• Blow Molded Tables: These plastic resin based tables have become very popular as they are the least expensive lightweight folding table.  Essentially these tables consist of a table-top that is created via plastic being blown into a mold (Blow Molded) and then a steel frame being attached to the top.  But there are several quality levels with these tables.

1. Non-Commercial Rated Imported Tables: These are the tables you will often find at various warehouse clubs around the country.  They are very inexpensive, but their weight ratings are low and their quality suspect.   Their warranties can sound great, but are often meaningless.  And if you need a good number of tables, chances are there will not be enough in stock at the store and you will have to order them.  I always advise churches looking at this level of table to consider the following option.
2. Commercial Rated Imported Tables: These tables are similar in look and style to those above, but they possess a sturdier construction.  Often the steel will be of a higher gauge, there will be more cross-members  under the table and more connection points to the top.  Their load rating will be higher and they will carry a BIFMA certification and valid warranty.   And you can actually get this table delivered to your church for the same money as the above option if you shop well by working with someone like Save Your Church Money.  Manufacturers of this type of table include National Public Seating and Correll.
3. Commercial Rated Domestically Produced Tables: This is a fairly unique product from Correll.  These tables are made in the States and are very study.  In addition, these tables have two features that especially appeal to churches.  First, they are available in two solid colors (mocha brown tops with brown legs and gray tops with black legs).  These are very attractive compared to the typical speckled off-white/grey look of the above models.  Secondly, these tables have a profiled edge that is very attractive compared to the two inch flat edge found on the above models.  This allows for table skirting when desired, and just looks far more attractive when uncovered than those above.  This table does cost more then the imported models, but less than the ABS Tables we will look at next.

• ABS Plastic: ABS stands for “Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene,” a composite plastic that is both lightweight and strong enough that football helmets are often constructed from it.  ABS tables possess a degree of interior framing since they have an inner core to accommodate this.  As a result, ABS tables have an inherent strength not found in blow molded tables.  Manufacturers of this type of table include Midwest Folding Products.  I have found that Midwest consistently provides the same quality level of ABS as other manufacturers, but for less dollars.  These tables are more expensive than blow molded tables but cost less than the aluminum tables we will look at next.  And again, I would recommend Save Your Church Money for the lowest prices and best service on ABS tables.

• Aluminum Tables: The “Cadillac” of lightweight tables for the church market are aluminum tables from Southern Aluminum.  These tables are strong enough to support 4,000 pounds of weight (about four times that of commercial blow molded tables) and yet weigh less than either blow molded or ABS tables.  They come with an amazing lifetime warranty (a real one with no loopholes)!   I have seen these tables used in several churches and the custodial staffs rave about them because of how well they hold up and how easy they are to handle.  These are the most costly lightweight tables for churches, but once they are purchased and paid for, there will be no regrets on the part of the church.  These tables are also available at the lowest prices through Save Your Church Money.

I always recommend that churches go with the highest quality of tables their budget can afford.  The joy of saving a few dollars at purchase time, will quickly be forgotten as the quality of the tables are demonstrated over time.

While the lightness of these tables have been appreciated by custodians and volunteers across the country, there has been one primary trade-off.  Plastic lightweight tables, while highly functional, are not very aesthetically pleasing.  Colors and surface choices in plastic tables are minimal.  At the same time however, no one wants to go back to the days of heavy tables to obtain a more attractive look.

Enter the iDesign Aluminum Tables from Southern Aluminum.   Architects and interior designers love them for their beauty as well as for their lightweight feature.  This is a niche market for Southern Aluminum because the name is just as it implies.  Gary Vitatoe, Regional Sales Director for Southern Aluminum describes iDesign this way, “iDesign means that you become the designer and tell us what you want.  You pick the shape of the table that you want, the size of table, the leg style, and then the fun begins as your designer influence takes over.  Selecting  the laminate, perimeter edge color, and leg color can be an easy task or it can be overwhelming because of the hundreds of laminate selections available.  As the only manufacturer that will allow the customer to fully design their table(s) to meet their needs, our tables will enhance any room setting in which they are placed.  Conference rooms, dining halls, cafeterias, commons areas, class rooms, break-out rooms, and employee break areas all become transformed into brighter, more crisp and inviting areas when furnished with iDesign tables.  Cost wise, iDesign tables are surprisingly affordable as they are about half of what you would expect to pay for another manufacturer’s table that would be similar in appearance.  That is where all similarities end though as you will also find that because the iDesign table is all aluminum, it weighs up to 40% less than other tables of its type.  These are beautiful and lightweight tables to enhance any setting at an affordable price, all backed by an unprecedented written lifetime guarantee…that’s iDesign,only from Southern Aluminum.

If you’re interested in a quote on all Southern Aluminum products, be sure and check out Save Your Church Money for the best pricing in the country.