How to Choose the Right School Furniture

Posted on May 15, 2012 by ejaecks

Choosing the right school furniture isn't as easy as it used to be.

Choosing the right school furniture isn’t as easy as it used to be. The one-room schoolhouse has been replaced by large state-of-the-art buildings. Simple wooden desks and chairs have been replaced by ergonomic classroom chairs and student desks. Teaching the 3 R’s has moved beyond the classroom and into computer labs and science labs. Textbooks are giving way to laptops and tablets. Even the blackboard is being replaced by whiteboards or electronic interactive boards. Classroom Scene with Teacher and Kids

One thing that never changes is that whether you’re replacing a few chairs and desks or outfitting an entire school, your main concern is choosing the right school furniture. At ATD-American, we recognize that school furniture needs and preferences vary significantly among schools and districts. One thing that never varies is the expectation of quality, durability and functionality.

Quality School Furniture - Quality school furniture is vital to creating a learning environment that inspires and encourages students to reach their full potential. School chairs and school chair desks must be comfortable and durable. School desks and other worksurfaces must be adequate to specific tasks, such as note-taking, laptop computer use, experiments, etc. Beyond these functional aspects, the classroom image portrayed correlates to student perception of your performance expectations. An attractive, highly functional, quality environment tells them you expect excellence.

Durable School Furniture - Durability is always a primary concern when selecting school furniture. Key features and benefits to look for when choosing school chairs for children include welded tubular steel frames for lasting strength and seating surfaces of polypropylene, polyethylene or melamine hard plastic for long-term performance. School desks should have mar-resistant worksurfaces with either a high-pressure laminate finish or melamine hard plastic construction.

Functional School Furniture - Along with durability, most educators would agree that one of the main functions of contemporary school furniture is to be ergonomically supportive and comfortable. Another key classroom furniture characteristic is adaptability. For some schools, it is essential to have school chairs and school desks that accommodate diverse teaching styles and curriculum offerings. Chairs that can be quickly stacked for easier classroom cleaning and readily moved from room to room as needed are exceptionally adaptable and provide flexibility.

Your School Furniture Budget – Price, of course, is a major factor in your school furniture selection process. Your challenge is to find the best product within your budget, and that’s why it’s important to choose from an extensive product line.

Click here for the Top 3 Reasons to Buy from ATD

Other factors to consider when making school furniture selections include product lead times, delivery and installation services, and service after the sale. Some smaller distributors have limited capabilities and these limitations become very evident, especially if you need furniture quickly and they can’t help you meet your deadline

Shop for School Furniture You Can Depend on at ATD’s Deep Discounts – Whether your school focuses on traditional curriculum, cooperative learning or a combination of styles, ATD has the school chairs, school desks, school chair desks and activity tables you need to fit the teaching styles of your faculty, meet the needs of your students and help everyone succeed. Select your favorite school desks and school chairs, or discover exciting, new products from our school furniture collections. Outfit classrooms, breakroom & cafeteria, library, preschool, computer labs & training rooms, science labs, art rooms, locker room & gymnasium, auditorium & music rooms, outdoor areas, or reception & lounge areas from our wide selection of school furniture. It’s even easy being green with ATD’s Earth Friendly school furniture.

If you need help with your selection, put our experts at ATDesign to work for you. IT’S FREE AND EASY. Call us at 888.283.7246 or e-mail designs@atd.com.

Lower your buying costs and get more for your money. Add ATD-AMERICAN to your bid list. Call us at 866-283-9327 or email rfq@atd.com.

ATD Celebrates Clean Air Month with Greenguard® and Indoor Advantage™

Posted on May 1, 2012 by ejaecks

May is Clean Air Month and ATD wants to make it possible for everyone to sit back, relax and take a deep breath.

We at ATD-AMERICAN believe that a healthy environment is essential for our company, for our planet, and especially for the children and adults who use our products. We are dedicated to providing our customers with precious natural resources and positively contribute to a healthy work, school and world environment.

As a part of our “Green Initiative” ATD is committed to contributing to cleaner indoor air quality. You’ll breathe easy when you select office furniture and school furniture with GREENGUARD®, GREENGUARD® Children & Schools or Indoor Advantage™ certification.

GREENGUARD® – The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), is an industry-independent, non-profit testing organization that establishes acceptable air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. GEI’s mission is to protect human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air.

GREENGUARD-certified products, including office desks, office chairs and other office furniture, must meet stringent third-party requirements for low chemical emissions based on established health standards, and undergo rigorous testing and verification on a regular basis.

