If you’re looking for the best folding table, how can you decide whether to purchase inexpensive plastic folding tables (blow-molded) or invest in more expensive ABS plastic tables? The answer lies in learning how these different construction methods affect the overall durability of both types of plastic tables.
In fact, how folding tables are made can be just as important as other considerations, all of which are covered in our Ultimate Folding Tables Buying Guide.
Let’s talk about how the best plastic tables are built—and which plastic folding table types are built to last.
Blow molding is the process of shaping plastic. Hot plastic is placed into a mold and injected with pressurized air, making the plastic form to the different pieces of the mold. The hardened plastic is hollow inside. This same process is used to make single-use plastic water bottles.
In contrast, ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is crafted by bonding layers of vacuum-formed sheets of ABS plastic over a wood or honeycomb framework. The internal framework gives the plastic table extra strength and durability not present in a lighter blow-molded table.
MityLite ABS Tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any event.Blow-molded tables have a hollow core and they are supported by steel tubing along each side. The molding process often creates some chipping or peeling on the table’s surface and its corners. Some blow-molded collapsible tables are available as fold-in-half tables which makes them more portable and easier to store.
The hollow core makes blow-molded plastic tables lightweight and easy to lift, move, set up, and take down. Blow-molded plastic folding tables are often inexpensive and easily found on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Wayfair.
• Molded plastic with a hollow core
only supports 100 to 300 lbs.
• Uneven plastic surface can collect
dirt & stains
• Tabletop isn’t heat resistant
• Thin metal folding legs
• Legs can be stiff and hard to set up
• Metal screws into plastic, which can
fall out
• Unable to accept standard skirting clips
The best use for blow-molded tables is periodic and short-term indoor and outdoor events such as BBQs, tailgates, and receptions.
Blow-molded tables are not recommended for long-term use and they often have a short lifespan. The tables will likely need to be replaced every few years. Don’t expect to get hundreds of uses out of a blow-molded plastic folding table. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas or venues with heavy room turnover.
An ABS plastic folding table is manufactured using vacuum-formed sheets of ABS plastic that are bonded together over a wood framework with a strong outside edge.
In an ABS table, the hard-plastic top is resistant to heat and scratching. The reinforced frame and core of ABS tables protect them from bending, even under heavy loads. In fact, MityLite ABS tables can support up to 1,000 pounds (while blow-molded tables of a similar size tend to support around 250 to 500 pounds).
ABS tables are heavier than blow-molded tables, but most are still lightweight enough to easily move and store—especially if you have the right cart.
ABS tables last longer, they are more durable than blow-molded tables, and the majority have strong warranties. For example, MityLite ABS tables come with a limited 15-year warranty.
• ABS plastic with a durable hardwood
frame supports up to 1,600 lbs.
• Metal-on-metal bolts & anti-spin
attachments
• ABS sheets are permanently bonded to
alder wood frame
• A stain- and heat-resistant surface,
paired with chemically welded trim for
impact-resistant edges
• Rubber non-slip pads keep stacks from
sliding
• Strong 16-gauge steel legs with smoothly
gliding metal tracks
Because ABS tables are so durable, they hold up well in high-traffic areas and heavy use situations.
If your facility is hard on furniture and you hold a lot of events, go with ABS. It will be worth the investment. And, you’ll likely end up saving money over time because the tables will need to be replaced less often.
The answer to that question depends on how you’re going to use the tables. The important thing is to be an educated buyer.
Blow-molded tables are less expensive, lightweight tables that are a good fit for short-term use. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas, and they need to be replaced every few years.
ABS tables are extremely durable and last more than 10 years. They are a great fit for heavy use in high-traffic areas, and the right cart makes it easy to set up and take them down.
Shop MityLite’s selection of ABS folding tables in various shapes, heights, and leg styles.
