5 Tips for Picking Cafeteria Tables

Summer break is finally here, and while millions of students are enjoying their time off, schools everywhere are already preparing for fall. Although summer may seem long, three months is not a lot of time to deep clean and organize an entire facility. As soon as the kids depart, faculty get ready to switch into high gear.

How to Select the Right Cafeteria Tables

If there is one room in your school that requires plenty of attention, it is the cafeteria. Depending on the district’s budget, you may be in a position to upgrade the seating furniture.

Swapping out old, outdated cafeteria tables with new, stylish and more ergonomic models is a smart move and wise investment. After years of wear and tear, it may also be important to do so from a safety standpoint. Whatever the reason may be, choosing the right style and type of tables can be a bit of a challenge, especially given the vast array of available options.

Take the time to select an appropriate table finish. Most cafeteria tables feature 14-gauge steel tubing for their frames, but the tabletop will either come with a powder coat or chrome layer. Both of these have their pros and cons that you will need to weigh before the purchase.

Given its greater resistance to scratching, chrome is typically recommended for schools, especially high schools where there tend to be more students. If you are working with a limited budget and do not care so much for looks, go with the powder coat finish. Along the same lines, plywood is a preferable tabletop material as opposed to particle board as it is more durable and highly resistant to moisture. Though more expensive up front, it is bound to last much longer and thus be a better investment.

As far as the type of seating is concerned, the standard configurations are folding tables with either benches or stools. The former style is usually found more in elementary schools, while older students typically want more independence from one another and freedom to move around if they so desire. When determining table height, the general rule of thumb is 29 inches when using 18-inch high seats and 27 inches when accommodating younger students. Feel free to browse Classroom Essentials full selection of cafeteria tables today.