A quality folding table is essential for holiday hosting. We're sharing tips on how to pick the right one, along with a few of our tried and true favorites.
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Buying a Folding Table
A folding table isn’t exactly an exciting purchase. But once you own one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Squeezing in the required extra seating for parties and holiday dinners becomes a non-issue with the right folding table. Grab it (or them) out of the closet or garage, set it up, set the table and you’re good to go.
Invest in a sturdy folding table you’ll use year after year. Says Nora Mitchell of Household Advice: “When I need to use a folding table, whether it be for a big event or just having extended family over for dinner, I need it to be durable, lightweight, easy to assemble and take down and not look too junky.”
Here’s what to look for in a folding table:
- Durability: Look for a high-quality plastic like polyethylene or polycarbonate.
- Legs: Steel legs with locking mechanisms ensure stability.
- Easy to carry: Many folding tables include a convenient carry handle.
- Assembly: You want legs that fold easily and pop into place without much force.
- Shape: According to Mitchell, there are benefits to round and rectangular tables. She says round tables mean no damaged corners, but rectangle tables hold more people.
- Appearance: You’ll most likely cover a folding table with a tablecloth at dinners and parties. So as long as it’s a good table, appearance shouldn’t be an issue. (Check out our design-forward pick below if you want something a little more stylish.)
Keep these shopping tips in mind while you browse our favorites. We’ve researched the highest rated tables and rounded up the best for every situation, from large gatherings at home to camping.
Best Folding Table for Large Spaces
Hosting a big holiday gathering? If you have a large family (or a lot of friends!) this Cosco Deluxe folding table is a good buy. At eight feet long and 30 inches wide, it can comfortably accommodate eight to 10 people — four chairs on either side and one at each end. When the party is over, the large top folds in half. It includes a convenient carry handle for easy storage.
Best Folding Table for the Kids Table
Most holiday parties include a table for the kids, so they can enjoy themselves while the adults try to eat in peace. This Lifetime kids’ folding picnic table is a great example.
The table‘s built-in benches comfortably seat four small children, eliminating the need for kid-size chairs. The high-density polyethylene construction offers durability and stain resistance.
Best DIY Folding Table
If you prefer going the DIY route, check out this folding table project with plywood. Custom cut the table top to the dimensions you need, then attach the legs with folding brackets. Don’t skip the wipe-on polyurethane finish, which protects the table from stains and makes it easier to clean.
Best Design-Forward Folding Table
Most folding tables take tablecloths, so it doesn’t matter what they look like underneath. If you prefer a more stylish table that doesn’t have to be covered, you’ll like this Sleekform folding table, featuring a solid wood top and metal hairpin style legs.
The legs fold and fit snugly underneath the tabletop. When it’s set up for your party, guests won’t even be able to tell it’s a folding table!
Best Budget Folding Table
If you don’t host a lot of parties, you probably don’t want to invest a lot of money in a folding table. So we recommend this highly-rated four-foot folding table you can snag for under $50! It seats four adults and features a commercial grade plastic top and powder coated metal legs. It’s also available in five-, six- and eight-foot lengths.
Best Convertible Folding Table
When fully expanded, this versatile folding table seats four — perfect for a dining table. Fold in half to use it as a desk, or fold both sides to convert it to a thin console table. It’s great for someone without a lot of storage space.
Plus, it’s got a cabinet in the base to hold books or anything else. It rolls on six casters so you can easily move it where it’s needed.
Best Folding Table for Campsite Hosting
Every campsite needs a folding table, especially if you’re having some fellow campers over to celebrate! The Lifetime adjustable height camping table features durable steel legs and a high-density polyethylene top. Place it at seat level for meals, or raise it to standing height for food prep. When it’s time to head home, the table folds in half for easy transportation.
Best Round Folding Table
If you have an awkward space to squeeze in extra seating for your next party or event, a round folding table like this one might be a good choice. Round tables can fit into small nooks easier while allowing the same amount of seats. This one has a durable resin top, and the legs fold easily inside the tabletop for storage.
Best Folding Table and Chairs Set
When you buy a folding table, don’t forget the chairs! This table and chair setincludes a six-foot folding table and six matching folding chairs.
The table folds in half and includes a carry handle. If you’re using the set indoors, the table and chairs feature non-marring leg caps so they won’t damage your floors.