When it comes to personal space and comfort, plastic tables are a great option because they are lightweight, easy to keep things, and provide easy mobility. Tables are required in our modern day and age to keep our things in proper arrangement. They come to the market in a wide range of sizes, shapes, materials, and colours. The plastic table suits both indoor and outdoor spaces as you can work and eat simultaneously. You can even use them at parties and banquets and other events. Plastic tables online are easy to buy and come in a variety of choices providing a great way to create more space and comfort for you. It is a great and comfortable way to transform a room with less space into a dining area within minutes. There are some benefits of different types of plastic tables as we further illustrate:
Adjustable Height:
In the market, some plastic tables can adjust their height according to the situation as and when needed. The plastic table can quickly set its position at various heights using simple leg adjustments. It means the plastic table can accommodate adults and kids, as well as people with some kind of physical distress. These tables are easy to handle thereby making mobility and usability a plus advantage.
Bi-Folding Tables:
To make life simple and easier bi-folding plastic tables are used as they have legs that can fold up and table surfaces that can fold in half. This work makes this plastic table far more compact than other tables that cant be folded. Most of these types of plastic tables also have handles to facilitate easy carrying. This increases efficiency and is the best option for homes with smaller storage spaces.
Bar Height Tables:
If you are an individual who loves regularly hosting parties or other events where drinks and liquor are served you must choose this plastic table. The bar-height plastic tables have deck space and can also be placed easily in a bar. Using these tables is one of the simplest ways to create the feel of a bar at parties that imitate an actual bar setting for your personal arrangements.
Plastic furniture is also much more long-lasting when compared to its other counterparts. Wood for example is quite a good material for furniture because apart from the earthy tone and the classic look, wood can be easily designed and styled to whatever it is you have in mind. However, one of the main reasons why some people prefer not to buy wooden furniture is that it’s prone to termite infestation and has to be regularly sprayed with varnishing and other chemicals.
On the other hand, plastic furniture is virtually strong and stable and this makes it a durable furniture material to choose from. There is also not much to say when it comes to maintenance as it only needs dusting and wiping. Due to its inert material, this kind of furniture is often the most frequent choice for a lot of restaurants and other establishments that have outdoor settings. Exposure to different weather conditions will not take a toll on plastic furniture, especially when compared to furniture made out of wood.
1. They are maintenance-free:
Plastic furniture is virtually maintenance-free because the only thing for you to do is bring it home and set it up the way you like it. You won’t need to spend much time or money on its maintenance in the near future. Plastic also requires no painting and is also rust-free and corrosion free, unlike other materials.
2. Environmentally friendly:
Lots of plastic furniture is made from recycled plastic so when you’re done using yours it can be recycled again. This means that buying plastic furniture contributes little to your carbon footprint and makes you a little worry-free. It also reduces the number of trees cut down for wood furniture leading to support against global warming. Plastic is a recyclable material therefore furniture made out of it can also be recycled compared to wooden furniture which requires wood from trees.
3. Lightweight:
Plastic furniture is typically very light in weight when compared to metal or wooden furniture which makes it extremely easy to move from various places. One doesn’t require much help while moving plastic furniture when rearranging the space. It is extremely convenient to have a chair that you can pull around without having to call for help or use much effort.
4. Versatile:
As plastic furniture is rust-free and lightweight, thereby making the furniture very versatile. You can use it for outdoor space, children, office, and school uses. The versatility of plastic materials comes from their ability to be moulded, stretched, or to be shaped into pretty much any space. One of the great things about plastic tables is that it’s suitable for almost any place and setting.
5. Unbreakable
Plastic furniture made out of good-grade plastic very rarely cracks or breaks due to excessive usage and also doesn’t get affected by climatic changes such as rain, sunlight, or snow. This makes it ideal for outdoor use as it won’t become damaged if kept outside for the long haul. Hence, it’s right to say that plastic requires low or rather practically no maintenance.
Conclusion
Plastic tables are available in a wide variety of ranges at Mango Chairs. We want you to choose the best plastic table out there keeping in mind the reasons that we have include for you. You can browse through our collection of plastic tables online available at our Mango Chairs website.