The 4 Best Folding Tables, According To Our Testing

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Durable, collapsible, and portable—these are the best folding tables for all your parties and potlucks.

Moriah is a writer for Southern Living who specializes in reviewing cookware, gifts, kitchen gadgets, home decor, and more. Her work has appeared in Allrecipes, Real Simple, Alabama Political Reporter, and The Samford Crimson.

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Southern Living

Whether you’re planning a backyard party or big tailgate, or you often host game nights and are short on space, a good folding table is a must. When shopping for folding tables, it's important to keep a few factors in mind such as size, material, sturdiness, shape, and even use. For example, if you're going to be mainly using them for outdoor events, Kathy Kuo recommends purchasing ones with "weather-resistant materials like teak wood and powder-coated aluminum."

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.

We spent weeks testing different folding tables to help you find the best options on the market, evaluating each on setup, design, durability, and value.

Non-marring foot caps

Easy setup

Locking latch

Easy to clean

Durable

Starts to feel heavy after a while

If you’re looking for a folding table that is suitable for almost every occasion, this rectangular center folding table from Office Star Products is a great choice. We found it easy for one person to set up—all we had to do was unhook the lock, unfold the table, and unfold each of the legs until they locked into place.

We had four people sit at the table for our tailgate party, but we think that it’s large enough for six people to sit comfortably. We also found it to be a very durable option; not only did it remain steady on our uneven patio, but it also came with non-marring foot caps. Plus, the table never showed any wear or tear during testing.This table was also very easy to clean. To remove stains and other residue, we simply wiped the table off. And when folded in half, it takes up very little space, making it easy to store in a closet or under a large piece of furniture.

The one drawback to this table is its weight, which can make it challenging to carry to and from your setup spot.

Open Dimensions: 72 x 28.75 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 4–6 people | Weight: 34.2 pounds | Material: Metal frame, resin top

Comes with a handle

Perfect for large gatherings

Sturdy

Multiple sizes available

Prone to scratches

For a quality folding table that won’t break the bank, consider this plastic option from FDW. The setup process was simple and went without a hitch. We found that six or eight people could comfortably fit around the folding table. With the addition of small chairs and benches, we think that it’s possible to fit as many as 10 people at this table.

Thanks to the footcaps on the bottom, this folding table was very sturdy and never wobbled. When we flipped the table on the ground to open or close it, it did sustain some minimal scratching on the top. However, this is not a major issue because the scratches can be easily covered up with a tablecloth.

To clean this table, all we had to do was wipe it off to remove any stains or residue. Even though this option comes with a handle, we still found it to be a little heavy to carry. Also, even when folded in half, this folding table is still pretty large so just be sure to create enough space for it before storing it in your closet or garage. Open Dimensions: 70 x 29 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 4–6 people (per manufacturer) | Weight: 26 pounds | Material: Metal frame, plastic top

Comes with a bag for easy storage and transport

Compact and lightweight

Suitable for small spaces

Limited seating capacity

Setup can be tricky

Great for a camping trip in the mountains or your local state park, this compact folding table is the way to go. This table stands out for its lightweight and compact design, and we were able to conveniently store it in the included carrying case.

Similar to some of our other options, we had an easy time with setup. All we had to do was unfold the legs, unroll the tabletop, snap the rods in underneath, and then snap the tabletop into the spikes on the legs. However, one issue that we did encounter was lining up the spikes at the top of the legs with the holes in the tabletop, but with the help of another person, we were able to easily complete this task.

We found that it was large enough for two people to share. While you could squeeze four people at this folding table, it may be a little too tight.

Overall, we found this folding table to be a durable, easy-to-assemble option that’s perfect for camping or on-the-go use. And even though it’s not as large as a traditional rectangular folding table, we think that you can still use it for a picnic or as a side table to hold your food and utensils at a tailgate.

Open Dimensions: 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4 people | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Aluminum

Large seating capacity

Easy setup and cleanup

Easy storage

Difficult to transport

This heavy-duty plastic folding table is the perfect choice for your potlucks. Not only did it have a straightforward assembly, but it only required one person to set it up. But since this folding table is on the heavier side, it will require two people to carry it.

It remained stable and never fell over at any of our indoor or outdoor gatherings, and we think that this table is large enough for eight people. It’s also waterproof, and we never came across any signs of warping or other damage.It’s easy to store when prepped up against the wall, and cleaning it is just a matter of wiping it with a damp cloth. While we think that this folding table is a great choice for at-home events such as a potluck or party, we advise that you refrain from traveling with it due to its heavy weight. Open Dimensions: 72 x 30 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 8–10 people | Weight: 35 pounds | Material: Charcoal slate

Overall, we recommend the Office Star Products 6-Ft. Folding Table because it’s reasonably priced, comes fully assembled, and is very sturdy thanks to the power-coated steel tube frame and water-resistant top.

Another great but less expensive option is the FDW Plastic Folding Table. For around $60, this table can be used both indoors and outdoors and offers protection from UV damage.

To help you find the best folding tables for various events, we spent two weeks testing different options. We used each table for a variety of purposes, including meals, games, parties, lounging, and much more.

