The Best Folding Tables (Review) in 2020

Features to Consider When Buying a Folding Table

• Size/Seating

The size you should go for will likely be a big factor and is depending on your personal needs. If you’re looking for a banquet table, for example, which will fit plenty of food ahead of a big event, then you’ll need to grab a large but easily portable, foldable table.

For picnics in the back garden, a standard round folding table could be enough – especially if you’re just looking for somewhere to set your coffee while you read a book. Similarly, if you’re just looking for a place to do your work on nice days, a small table will fit just fine.

You should also consider the size when the table has been broken down or folded away, as you’ll need to store this when not in use. Larger tables tend to only be used on special occasions, which means the majority of the time it will be placed somewhere out of sight – otherwise, you’ll find yourself tripping over a large table that you never even use.

If you have a shed or garage to use, then this isn’t an issue – but for those of us who live in smaller spaces, such as apartments or shared accommodation, this issue can become very old, very fast. Instead, opt for a smaller item that can be hiding under the stairs or one that is weather-resistant and can be left at the side of the house (with a small covering).

• Weight and Capacity

When you’re purchasing an item that needs to be carried with you from place to place, it’s fair to say that you should always consider the weight. If you’re after larger items, they’ll naturally be a little heavier and harder to carry but it’s likely that you’ll need to do this less often, so the pros and cons even out a little here.

Smaller options are more likely to be lighter, but they will also be used more, so this makes sense for most buyers. That said, the best way to consider the weight is to check the material used. Aluminum and fiberboard folding tables are often the best choice for regular users, as they are very lightweight and therefore a breeze when it comes to bringing a good, collapsible table along for whatever your requirements may be.

Naturally, there are some drawbacks to the lighter materials – the main one being that your fold up table is less likely to have a high capacity. This is important if you’re looking to use your new purchase as a display table or are planning to set out your buffet across the tabletop, for example.

For these purposes, it’s better to go for a folding table that has been crafted from tougher materials, such as steel and polyethylene plastic. These are the styles that will have a higher capacity and can handle more weight on the top without fear or danger of the table collapsing under pressure.

• Weather Resistance

If you’re looking for something that will only be used from time to time, then this may not be a major concern for you. However, if you prefer to have a fold up table that can be brought out throughout the year, so you can entertain friends or enjoy a barbecue, it’s worth checking the general weather resistance of your new table.

Again, the majority of this comes down to the materials use. Fiberboard is more likely to soak up any moisture, so isn’t ideal for camping or wet climates, while stainless steel is inert. Of course, the better the material, the heavier it will be which can counteract some of your previous requirements, so be sure to think about the benefits of each and choose the right collapsible table for you.

• Durability and Stability

It’s fair to say that your folding table will inevitably be subject to the bumps and spills that are part of being the main feature of food and lifestyle choices. Many of the options given in our Top Picks are scratch and stain resistant, while also being made of strong materials that can handle plenty of pressure.

It’s not just to the tabletop itself that needs to be durable, however. As with all outdoor furniture, you’ll find that there are more factors to consider then indoor furniture – the most notable being the uneven surfaces that you have to work with. In these cases, the durability and stability of the legs will be working together to provide you with a suitable surface that is still usable.

• Convenience and Features

If you’re looking for a fold up table, it’s likely that convenience will be your main reason for your new purchase – after all, it’s far too difficult to bring out the standard dining table with you, everywhere you go. Thus, the convenience of your new collapsible table should be a major factor in your purchasing decision and a lot of this comes down to the features your folding table will have.

For starters, it should be very easy to open up and fold away your table, with a low risk of snagging your fingers or pinching your skin while adjusting your table. Similarly, setting up should be a quick and easy process that allows you to focus your attention on other, more important matters. Height adjustable options are increasingly popular, as you can change your table to meet whatever your needs are that day – however, they add a little extra time on to your set up and can be a pain for some who are looking for a simpler choice.

