So, you're in the market for folding-leg tables. But with such a wide variety of tables out there, it may be helpful to identify some of the key issues that table purchasers face. Here are a few common questions church buyers ask when selecting folding-leg tables for their multi-purpose church facilities.

Q: What kind of folding leg table is ideal for church use?
A:Frankly stated, the best table to buy is the table that meets your needs. This means, it's a good idea to do some initial work to identify the "problem" you're trying to solve. To narrow down your choices, look at the factors that seem most important to you, such as price, cost of ownership, quality, weight, durability, value, safety and strength. Everyone, of course, will claim to have the superior product, but careful research should help identify the best choice for you. For example, if price rather than durability is the principle issue, you can easily purchase an inexpensive table from your local discount retailer. If longer-term durability with few performance or quality issues is your main concern, consider working directly with a higher-end table manufacturer. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely pay more to obtain higher quality, so careful budgeting may be required. The old adage "you get what you pay for" applies when purchasing tables, so try and buy the best quality table you can afford.

Q: What are a few things to consider before purchasing folding leg tables for the church?
A:The first thing to decide is how much "use and abuse" you'll be putting your tables through. Think about the kinds of activities your congregation is involved in, and whether the tables will be used for light use or medium to heavy use. It's one thing to host the Friday night bingo league or the senior's luncheon, but it's another thing to load your tables up for the Easter buffet, or use them for youth group activities where the tables may be jumped or sat on, pushed and pulled, etc. Be realistic when considering how your tables will be used, and then look for tables that meet your durability requirements.

Q: Why does table leg construction have such a big impact on overall table quality?
A:For churches that require tables for light-duty use only, tables with light-gauge leg construction may fit the bill. Keep in mind, however, that frequent folding and unfolding of lightweight table legs frequently result in loosened leg attachments. While inexpensive tables may be a necessary solution for some churches, others will be frustrated by the lack of durability resulting from the lighter-gauge leg construction. Look for tables that feature steel-to-steel leg mounts, rather than legs mounted via screw-to-plastic, or screw-to-wood. A bolt-to-inner-steel mounting system will not loosen with use. The way table legs are attached may seem trivial, but it can make all the difference in the overall longevity of your tables.

Q: What kind of tabletop construction is best?
A:How you use the table will determine the tabletop style needed. Some tables feature a hollow plastic top with external cross members consisting of lightweight external steel or aluminum runners. This table style is good for lightweight use, but is generally insufficient if you need the table to handle heavy loads, frequent setups and takedowns, or very rigorous use. Alternatively, particleboard, plywood, or ABS plastic tables provide a much flatter, more durable surface for supporting heavy loads. Wood tables may consist of a single slab construction, while most ABS plastic tables feature an internal structure featuring hard woods or a honeycomb core sandwiched between two ABS plastic layers. An ABS engineered tabletop is much lighter than a particleboard table or plywood table, which helps account for the surge in the popularity of ABS plastic tables over the past two decades. However, ABS plastic tables are generally more expensive than blowmolded and wood tables, though the overall durability and quality of ABS is better.

Q: Who makes the best tables for churches?
A:Table durability varies from vendor to vendor, so be sure to ask vendors about tabletop impact strength, load capacity, and corner and edge durability. Also, it might be helpful to call other churches in your area and ask which tables have worked for them.

In conclusion, a little bit of research combined with a sound understanding of your real-life usage requirements will help you identify the ideal table for your church.

Bryan Standley is the marketing manager for Mity-Lite, Inc., www.mitylite.com.