Whether you are just looking for an extension to your dinner table to seat all those holiday guests, or planning a flea market sale, folding tables are an extremely practical household asset. Their usefulness will far outweigh their cost, maintenance is low, and they'll 'earn' their storage space, when you see just how useful they are.
Folding tables come in a variety of prices, shapes, sizes and storage space requirements, so it's best to consider a few things first. What is your main need? Once you have one, it will come in handy for many events. Here's what to consider:
- Size - For dinner seating or occasional buffet table? Or do you regularly have garage sales and require a longer table? A narrower size is ideal for a buffet table.
- Storage Space: What can you store? Some are thicker and higher than others when closed, and some have compartments to store matching accessories.
- Table only: Or a compact folding table with matching chairs?
- Tabletop finish: If you intend to always cover it with linen, a plain finished wood top is sufficient. Is the top easy to maintain and clean?
- Outdoor Use: Will you use it outside, and can it withstand the elements?
- Folding Mechanism: Ensure it works well and locks securely into place.
- Weight: Do you have restrictions of what you can manage?
- Height: Average dinner table height is best if using it to supplement your seating capacity.
Just to give you an idea of how practical they are, here are a few suggested uses, set it up when required, and store when done:
- Dinner or buffet table
- Camping or picnic table
- Garage/yard yard sale
- Playing cards
- Crafting or sewing on-the-go projects
- Assembly, sorting, and repairing work-table
- Family games or puzzles
- Packing-for-moving table
- Painting and renovating projects
- Gift wrapping center
- For baby and wedding showers; anniversary events
In many cases, it's more cost efficient to buy a folding table, than buy a pair of folding legs and the material to make one. Tables and folding chairs are available from most department, hardware and camping supply stores. These tables are so practical and useful, you'll wonder how you ever did without one. They are also well appreciated for a gift item.
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