What plastic is used for tables?

The use of plastic has grown over the years, and it’s used now more than ever to make a wide range of everyday items, and tables are one of them. People today prefer tables made out of the plastic over other materials such as metal or wood because of the various advantages plastic offers to individuals.

You can find plastic tables almost everywhere, be it a workplace, home patio, or public place. Plastic is a cheap and long-lasting material. In this article, you’ll learn about the various advantages of plastic tables, so read until the end. 

Plastic Tables – Overview 

The plastic table industry uses different plastics, including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polymers, and others. These materials’ low cost and durability make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. 

Thanks to their customizability, utility, and modern touch, plastic tables are among the most sought-after options for various temporary requirements like birthday parties, events, and weddings. 

That said, don’t be too swayed by the word “temporary” here. Plastic tables are also known for their durability; they will easily last you a lifetime which is why an increasing number of people prefer plastic furniture to traditional metal and wood furniture.

Here are 7 potent reasons why plastic tables are the way to go as far as modern furniture is concerned:

1. Versatile Material 

Plastic comes in various patterns and colors, making it a perfect material for creating designer and stylish furniture. Moreover, it can be molded into tables, bed frames, chairs, kitchen gadgets, sports equipment, and lab tools. 

Customers have endless options for a plastic table that satisfies their needs. You can even find foldable plastic tables in various shapes, colors, and sizes. 

2. Requires Little To No Maintenance

Plastic tables are extremely low-maintenance as compared to other materials. It’s rust-free and doesn’t require painting. Simply put, these tables are a one-time investment that will pay you handsome returns over the years. 

You only need to clean them once in a while using a regular cleaning solution and a soft rag. This will keep the product’s looks intact and remove any dust that may have accumulated on it. 

CAUTION: Keep your plastic tables away from harsh chemicals and heat as they can cause irreparable damage.

3. Environment-Friendly

Most wood and metal furniture items aren’t recyclable. On the other hand, plastic tables are easy to recycle. This reduces the cost of production and saves the environment – less need to cut trees, which otherwise is quite extensive for creating wooden furniture. Buying plastic furniture would mean contributing to nature’s cause. 

4. Stylish And Affordable 

Plastic is comparatively cheaper than other materials, which is highly advantageous for manufacturers and end customers. And the best part is that you don’t have to compromise with the comfort or style. 

Plastic can be sourced easily for making high-quality tables. However, the price of plastic tables varies according to the quality. Today, you can find plastic tables almost everywhere. Their easy production has paved the way to easy availability for the customers. 

5. Easy Mobility And Lightweight

Plastic tables are lightweight in comparison to metal and wood furniture. And this feature has increased its demand in the market since it can be moved anywhere in and around the premises without any hassle. Resultantly, more and more manufacturers are shifting to plastic table production. 

Plastic is also regarded as a heavy-duty material. If you have ever moved a full-sized wooden or metal table, you’ll know how hard it is to shift it from one place to another. They require a lot of support and help because of their heavy load. On the flip side, plastic tables are easily transportable. 

6. Durable And Long-Lasting

Plastic is used for manufacturing all kinds of modern furniture since it is both resilient and tough. A standout feature of plastic tables is that it’s impervious to insects and rot. 

Plastic furniture is miles ahead of even well-crafted and sealed wooden furniture. Therefore, you can use it for a more extended period even if it’s a daily-use item.

Moreover, plastic doesn’t cause any damage to the surface if dropped. High-quality plastic tables are highly durable. Unlike wooden furniture, it doesn’t crack easily. 

Also, it isn’t prone to defects or damage. You don’t even need to polish your plastic tables repeatedly to save them from climatic conditions or rust. 

7. Children-Friendly And Waterproof 

Plastic tables don’t get damaged if they come in contact with water. They are waterproof, making them ideal for use in wet conditions like rain. Also, they are completely safe for children as they don’t feature any sharp corners or edges. 

Tables created out of plastic meet almost every requirement of individuals efficiently. Therefore, they can be ideally used in waiting rooms, canteen, storage cabinets, corridors, bedrooms, living areas, etc.

Like everything else, plastic tables too, have their disadvantages. First off, they aren’t as elegant as tables of other materials, so they may look less attractive and cheap to some meticulous eyes. That said, if you buy high-quality plastic, you may not have to deal with this issue. 

Endnote 

Despite a few disadvantages, tables made out of plastic are highly recommended. They have proven to be one of the best alternatives to wood and metal furniture over the last decade or so.

Moreover, you can create a plethora of set-ups using plastic tables, including but not limited to Classic Banquet, U and V-Shaped, Theater, Auditorium or Classroom style, Fishbone, and Semi-circle set-up. Such versatility is almost impossible to find in any other class of tables. 

Moreover, plastic tables can also be customized according to an individual’s personal use and preferences. That said, carving out immaculate plastic tables is not everyone’s cup of tea and most manufacturers simply want to get on the gravy train with sub-standard products. Make sure you only deal with a reliable manufacturer who provides quality plastic tables at a competitive price. All the best!

Understand the difference between ABS Tables and Blow-Molded Tables

How can you decide whether to purchase inexpensive plastic folding tables (blow-molded) or invest in more expensive ABS plastic tables? Making the right choice depends on your needs and the intended uses for the tables.

So, let’s talk plastic tables.

What is Blow-Molded Plastic?

Blow molding is the process of shaping plastic. The hot plastic is placed into a mold and injected with pressurized air, making the plastic form to the different pieces of the mold.

What is ABS Plastic?

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 Gist

Blow mold: Pressurized air forms the plastic in a molded shape and the plastic is hollow inside. (Think water bottle)

ABS: Heat forms the plastic to an internal frame such as wood.

Blow-Molded Tables

Blow-molded tables have a hollow core and they are supported by steel tubing along each side. The molded plastic often means there is little chipping or peeling on the surface and in the corners. Some styles are available in fold-in-half tables which makes them more portable and easier to store.

The hollow core makes them 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.

Recommendations for Blow-Molded Tables

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. It’s likely the tables will need to be replaced every few years. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas or venues with heavy room turnover.

Anatomy of Blow-Molded Tables

ABS Tables

An ABS table is manufactured using vacuum-formed sheets of ABS plastic that are bonded together over a wood framework with a strong outside edge.

The hard-plastic top is resistant to heat and scratching. The reinforced frame and core of protect ABS Tables from bending, even under heavy loads. In fact, MityLite ABS Tables can support up to 1,000 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 have a limited 15-year warranty.

Recommendations for ABS Tables

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.

Anatomy of An ABS Table

Which Type of Table is Better?

The answer to that question depends on how you’re going to use the tables. The important thing is to be an educated buyer.

The Gist

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.

The best way to move and store ABS tables is to have the right cart.