If you’re buying furniture for a school, college, or university, then school tables are undoubtedly high on your list. If that’s the case, then it’s important to know the multiple options that are available to you. Keep reading and the Rosehill team will tell you about the different types of school tables you can buy…
What is a school table?
Ask a member of the public to think of a classroom table, and they’ll almost certainly think of something like this:
It’s your classic four-legged, rectangular table that features a heavy duty metal frame and legs and a laminate top.
Like other types of table, school tables are generally available in a broad range of colours and finishes. For example, the table above is available with either wood-style finishes to the table-top, or solid colours. Likewise, the metal frames and legs on school tables are typically available in different colours and finishes such as silver, black, charcoal, or even textured/metallic finishes.
Another important point to know about school tables is that they are often available with different types of table edging such as a natural MDF edge, PVC edge or a PU edge. These different types of edging are designed to provide additional protection to the table, as well as protect students/pupils in the event of a collision with the edge/side of the table.
As the above point makes clear, classroom tables are designed to withstand a considerable amount of abuse and general wear and tear, and can usually be pushed up against each other to create larger table layouts.
School tables fall under the category known as ‘contract furniture’. Contract furniture is furniture which has been designed to be used in high-traffic areas where they will see use by multiple people throughout the day.
As such, school tables feature designs, materials and manufacturing methods that make them far stronger and longer lasting than domestic furniture.
However, not all classrooms and teaching areas are the same, so whilst the majority of classroom tables resemble the one pictured above, it’s possible to buy different types as you’ll see later in this article – plus, it’s important to note that you may require tables for other parts of your school too, such as the cafeteria, exam hall etc.
What to think about when buying school tables
No matter what type of school table you are buying, there are a number of things you should always look for. These include:
Quality and testing standards
All furniture designed for use in educational settings – including school tables – must conform to BS EN 1729, Parts 1 & 2.
Furniture that meets this standard will be of the correct dimensions and build quality to be used in school or related settings.
Sizing
Another important point to think about when buying classroom tables is sizing. This is especially important if you’re buying tables for a primary school, where different age groups can vary in height considerably. You’ll want to ensure the table height matches up with the chairs that are being used with them too!
As we described in our guide to educational furniture sizing, school furniture varies across ‘size marks’. These size marks correspond to particular age groups, so be sure to buy tables that are of the correct size mark!
Safety and protection
As anyone who has spent even a short amount of time in a school will tell you, items of furniture like classroom tables take a considerable amount of abuse.
It’s not uncommon for pupils to end up knocking against the edges of tables in their hurry to leave a classroom – so it can be a good idea to select classroom tables that feature protective edges. These will protect both pupils and the tables! Depending on the exact table you buy, these protective edges can take the form of an MDF bullnose edging or a PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PU (polyurethane), or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) edging.
MDF bullnose
A table with an MDF bullnose edge are tables where the edges of the tabletop are finished so that they have a rounded, bull-nose, shape. This is typically the standard (and cheapest) option that you find on school tables. It has the advantage of having a seamless finish with the rest of the tabletop – therefore, it cannot be pulled away from the table or be subject to misuse (e.g. kids picking at them!).
PVC, PU and ABS edging
Many classroom tables can be specified to include a PVC, PU, or ABS edging. This is effectively a plastic strip which helps to protect the table edge. This is particularly helpful if you’ll be placing tables up against each other, as the strips will protect the tables from scratches and other damage.
However, as we alluded to above, PVC, PU and ABS edging can over time come away from the table edge – particularly if kids are picking away at it!
As tables in schools often find themselves being moved around a lot, they feature ‘feet’. Also known as foot ferrules, these feet are usually made from plastic and slot into the base of each table leg. They will prevent things like wooden and vinyl floorings being scratched when the tables are moved around.
Materials and finishes
Tables used in primary and secondary schools are arguably subjected to some of the most severe abuse of any type of furniture.
So, when selecting school tables, be sure to select items which have robust steel frames and legs, and strong MDF table tops with laminate finishes. These materials will be able to withstand the punishment that seems to come as standard with kids…
It’s also important to note that school tables are available in a wide range of colours and finishes – so it’s entirely possible to select tables of a colour that’ll match your school or academy’s colour/brand.
Moveable/stackable
Another thing to consider when selecting school tables is whether they can be stacked and moved.