Each folding table was put through a series of tests to evaluate its setup, design, durability, and value. When setting up each option, we took note of the entire process and thoroughly assessed it to see if it was quick or easy to do. We also noted whether we needed one or two people to set up the table.

For design, we examined each option and noted the different features such as capacity, size, and whether it had protective caps on the legs. We also checked to see how many people could fit at the table, and whether they had enough room or felt cramped. After we were done using each folding table, we examined our floors to see if there was any damage. Plus, we checked to see how much space each table took up when put away in a closet or another area.For durability, we took note of whether the table was steady or if it wobbled as we were using it. As we were cleaning each folding table, we checked to see how easy or difficult it was to clean, and if our cleaning method damaged the table or not.

We are still in the process of long-term testing fold tables and will update this review with fresh insights as we have them.

Southern Living

When shopping for folding tables, it’s important to take note of their size both opened and closed, as you want to know where you can store them when not in use. “Folding tables range from 30 to 96 inches and are broken into size categories,” says Jennifer Morrow, vice president of Department Merchandising at Home Depot. “Smaller folding tables are 36 inches or less, medium-sized folding tables range between 36 and 60 inches, large folding tables span anywhere from 60.5 to 72 inches, and extra large folding tables are those that span 72 inches or above.” Depending on the size of the table you purchase, you will likely be able to comfortably seat anywhere from one to 10 people.

However, “if you’re looking to buy the most popular size, that would be the 6-foot fold-in-half blow-molded table,” says Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert. Tables that fold in half tend to be most convenient as they can be easily placed in closets, under beds, and other smaller spaces, Morrow adds.

However, “if you’re looking to buy the most popular size, that would be the 6-foot fold-in-half blow-molded table,” Manfredini says. Tables that fold in half tend to be most convenient as they can be easily placed in closets, under beds, and other smaller spaces, Morrow adds.

Most folding tables are either made out of plastic, wood, or metal. Each material has its pros and cons that should be considered. If you’re looking for a table with a more polished look, consider a wood folding table like the Stakmore Straight Edge Square Folding Table. (see our “More to Consider" section). “Wood folding tables provide a stylish, contemporary finish,” Morrow says.

Folding tables made out of plastic, though, tend to be more affordable. “Consider a plastic folding table when tailgating or dining al fresco,” Morrow says. As a general rule, steel, aluminum, and metal folding tables tend to be the strongest and most durable.

A folding table’s sturdiness can be attributed to several factors in its design, like its material and leg shape. However, “the most overlooked features are safety features,” says Morrow. “Be sure to look for a secure locking feature for the table legs.” Dent-resistant corners are also helpful. Manfredini recommends always checking the weight capacity of a folding table to ensure it will suit your needs and remain sturdy while in use.

MECO Stakmore Square Folding Table: While we loved the elegant design and found it to be a stable option, it’s very heavy to carry. Also, as we were putting this table up, we noticed that the legs would stack on top of each other rather than lay flat, making it difficult to store.MoniBloom Folding Plastic Table: Even though this table is portable and has protective caps on the bottom, we noticed that the tabletop would easily collapse if too much pressure was applied.Redswing Aluminum Folding Table: This folding table has a lightweight design and remains sturdy on different surfaces. However, when fully set up, the tabletop doesn’t remain flat.

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According to Laurie Schaeffer, merchandise manager at Do It Best, “folding tables are great for entertaining, catering services, special events, additional workspaces, garage sales, storage, and more.” With that being said, folding tables tend to be on the sturdier and stronger side. However, the material that a folding table is made out of will have an impact on its durability.

When considering how high your folding table should be, it’s important to think about where and when you plan on using it. "You should determine the ideal height for a folding table the same way that you would for a regular dining table,” explains Kuo. “Measure your space and measure the chairs you're planning to use with the table. You'll want to be sure that the chairs you have in mind can comfortably be pulled in and out from under the table and that there isn't any awkwardness or discomfort when sitting."

Folding tables are generally between 22 and 29 inches high. “The height of a standard folding table is similar to the height of a standard dining table,” says Morrow.

It depends on the kind of folding table, as the cost is usually reflective of its size and features. However, the price of folding tables typically “range from $30 to $300,” says Morrow. On our list, the least expensive table is $60, while the most expensive options are over $180.

When your event is over, it’s important to place the folding table in an area that’s free of moisture, extreme heat, or coolness. Areas where the table is exposed to these factors may cause the table to warp, break, rust, or develop discoloration.

Furthermore, to ensure the long-term durability of your table it’s important to place it in a clean, dry spot that receives room-temperature air. We recommend storing it behind a bookshelf, in the garage, or behind your couch.

Moriah Mason is writer for Southern Living who specializes in product reviews. To develop this list of the best folding tables, we tested each option for important factors such as size, shape, material, and sturdiness. We also contacted the following experts: Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert; Jennifer Morrow, vice president of Department Merchandising at Home Depot; Laurie Schaeffer, merchandise manager at Do It Best; and Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home to learn more about what to consider when shopping for a folding table.