GREENGUARD certification is broadly recognized and accepted by a number of “green” building programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® program.

GREENGUARD® Children & Schools - Children spend about 85% of their time indoors, where the air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. As a result, they face long-term health risks due to indoor air pollution.

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools standard evaluates the sensitive nature of school populations, combined with the unique building characteristics found in schools, and presents the most rigorous product emissions criteria to date. Certified products, including school desks, school chairs and other classroom furniture, have been tested for their chemical emissions and performance according to the California Section 01350 Specification, the only health-based building material specification for indoor air quality.

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools program is overseen by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), an industry-independent, non-profit testing organization. GREENGUARD certification is broadly recognized and accepted by a number of “green” building programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® program.

Indoor Advantage™ – Developed by Scientific Certifications Systems (SCS), Indoor Advantage subjects products to the most rigorous indoor air quality emission standards in the U.S., and offers two levels of certification:

Indoor Advantage™ certifies conformance with LEED-CI criteria for EQ4.5 (furniture and seating), as well as BIFMA X7.1 (low-emitting furniture and seating).

Indoor Advantage Gold™ certifies additional conformance with California 01350 Special Environmental Requirements and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), which set emission limits for classroom furniture and other products used in public schools.

ATD works every day to find and implement other ways to protect and sustain our environment and its resources. We select products that are designed for durability and optimal reusability or recyclability. We also make every effort to ship products from the source closest to a customer’s location in order to save fuel. As a company, we have made a commitment to conduct our own business in a sustainable manner and make every effort to recycle, re-use and reduce waste .We also seek out business partners who share our commitment to the environment. Their efforts include implementing “Green” manufacturing processes, using recycled or renewable raw materials, and producing green-certified products.

By implementing these solutions, as well as many others, ATD aims to reduce our impact on and promote responsibility for the environment across all levels.We also promise to continually improve our business practices in order to protect and sustain the environment and its resources for today’s children and for generations of children to come. We welcome your comments and suggestions, and we encourage you to let us know how your office or school is “Going Green”.

How to Buy a Mesh Office Chair

Posted on April 26, 2012 by ejaecks

Mesh chairs are the coolest thing in office seating and not just because of how they look.If you’re looking for an office chair with great style and exceptional comfort and support, a breathable mesh chair might be the best office chair for you.

What is a Mesh Chair? – Mesh office chairs feature a cool mesh back that provides maximum support and ventilation to help reduce fatigue and regulate body temperature. Mesh back office chairs are also available with mesh seats for even more cool comfort.

What is the Best Mesh Office Chair for Me? – From mesh ergonomic chairs to mesh executive chairs, we offer a wide array of stylish and functional mesh chairs that will keep you cool and comfortable

Ergonomic Mesh Chairs - For users who spend most of their day working at a computer, ergonomic mesh computer chairs provide multi-function controls for customized comfort during long periods of sitting. Mesh task chairs offer seat and arm-height adjustments or proper keyboarding position.

Executive Mesh Office Chairs - Mesh chairs can keep even busy executives cool under pressure. Mesh executive chairs are available with mesh seats or with fabric-upholstered seats in a wide array of colors and patterns. Mesh back chairs with leather seats are also available for those who enjoy the rich look and feel of a leather office chair.

Don’t All Mesh Chairs Look Alike? – While all mesh office chairs provide cool comfort and great support, they are available in a wide variety of unique and distinctive styles from manufacturers you know and trust. Our selection of Office Star Mesh Chairs includes the popular Space Air Grid Series Mesh Chairs and the ProLine Series ProGrid Mesh Chairs. We also offer the innovative Ergohuman mesh chair by Eurotech as well as the latest styles in mesh office seating from Allseating, HON, Humanscale, Nightingale, Neutral Posture, Dauphin and OFM.

Relax and Stretch with Cubicle Cal

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ejaecks

It’s a pain to work a 9-to-5 day when your office desk chair quits on you by 11AM. If pain, stress and fatigue are an everyday part of your job, it might be your chair that’s the problem, not your job. You may be working an 8-hour day in a 2-hour office chair.

A well-designed, comfortable office chair is the most important element in creating a productive, healthy workspace and a productive, healthy YOU!

ATD-AMERICAN offers a broad selection of office chairs that put you in command of your comfort. Choose from adjustable ergonomic chairs, breathable mesh chairs, heavy-duty big & tall chairs, genuine leather chairs, side or guest chairs, multi-shift 24 hour chairs , keyboard-compatible computer & task chairs, conference chairs and executive & managerial office chairs.