Here at Rosehill, we know that many classrooms and school halls often have to fulfil multiple purposes – as such, it can be incredibly handy to have tables that can be easily stacked, moved and stored when needed.
As you’ll see later in this article, some school tables are easier to stack and store than others.
Bulk buying discounts
School budgets are always tight, so when it comes to buying tables for your school, always keep an eye out for bulk buying discounts that can make your money go further.
Here at Rosehill, we try to offer the very best bulk purchase savings on classroom tables. However, if you’d like to discuss bulk discounts directly, you can reach us on 0161 485 1717 or at: sales@rosehill.co.uk.
Guarantees
Given that your tables are likely going to be subjected to considerable use throughout the school year, it’s always a good idea to check what kind of guarantee your chosen table comes with.
Depending on the exact table you buy, you can expect the guarantee on a school table to be anywhere between five and 10 years.
If you want to find out what length guarantee a table has here at Rosehill, simply click on the ‘Technical Specifications’ tab within the product description.
The different types of school table you can buy
As we mentioned above, there are in fact many different types of classroom tables that you can buy. We’ve detailed the most common types of school table below.
Nesting classroom tables
Nesting classroom tables (which are sometimes called ‘crushed bent’ classroom tables) are tables which can be nested together for storage purposes. Here at Rosehill, we find this tends to be the most popular type of stacking classroom table, and it’s the easiest to stack.
They usually feature tubular metal frames and legs which protrude slightly beyond the table-top in an offset configuration.
The frame and legs of these tables are normally made from steel and are bent into shape – that is, the frame and legs are a single piece of metal that has been bent into shape (hence the use of the term ‘crushed bent’).
The tabletops on nesting classroom tables are normally made from MDF with a laminate finish to add durability. The tabletops can be finished with a natural bull-nose edge, or you can add PVC edging if preferred.
Because the frame is offset and tends to ‘jut out’ from beneath the table-top, nesting classroom tables can’t be pushed and joined up together on their shorter sides without being offset.
However, it is entirely possible to push them seamlessly together on their longer sides – so it’s still possible to create larger table layouts with nesting classroom tables.
Bear in mind that nesting classroom tables don’t just have to be rectangular. They are available in other shapes including square, trapezoidal, circular, and semicircular.
Nesting classroom tables – like other types of classroom tables – are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, for both the frame and legs, and the table-top.
Table-top finishes include wood finishes and solid colours. Frame finishes include black, grey, or silver – with some nesting classroom tables also available with very brightly coloured frame finishes.
Finally, nesting classroom tables are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different school age groups.
Fully welded classroom tables
Fully welded classroom tables are the other main type of table you’ll typically find in educational settings.
As opposed to crushed bent/nesting classroom tables, fully welded school tables feature frames and legs that consist of individual sections of square tubing that are welded together.
In contrast to crushed bent tables, the frames on fully welded tables are not offset and fit fully beneath the table-top. This means that fully welded tables can be seamlessly placed up against other fully welded tables against any edge of the table-top. This allows you to create large and varied table layouts.
Like nesting classroom tables, fully welded tables can be stacked – however, their stacking comes in the form of ‘spiral stacking’.
Fully welded tables typically use steel frames and have MDF table tops (which are laminated to add further protection against scratches and graffiti). Like other types of classroom tables, fully welded tables are available with different types of edge protection, including polished and lacquered MDF bullnose edges, and polyurethane edges.
Don’t think you’re restricted to square or rectangular fully welded table tops, either. It’s also possible to buy fully welded school tables in shapes such as trapezoidal, circular, and semicircular.
Fully welded classroom tables are also available in a broad range of colours and finishes, with wood effect table tops and solid colour table tops. Likewise, the frames and legs are available in various colours including black, grey and silver – as well as some bold, bright solid colours.
Like the other school tables we supply at Rosehill, our fully welded tables are available in different sizes to accommodate the different school year groups.
Note – most four leg tables of this type of design can spiral stack, even if they aren’t specially advertised as such. Just check the underside of the frame (the bit the table top sits on) has some sort of buffer or stacking pin. That will protect the surface of the table below.
Folding table systems
Many educational establishments – particularly colleges and universities – are moving away from traditional classroom tables and embracing modern folding table systems instead. This creates more active learning spaces and is great for group activities.
Folding table systems, like our favourite – the Kite folding table system – provide far more flexibility than traditional school tables.
