinyl or resin and is placed on the tabletop to protect it from dents, scuffs, scratches, which increases the longevity of the furniture. Also, it lends a professional and well-finished look to the feature.
- Locking Mechanism – These are the metal components under the tabletop. They are connected to its legs, allowing users to lock the legs into place for stability and safety quickly. After use, you only need to unlock the mechanism and fold the table legs.
- Apron – Thick metal piece which is secured right under the tabletop to reinforce the table and help distribute weight evenly.
- Brace – Additional supports connected to the table legs on either side for extra durability.
- Legs/Frame – It is a solid support system for the tabletops that come in a variety of materials and styles to effectively balance the table surface’s weight and suit the end user’s needs.
- Foot Caps – Plastic/rubber glides fitted to the base of the table legs. These help prevent scuffing or scraping on the floors while keeping unwanted, loud noises to a minimum when tables are being moved.
Shapes of Folding Tables
1. Oval and Round Folding Tables
Oval and round folding tables are a good option for completing the seating layout in a fine dining restaurant. Many cafes also have round tables, and folding variants are functional and versatile. As mentioned earlier, you can add or remove them quickly based on the amount of seating cover you need. If space is limited, they may not work too well in every situation because they do reduce the overall capacity for seating guests in that establishment.
2. Rectangular and Square Folding Tables
These pieces have right-angled edges, which means you can push more than one table together to create additional seating for larger groups. You can always add extra tables of the same heights and similar surfaces to fit flush against each other, or against the wall, lending a seamless look to the space. Using this sort of table also gives you the option to accommodate more guests in a specific area compared to other folding tables.
3. Quarter-Rounded Folding Tables
Quarter rounded tables offer the benefits of the straight edges of rectangular/square tables while allowing the additional surface area of the oval for rounded ones. The straight edges can be used to set up tables along walls which means you get more space at the centre of the dining room. When they are being used for seating, they provide functional counter spaces for food displays.
4. Serpentine Tables
These are primarily used when a restaurant needs to make buffet presentation arrangements. The tables have curved centres with straight inner edges. The design lends dimension and visual appeal while drawing attention to the food items based on their services. Serpentine folding tables have a good weight and are stable and help guide patrons through the buffet lines. You can use these tables to showcase desserts and drinks or even transform them into carving stations when you have banquets.
Folding Table Surface Materials
The folding table surfaces have a direct impact on various other aspects of your service. For example, upscale and stylish table tops would not need any table linen. However, if you have plain white tabletops, you might have to dress them up for use before adding them to your dining area.
Price and durability are the other factors you need to take into account. If you want it done right, you may want to work with furniture design experts who can guide you when choosing your folding tables and deciding on what type of material would suit. Some of the common ones available include:
- Plastic Table Tops – Waterproof & impact resistant; work well for indoor and outdoor use.
- Melamine Table Tops – Scratch-resistant which increase their longevity.
- Laminate Table Tops – Chemical, moisture, and heat-resistant; perfect for family restaurants that see significant wear and tear.
- Wood Table Tops – These combine the sturdiness of natural wood with the convenience of conventional folding tables.
- Werzalit – This brand manufactures table tops via a patented manufacturing process. Werzalit is impervious to chemical, mechanical, and thermal effects and can be used in indoor and outdoor settings.
Folding Table Top Core Materials
The cores of folding tables lend rigidity and strength to the furniture making them longer-lasting. It also means that the tables would be able to support heavy weights easily without collapsing. The core is an integral aspect of the design of any folding table. Here are the different types of cores that could be used:
- Particle Board Core – Heavy-weight construction that helps anchor the table into place, preventing unwanted movement
- Plywood Core – Has the durability of a particleboard core, but is lighter, making the table easier to store and transport.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Core – This is denser than plywood and particleboard cores. It can be combined with a special resin binder that adds reinforcement to the core, making it even more durable.
Other Folding Table Features
1. Adjustable Height
These tables can be quickly set at various heights using simple leg adjustments depending on usage. Typically you can adjust these from anywhere between 21” and 32”. It means they can accommodate adults and kids as well as people with physical abilities.
2. Bi-Folding Tables
The legs on these pieces fold up, and the table surfaces also fold in half. This functionality makes them far more compact than standard folding tables. Most of these tables also have handles which facilitate easy carrying. They work very well for establishments with smaller storage spaces.
3. Bar Height Tables
If you regularly host events where beer, cocktails or liquor will be served in an additional patio or deck space in your restaurant, bar height folding tables are the right choice. It is one of the simplest ways to create the feel and look of an actual bar setting in any area that you like.
Flip-top folding tables and folding tables with individual modesty panels are some of the other types you can opt for.
For high-quality Werzalit, wood and marble-topped tables, unique restaurant furniture, bar stools, and an array of commercial and restaurant seating options, call Have A Seat at 1300 852 793. Alternatively, contact us using this online form.
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