Most of our office chairs are in In Stock and Ready to Ship, so you’ll be sitting comfortably in just a few days. In the meantime, take a few minutes to relax and stretch with Cubicle Cal. He’ll help take the stress out of waiting.

It’s Official! ATD-AMERICAN CO. is Exceptional!

Posted on February 15, 2012 by ejaecks

For the fifth year in a row, ATD-AMERICAN has been awarded the coveted “EXCEPTIONAL” Rating from the General Services Administration Federal Supply Service (FSS) in its most recent Contractor Assessment conducted in December of 2011.

ATD-AMERICAN, a women-owned small business, currently holds many Schedule 71 GSA contracts, including our GSA Catalog (GS-28F-0030P and GS-28F-0029V) that offers one-stop shopping for our Government customers’ needs. We specialize in GSA contract office furniture, including office desks, office chairs, executive office furniture, conference tables and computer office furniture.

The Federal Supply Service conducts performance reviews of GSA contractors as part of the General Services Administration’s mission to provide client agencies with quality products in a timely and cost effective manner. Contractors are scored on an Administrative Report Card, which evaluates performance based on more than twenty specific contract compliance areas and assigns ratings based on a five-tier rating system.

“Exceptional” is the highest rating awarded by the GSA, and only 10% of the GSA contract holders achieve this rating.

Click here to view ATD's GSA report Card

In 2011, as in previous years, ATD received its “Exceptional” Rating with the highest scores possible in all applicable categories, including timely delivery, accurate record-keeping and lowest possible pricing.

“This is great news for ATD,” said Yvonne Zaslow, Executive Vice-President and co-owner of ATD-AMERICAN. “A rating of “Exceptional” is not easy to achieve even once, so for ATD to receive it for a fifth year in a row is truly a great achievement.”

“2011 was a banner year for ATD-AMERICAN,” Ms. Zaslow continued. “We began the year celebrating our 80th Anniversary as a family-owned business. ATD has prided itself on providing exceptional customer satisfaction and service since 1931, and receiving this honor from the GSA in December provided the perfect ending to our anniversary year.”

“We must also acknowledge the contribution of our GSA partners and suppliers,” Ms. Zaslow concluded. “We thank them for their help in achieving our “Exceptional’ rating. And, of course, thank you to all of our customers. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

We invite you to experience “Exceptional’ Service for yourself!

ATD-AMERICAN, the Furniture Specialists, can help you meet not only your government office furniture needs but your budget needs as well. Our expert advisors are always on hand to assist you with your government office furniture purchases. They can provide you with a quote over the phone or by e-mail. ATD can also submit quotations by formal bid or through GSA eBuy and FedBizOpps.

Our Schedule 71 Federal Government Contracts provide turnkey solutions for agencies that require a wide variety of products and services and the ability to manage their entire project with one purchase order. Whether you need office desks or office chairs, you’ll find them here. ATD also offers a large selection of other products, including furniture for conference rooms, training areas, break rooms, cafeterias, reception areas and lounges.

ATD provides a full array of services including free space planning. This service includes 2D and 3D CAD drawings as well as fabric and finish samples – all at no cost.

Nationwide professional installation and project management services are available. ATD has one of the most extensive networks of trained installers in the United States.

How to Buy Panel Systems and Cubicles

Posted on January 4, 2012 by ejaecks

Cubicles aren’t cramped boxes anymore! Cubicles and panel systems are the easiest way to create highly efficient, productive and…believe it or not…stylish environments.

The right office design can have a major impact on your bottom line. Whether you are updating an existing office to accommodate more staff and office furniture and equipment, or seeking entirely new office solutions, your office design will affect the efficiency and productivity of your day-to-day operations and may determine the success or failure of your business.

Finding the right panel system for your office can be a big job as you are faced with what looks like an overwhelming number of choices to be made and details to be coordinated.

To make the process easy, we’ve outlined a simple five-step process that will help you create your perfect office.

STEP 1: SELECT YOUR WORKSTATION TYPICAL

One cubicle does not fit all! Most organizations are made up of multiple departments or work areas, each with its own unique functions and requirements. “Typicals” are layouts which are designed to meet these needs. For example, executives and managers will require offices that provide some degree of privacy as well as space for impromptu office conferencing. Your telemarketing department may need cubicles that accommodate only a telephone and a computer, while the graphics department requires cubicles that provide space for large-screen monitors, scanners and drafting furniture. Your accounting department will probably need spaces with extensive storage capabilities and the marketing department will require space for meetings.