Of course, the best folding table should also be easily portable. Most of the options in our Top Picks have handles for this purpose, which means you don’t have to do any awkward holding between you and a friend or loved one, just to get the table out and where you need it to be. Ideally, these should ergonomic if you’re looking for regular use but, as long as the handle is strong and stable, you should be covered for portability.

You should also consider the aftercare of your new foldable table. Cleaning isn’t a task that anyone enjoys but it can be even more cumbersome if you have a collapsible table that holds onto food with a textured surface, or within the multiple hinges and so on.

It’s also annoying when you find out that your new table stains and scratches easily. In order to avoid this, you should check to see how resistant your fold up table is to light damage, as this can improve the overall longevity of your product. Higher quality materials may cost a little more but will allow you to use your table for a long time to come, adding the overall value of your purchase.

Finally, don’t forget that your table will need to be stored when not in use. For most users, you will need to grab a table that can easily kept out of sight and out of mind when not in use. Naturally, if you’re looking for a work-related table for events or similar, continuous uses, you might not be so concerned about this – and that’s completely fine, too.

• Budget

Your budget will inevitably get the final say in which fold up table you decide to buy in the end, but it’s always worth considering a few factors in order to get the best value for money, over the cheapest product. Think about the factors given above when choosing your new item, so that you can be sure you’re spending the right amount on your foldable table.

If you’re only looking for a one-off or want something very plain and simple to use, then it’s understandable that a cheaper, smaller option is best for you. For those who work in events and are looking for commercial use, it’s wise to opt for a better quality, larger or stronger choice that gives you a much better look and feel during use.

Best Folding Table Buying Guide FAQ:

Q: What type of folding table is best for outdoor use?

A: The most convenient folding table for outdoor use is one that has the right material to handle the outdoor weather. Whether you choose to use it regularly or not, having that added resistance to rusting and weather-related problems can add to the overall value of your collapsible table. Plastic and steel are ideal for this, since they are mostly inert items that won’t react to the chemicals you’ll naturally find outside.

You should also consider the size of your item. If you’re looking for something to bring out on nice days, so you can have a cup of coffee or comfortably read a book in your back yard, you won’t need a large fold up table. However, for events that are based outdoors, you would do well to consider larger options.

Q: What safety features should a folding table have?

A: All folding tables should be completely durable, so that they can handle a good level of pressure and weight before the legs buckle or top bends. The legs should also lock into place, so that there is no risk of the table falling when not in use, with the risk of spilling hot food over everyone. Similarly, your table should be very stable for the same reasons, in terms of the material used and ability to stand well on uneven surfaces.

Finally, your table should be easy to open up and fold away, with no risk of pinched skin or nipped fingers during use. While these may not be catastrophic, they can lead to lots of bruises and sore points when not used properly. Thus, always check the manufacturers guidelines when it comes to setting up your table and folding it away.

Q: What sizes do folding tables come in?

A: Folding tables come in a very wide range of sizes and all of these are designed to best suit your needs. Larger gatherings can be catered for with 8ft folding tables, which are commonly available before the need to go with specialist manufacturers. These are naturally going to be heavier than smaller choices, while also being a little more difficult to store when not in use.

Meanwhile those who are simply seeking something smaller for themselves will likely be happy with a small folding table, that is designed for just one or two people. These are usually much easier to store, although they are less likely to handle higher capacities – so don’t expect to be able to place a feast on top of the smaller options.

Our Top Pick

The Height Adjustable Craft, Camping and Utility Folding Table from Lifetime is one of the best on the market. It comes at a great price and is made from exceptionally high-quality materials, allowing you to use your new collapsible table without any concerns.

Being able to seat plenty of loved ones while at its lowest height, it can also handle up to 800 pounds in total, making it ideal as a display table or for completing your work. It’s also easy to fold up this relatively lightweight table, which comes with a built-in handle, allowing you to move from place to place without straining yourself.

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