Folding Table Parts

The design of a folding table allows for easy portability and storage options. Merchants sell folding tables in rectangular, square and round styles that have either resin or wooden tabletops in a variety of standard sizes. Folding tables often have legs with hinged locking devices and end caps, these parts provide additional stability to the tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Tabletop

A folding table may have a resin or plastic top or it may be wooden. There can be a split in the center of the tabletop to allow for folding it or it may be solid. Standard rectangular sizes are 6 feet by 30 inches or 8 feet by 30 inches and 4 feet by 24 inches. Round folding tables are available in 24, 36, 48 and 72 inch diameters.

Frame

The frame on a folding table is generally steel or an alloy material. It supports the tabletop by its placement around the underside of the table's circumference.

Legs

The folding table's legs attach to the table with mounting brackets and screws on each short end of a rectangular folding table or on two sides across from each other on a round table. The legs are generally steel or metal and contain a support bracket that is at a 45-degree angle to the table. The support bracket holds the legs out in a vertical line so that they do not fold in while in use. There is a hinged locking device located on the support bracket. Depressing the hinge will release the legs so they can fold inward and flush with the tabletop for easy transporting and storage.

End Caps

The bottoms of a folding table's legs have end caps to protect your floors from scratches. They fit on the bottom of the legs so that the metal tubing is not exposed. End caps also help to stabilize a table on slick floors so that the table does not slide. The end caps are also a safety factor so that when a table is folded you don't get scratches on your arms from the metal while carrying it.

Carrying Handle

Some smaller models of folding tables have a carrying handle. These seamed top types allow the top and legs to fold also. When all of the parts of this table are folded it creates a "suitcase" with a latch to hold all the parts in place and a handle that pulls out for easy carrying.