STEP 2: ADD THE DETAILS

While office cubicle systems are made of up many parts that can be configured in hundreds (if not thousands) of combinations, cubicle design starts with four major design components.

PANELS

Panels are generally categorized as monolithic or segmented. Monolithic panels are one-piece panels with single surface finish on each panel face. Segmented panels are usually a tile and frame type system that allows for different surface materials and finishes to be used on a single panel face.

Panels are available in multiple heights to balance privacy and communication. When creating a cubicle, the height of the panels should be determined by the tasks of the users and the degree of management the users require. Panels that are low in height allow visual management of employees. Higher panels offer more privacy.

Panels are available in a wide choice of materials that contribute to both function and style. Fabric or laminate panels provide maximum privacy and afford a virtually unlimited selection of color choices. Clear or frosted glazed panels let you create the degree of light and privacy you require.

WORKSURFACES

Worksurfaces are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and include panel-supported and freestanding types in a variety of surface materials and finishes. When choosing a worksurface, consider how much flat space is needed to accommodate everything the user needs to have close at hand.

STORAGE AND FILING

The amount and type of filing and storage included within a cubicle is usually based on the job function of the users. Cubicle systems storage generally includes panel or worksurface-mounted and freestanding components. Panel-mounted units are typically overhead cabinets and shelves. Worksurface-mounted components are typically drawer pedestals. Freestanding components include mobile and stationary pedestals, files and storage towers.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories can contribute greatly to the functionality of a cubicle and to the comfort of the user. These generally include keyboard and mouse trays and arms, task lighting, tackboards and tool rails.

STEP 3: SELECT YOUR CUBICLE SYSTEMS PRODUCT LINE

Once you’ve determined what you need, you can begin to explore the various manufacturers and product lines that are available to you. Among the factors you will be taking into consideration are style, price and the features that are available to you.

STEP 4: SELECT YOUR COLORS

Not only are office cubicles made up of many parts, they are also available in a virtually limitless array of colors and finishes. When choosing your colors, you can customize your cubicles to fit the image of your organization, to coordinate with existing colors, or even to color code departments.

STEP 5: MAKE USE OF PROFESSIONAL SPACE PLANNING ASSISTANCE

As you begin to plan your office, you should ask yourself whether you should do it yourself or can you afford to get professional space planning assistance. Considering the impact your choice of office solutions will have on your business, the answer is can you afford to do it yourself?

LET ATDesign PLAN YOUR OFFICE SPACE!

IT’S FREE AND EASY!

We provide the highest quality space planning services, along with an outstanding selection of panel systems furniture at extremely competitive prices. From individual spaces to entire buildings, our space planning specialists can create the customized cubicles and workstations that best meet your needs and your budget.

Looking for panel systems by AIS, Marvel, OFM or Tayco? ATDesign provides FREE cubicle space planning with 3-D floor plans and price quotes on cubicle systems furniture and installation.

LET OUR SPACE PLANNING EXPERTS WORK WITH YOU

Call us @888-283-2378 or Email designs@atd.com. One of our space planning experts will discuss your project with you and review your requirements and budget.
We’ll ask you a few questions about your room dimensions and the number of offices and workstations you need. We also accept AutoCad drawings.
Tell us the style and type of furniture you prefer, and if you have any special filing/storage requirements or electrical/telecommunications needs.
We’ll send you a complete proposal, including CAD drawings, recommended furniture and accessories, and free color samples.
Upon your approval, we can even arrange to have your new furniture installed by our team of professional installers.

How to Buy an Office Chair

Posted on December 14, 2011 by ejaecks

Are you working an 8-hour day in a 2-hour office chair? It’s a pain to work a 9-to-5 day when your office desk chair quits on you by 11AM. If pain, stress and fatigue are an everyday part of your job, it might be your chair that’s the problem, not your job. A well-designed, comfortable office chair is the most important element in creating a productive, healthy workspace and a productive, healthy YOU!

Choosing the Best Office Chair for YOU - An office chair is more than just a piece of office furniture you sit on. Your office chair is the command center of your workspace. The best office desk chair for you is one that is specifically designed for the type of work you do. There are three major categories of office chairs:

Ergonomic Adjustable Task Chair

Ergonomic Chairs, Computer Chairs and Task Chairs

Ergonomic office chairs, also called computer chairs or task chairs are adjustable office chairs ideal for individuals whose jobs require long periods of sitting. They are the best office chairs for individuals who spend most of their time at computer desks. A good ergonomic chair adjusts easily to let you move freely as you go from task to task and provides support for your back, legs and arms as you change body positions.