As they are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, folding table systems can be set up in a frankly mind-boggling number of configurations – which is ideal if you want to regularly change the layout and setup of your teaching spaces.
Folding table systems, particularly the latest ones, are available with a huge range of features, such as:
- Innovative folding mechanisms that allow for the nesting of the tables for more compact storage.
- Castor wheels to aid movement and portability.
- Cableless power systems, allowing users to charge their laptop whilst they work at the table.
Like other types of tables, folding table systems are available with different finishes on their tabletops, as well as myriad finishes to their frames and legs.
Because of their flexibility and versatility, folding table systems have benefits that other tables do not. For example, folding table systems are proven to be more inclusive for users, help to maximise the value you get out of a teaching space, and encourage serendipity as it’s so easy to change their layout.
Guide – for more information, read our product spotlight on the Kite Folding Table System.
Craft and science laboratory tables
When it comes to buying tables for your science or art department, then a popular option is lab tables.
Standing taller than your average classroom table, laboratory and craft tables allow students to work at them either standing up or sitting on a stool.
Like other types of classroom tables, arts, craft and laboratory tables usually feature steel frames and legs and MDF laminated table tops.
As they are taller than normal tables, lab and craft tables have frames that feature additional cross bracing (also known as ‘H’ frames), which provides extra torsional strength to stop the table from wobbling about.
As per other school tables, laboratory and craft tables are available with different edgings on the tabletops, including MDF bullnose edging or polyurethane edging. You can also upgrade these types of tables to have Trespa tops, which have a chamfered edge as standard and are chemical and heat resistant.
Laboratory and craft tables are normally available in a wide range of colours and finishes, with tabletops available with either wood-style finishes, or single, bold colours. The frames are typically available in black, grey or silver.
Teachers Desks
It’s important not to overlook your teaching staff when buying new school tables!
Teacher desks are available with either crushed bent or fully welded steel frames and MDF table tops, modesty panels and drawers which are treated in a high pressure laminate.
Depending on the exact model you buy, you can often choose to have either two or three drawers. These drawers are usually supplied with keys, so teaching staff are able to safely lock away valuables etc.
Here at Rosehill, we are able to supply teacher desks in a wide range of finishes and colours. For example, the wooden parts of the desk can be specified in natural wood finishes (such as beech), or solid colours such as canary yellow, orange flame, purple and many more.
It’s also possible to buy teacher desks with different frame and leg colours such as black, metallic charcoal, light grey, silver and a whole spectrum of other colours.
As per other types of school tables, teachers desks are normally available with different edgings on the tabletop, including MDF bullnose edging or polyurethane edging.
Also, like other types of school tables, teachers desks are typically available in different heights.
Exam desks
No school, college or university is complete without the humble exam desk!
The best exam desks are easy to erect and put away, are easy to move and can be stored with ease.
In order to accommodate these requirements, exam desks are typically made with steel frames and legs with a composite wood tabletop (e.g. MDF or MFC) with a laminate finish.
There are various types of exam desk on the market, including:
- Folding four legged exam desks.
- Folding exam desks with a skid base.
- Stacking exam desks.
- Cantilever exam desks.
Exam desks are normally bought in conjunction with a trolley, which is used to transport and store the desks when they’re not in use.
Cafeteria tables
Does your school have a cafeteria? If you answered ‘yes’, then you’re going to want to buy some dedicated cafeteria tables.
Tables for school cafeterias typically feature metal frames for strength and durability, and wipe-clean laminate tops. Cafeteria tables will normally feature edging around the table-top too.
Today’s cafeteria tables range from the more conservative end of the spectrum – with fairly muted colours and finishes – through to more modern cafeteria tables with angular designs and bold colours and finishes.
As you would expect, cafeteria tables are normally available with matching benches, so you are able to create a uniform appearance throughout your school canteen.
Guide – for more information, read our guide to school dining furniture.
Rosehill: the number one choice for school tables
Should you be looking to buy the very best tables for your school or educational establishment, then you’re in the right place.
For over 40 years, we’ve helped educational institutions of all kinds secure the best furniture, at the best prices – and we can help you too.
If you’d like more information about our school tables – or any other kind of school furniture for that matter – our friendly, expert sales team is on hand to help you. You can reach them on 0161 485 1717 or at: sales@rosehill.co.uk.
Shop school tables at Rosehill now
For more commercial and contract furniture buying guides, advice and information, read the Rosehill blog…
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