How to buy folding tables from wholesalers

Shopping for folding tables can be overwhelming.  Not only are there thousands of options, but you want to make sure you purchase something that will last and give you the best bang for your buck.  To best assist you, we’ve put together this easy folding table buying guide that will hopefully help you narrow down your choices.  So whether you’re shopping for your home, school, church, business, or any other type of facility, we’ll help you figure out the best value for you.

When it comes down to it, shopping for folding tables requires just a few simple choices: shape, material, and features.  Just as important, you will want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable dealer who will provide great customer service, will honor warranty claims, and be able to help if you have any issues.

Shape & Size

Let’s talk shape and size.  You’ll probably already know which shape and size you need.  But before you purchase, we’ll highlight a few pros and cons of each shape:

Rectangular:  These tables are the easiest to transport in a van or truck bed and are also easiest to store because of their shape.  However, they are not as popular for some uses, such as a banquet table where a round model will provide a more conversation friendly seating experience.

Round: Round tables are very popular as banquet tables, game tables, and more because it is easy to interact with others at the table.  You can seat many people at a round folding table and have plenty of room for centerpieces, serving dishes, and more.  A con to round tables is that they can be bulky to store and may require a folding table dolly in storage to keep them upright.

Square: Much like a rectangular table, they are easy to store, but the wide models may be harder to transport.  For the large models, carrying this type of table can be awkward as it will not roll like a round table and generally is too wide to grasp both at the top and the bottom.  You will definitely need two people to carry a large square table or a folding table dolly.

Half-Round: Half-Round tables are very versatile.  Two tables can be pushed together to form a full-round table, but they can also be used individually to save space and stand up against a wall.  The only con to these tables is that they are not as popular, so there are less options to choose from.

 Material

We plan to do a more in depth comparison in a following blog post, but here is a quick summary to help you out.

Plastic:  The two biggest pros for plastic folding tables are affordability and their lightweight design.  If you will be transporting your tables frequently, your body will thank you for choosing plastic tables.  High quality plastic models feature impact resistant and/or stain resistant tops, making them great for a variety of uses.  We recommend plastic tables to furniture rental companies, traveling caterers, trade shows, those with limited budgets, and where there are children.

People often associate plastic folding tables with poor quality.  This is actually very untrue.  While there are many cheap quality plastic folding tables out there, there are many high quality plastic folding tables that will last 10 years or more and are backed by impressive warranties.  For example, the only plastic models we sell at Swii Furniture are designed to last under daily commercial use.  Just a word of advice – do not buy the cheapest option as this will probably be a low quality model.  While wood tables can last 20 or 30+ years, a good plastic model can last 10 or more years.

Laminate:  Laminate folding tables are usually stronger than plastic folding tables, and typically last longer as well.  Of course, they are more expensive and can be very heavy.  If you compare plastic to laminate folding tables without a tablecloth, laminate folding tables offer a more professional look than plastic models.  We recommend laminate wood folding tables when they will be used in the same general area for each use.  If you need to transport your tables frequently, then we usually suggest plastic.  But for churches, schools, and offices, these tables are a great option.

Wood:  These folding tables feature a hardwood top, offering the all-around best durability.  Typically the priciest option, these will last the longest compared to other folding table materials.  If you’re looking to purchase a round folding table, we suggest wood folding tables because often the laminate ones will chip over time as they are rolled.

Features

Here are a few common folding table features to help you decide which table options you should look for.

Bi-Folding:  These tables will fold in half, making transportation and storage very convenient.  The only con to bi-folding tables is that they generally cannot hold as much weight because there is a joint in the middle of the table.

Adjustable Height:  This is a very popular option because of the added versatility.  Most tables are around 29″ – 30″ high, and adjustable models will lower down to around 21″.  If you will be using your table for children, having an adjustable height model is very convenient when you work with different age groups.

Edge Band:  Both laminate and wood folding tables usually have a protective edge around the table to prevent chipping and protect your guests.  You can pick from rubber, plastic, and metal bands, and each will work.  Just make sure your laminate or wood table has a band.

Frame Gauge:  A folding table frame’s gauge will contribute to its strength.  The smaller the gauge, the greater the diameter of the tube.  For standard length folding tables (60″-96″), we prefer nothing smaller than an 18 gauge frame.  While this is important, looking at the folding table’s weight capacity will also work.

General Folding Table Shopping Advice

Shop fom a Reputable Dealer – Not a Big Box:  Folding tables are not cheap.  If you shop from a Big Box store like Walmart or Office Depot, be careful.  If you need to file a warranty claim, these stores will tell you to contact the manufacturer, which can be very inconvenient and you may end up stuck with a broken table.  In addition, these Big Box stores are not experts in furniture.  Finding a good furniture dealer who will listen to your needs, help you find the best value, and continue to provide outstanding service after you purchase will save you money and time.

Lowest Price = More Cost:  Typically, the lowest priced options will be of lesser quality, break faster, and you’ll end up having to replace your tables much sooner and spend more money.  Even if the same table is cheaper at one dealer vs. the other, be careful.  Some dealers cut corners to offer these lower prices – the tables may be returns, they may not honor many of their warranty claims, or they may have inexperienced support staff.

Warranties:  Make sure your table has at least a one-year warranty.  And make sure dealer you are working with will honor the warranty.  Warranties speak to quality – if a warrantied table is cheap and will break, the company will be out of business fast.  Also, you should never have to pay for a warranty – it should be free.

 

We hope that this guide points you in the right direction.  Shop our top quality folding tables all covered by generous warranties with outstanding customer support.  Is there anything else you want to know?  Ask your questions in the comment section and we’ll add it to our buying guide!