Genuine Leather Executive Chair

Executive Chairs and Managers Chairs

Executive chairs and managers chairs are swivel chairs designed for those who don’t use a computer frequently or for long periods of time. The ideal executive office chair has a high, wide back, a deep seat and the ergonomic features needed to provide hours of comfort during long workdays. Some users may also prefer knee-tilt or other swivel chair tilter mechanisms.

Multi-Function High-Base Stool

Drafting Chairs and Stools

A stool is an ideal choice for anyone who regularly performs precision or repetitive manual tasks for extended periods of time at a work desk higher than the traditional 29 or 30 inches. Drafting stools are higher than typical office chairs and include a ring or other foot support mechanism above the base.

Take command of your comfort. ATD offers a wide selection of office chairs at low discount prices, including adjustable ergonomic, breathable mesh, heavy-duty big & tall, genuine leather, side or guest chairs, multi-shift 24 hour, keyboard-compatible computer & task, comfortable conference and executive & managerial office chairs.

ATD-AMERICAN Designs and Furnishes Classrooms for American International School of Bamako, Mali

Posted on December 6, 2011 by ejaecks

ATD-AMERICAN is the leading North American supplier of School Furniture to International Schools. We serve International Schools on all six inhabited continents and are keenly aware of your needs.

ATD, the leading North American supplier of school furniture to International Schools, put its global experience and expertise to work to design and furnish new classrooms for the American International School of Bamako, Mali.

ATD-AMERICAN is able to deliver merchandise to any country in Africa. We welcome the International School of Bamako, Mali, to our family of customers.

ATD-AMERICAN is able to deliver merchandise to any country in Africa. We welcome the American International School of Bamako, Mali, to our family of customers.

April 14th, 2011, marked the start of Spring Break for the students of the American International School of Bamako (AISB) in the Republic of Mali in West Africa. It also marked the end of an era. On that day, students left their school in the Bamako neighborhood of Badalabougou for the last time. On April 27th, their return to school marked the beginning of a new era with the “Sail to Sotuba”, as students crossed the Niger River and were welcomed to new classrooms on the newly constructed Sotuba campus.

When the American International School of Bamako (AISB) needed to design and furnish classrooms for its new campus, they turned to ATD-AMERICAN for help.

“We first met with AISB at a convention held by the Association for the Advancement of International Education in 2010,” said Tim Voit, International Sales Manager of ATD-AMERICAN. “They came to us because we have a strong record of supplying International Schools worldwide with school furniture.”

AISB moved into its new facility in April of 2011. Each of the three divisions - Early Learning, Elementary and Secondary - are centered around green spaces.

Established in 1977 to serve the needs of American and international students seeking an English language education, AISB is an independent coeducational private day school offering a full U.S. educational program from kindergarten through grade 12. The new Sotuba campus of AISB includes spacious classrooms for all primary grades plus a secondary campus with student lounge areas, athletic facilities, science labs, two computer labs and a wirelessly connected campus, library and performing and visual arts center on five hectares, all overlooking the Niger River.

ATD's team of School Furniture experts specified the furniture for Sotuba, including everthing needed to outfit state-of-the-art science labs.

“We worked intensively with David Henry, the former director of the school, throughout the specification process,” Mr. Voit continued. “Our Design Team worked with Mr. Henry and his staff to create customized classrooms, science labs, computer labs, music rooms, art rooms and the school library. Our team of school furniture experts also specified the furniture for Sotuba, with a long list of items that ranged from school desks and school chairs to everything needed to outfit state-of-the-art computer labs and science labs.”

ATD-AMERICAN is a global company and the leading North American supplier of School Furniture to International Schools. ATD also serves schools, universities, governments, correctional facilities and businesses in over 60 counties on all six inhabited continents.

“Shipping the furniture needed to equip an entire school located halfway around the world sounds like an impossible task,” Mr. Voit added. “But it’s all in a day’s work for ATD. Our advanced logistics operation allows us to deliver merchandise almost anywhere in the world. For Sotuba, we were able to consolidate shipments from 20 different vendors at a single

Malian Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new Sotuba campus of the American International School of Bamako, Mali

On April 30th, 2011, students and faculty watched with pride as Malian Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new campus during a ceremony also attended by Professeur Salikou Sanogo, the Malian Minister of Education, and Her Excellency Gillian Milovanovicis, the U.S. Ambassador to Mali.

