Here are the main possible choices:



a Polyethylene Moulded

pros: Light, tough, UV resistant, waterproof, wipe-clean, resistant to chemicals, low cost

cons: Not heat resistant, not fire resistant, limited range of finishes.

b High-Impact ABS

pros: Light, tough, water resistant, wipe-clean, good range of finish options

cons: Damaged by heat, can burn, expensive to buy

c Rivetted Aluminium

pros: Fire proof, strong, impact resistant

cons: Expensive, heavy

d MDF and Chipboard

pros: Laminate finishes, good value

cons: Heavy to move and easily cracked

The choice is yours, but the vast majority of folding tables are now blow moulded polyethylene, because they are cheap to manufacture and very durable.

But even within a single design, there are lots of differences between products from different suppliers. The easiest way to tell between them in in the quality of guarantee. If the guarantee is a "manufacturers warranty" you know that they have worries about them falling apart due to being mishandled. What you want is an unconditional money-back guarantee if you are anything less than delighted.

David Morgan, Mobilite Folding Tables