While Mr. Voit was not able to be in Bamako for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “I was there in spirit, along with the entire ATD team,” he said. “Our thoughts were with the students, the teachers and the rest of the staff. We welcome them to their new classrooms and hope they enjoy using them as much as we enjoyed creating and furnishing them.”

Special guests of honor at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included (left to right) Minister of Education Professeur Salikou Sanogo, Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé and Her Excellency Gillian Milovanovicis, the U.S. Ambassador to Mali.

3rd and 4th graders from the American International School of Bamako, Mali, singing at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, April 30, 2011.

Students and faculty display the AISB colors.

Images: Map of Mali, Science Lab, and all images of ribbon-cutting ceremony supplied by American International School of Bamako. Used with permission.

The Resilient Workplace – Sustainable Interior Design for the Office

Posted on December 1, 2011 by ejaecks

The Resilient Workplace

20 September, 2011

By Judith Heerwagen and Michael F. Bloom

In systems biology, resiliency is the capacity of a system and its inhabitants to bounce back from disruptive change, to cope with adversity without losing essential functionality and identity. The result is a more adaptive state with a greater capacity for effective reorganization. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has been implementing strategies to make the GSA’s vast number of workplaces more resilient and, thus, sustainable. Two sustainability experts with the GSA’s Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings outline key aspects of the resilient workplace, which can be applied to any office. Read more

Source: Contract, September 2011. Used with permission.

How to Buy Folding Tables…Unfolding the Facts

Posted on November 17, 2011 by ejaecks

Folding tables are an essential for schools, cbuirches, auditoriums and conference areas.

Versatile and convenient, folding tables are an essential for schools, churches, auditoriums and conference areas. Folding tables can be brought out whenever and wherever needed, and then easily stored away when not in use.

Folding tables also give you the greatest flexibility in space management in areas that have dual or multi-purposes. A room that hosts a pancake breakfast in the morning can be quickly re-configured to accommodate a committee meeting in the afternoon and an awards banquet in the evening.

However, the versatility and convenience of folding tables also means that they are likely to be subject to extreme usage and abuse. Tables will be dragged across the floor instead of being correctly folded, placed on table trucks or dollies, and rolled into position.

Folding tables represent a substantial investment and you have a stake in selecting the most durable folding table for your money. The construction of a folding table is what makes the difference between a sturdy, safe dependable folding table that will last for many years and one that will need to be replaced in a year or two.

For folding tables that will provide years of dependable use no matter how much they’re used and abused, keep these basics in mind:

FOLDING TABLE CONSTRUCTION – When it comes to choosing a folding table, the key is not to start at the beginning, but at the top…the table top.

TOP MATERIAL – Most folding table tops are constructed of plywood, particleboard or blow-molded plastic. How you will use the table will determine the top style you need.

For heavy-duty use, choose solid plywood table tops covered with burn, stain and scratch-resistant high-presure laminate.

Plywood – For intensive-use applications. Solid plywood is considered one of the strongest table cores on the market. Plywood tables usually feature a high-pressure laminate covering which has a high degree of burn, stain and scratch-resistance.

Particleboard – For light to medium use. Particleboard is made up of small wood pieces bonded together. Particleboard tops may have a low-pressure laminate or melamine covering, which is not as durable as high-pressure laminate.

Lightweight blow-molded plastic folding tables are maintenance-free and weather-resistant.

Blow-Molded Plastic – An increasingly popular choice. These tables are lightweight and easy to carry. The tough, blow-molded plastic is impact-resistant, maintenance-free and won’t chip, crack, rot or peel. These tables are also weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor as well as indoor use.

LEGS - Most folding tables have steel legs, but the strength of the steel varies. The strength of the steel is measured by its gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the steel. Also, be sure to check that the legs have a folding mechanism that locks securely in both the open and closed positions.

HEIGHT – Folding tables are available with fixed or adjustable-height legs. Fixed-height tables are a standard adult height of 29 or 30 inches. Adjustable-height tables usually move in one-inch increments across a broader range of heights, from as low as 19 inches to as high as 32 inches, and provide greater flexibility when working with children.

Table trucks and table dollies make it easy to move folding tables from place to place.

FOLDING TABLE TRUCKS AND DOLLIES

Most of the people who will be moving and setting up the tables are not professional furniture movers.They are probably volunteers, with very little experience and possibly not in ideal shape for the task.

So make their job a little easier and help reduce wear and tear on your folding tables by including table trucks or table dollies when you make your purchase. Your volunteers will thank you for it.