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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
A folding table offers a versatile surface that's perfect for anything from dinner parties to crafting and won't take up much room in your storage space.
We researched the most popular folding tables available online, evaluating quality, ease of setup and disassembly, and value. Our top pick, the Cosco 6 Foot Centerfold Table, has a molded, moisture-proof top, sturdy locking legs, and a 100-pound weight capacity.
Here are the best folding tables.
Best Overall
Cosco 6 Foot Centerfold Folding Table
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Courtesy of Walmart
For a folding table that is versatile and can easily be set up or stored away, the Cosco 6-Foot Centerfold Table is a top choice for just about any purpose you have in mind.
Available in white or black molded plastic, this table folds along the center for compact storage. To set it up, simply unfold and lock the four legs into place. It’s perfect for any location or purpose since it is weather-resistant and easy to clean. Use it for holding drinks and food at your next backyard get-together, or set it up inside for additional craft space or as an auxiliary dining table.
Though the table weighs about 25 pounds, users find it to be relatively easy to move thanks to its folding design and built-in handle. While a few people mentioned some inconsistencies in the surface of the table or the assembly of the legs, most people found this folding table to be a workhorse ready to go right out of the box. For the low price and excellent value, this Cosco 6-Foot Centerfold Table is a top choice.
Price at time of publish: $55
Best Budget
CoscoProducts Vinyl Top Folding Table
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Courtesy of Amazon
For a folding table that will give you plenty of space for a smaller sum of money, the 4-foot Vinyl Top Folding Table by Cosco is our top choice.
This budget folding table is versatile and sturdy enough for a variety of uses, but it won’t cost you much. The table is only 4 feet long and 20 inches wide, which is a little narrower than some other, more expensive folding tables. It also lacks the functionality to fold in the middle for more compact storage.
However, the table itself is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to the ability to fold out the two legs on either side of the table with one simple motion per side. Customers like this feature, along with the extra stability bar between each pair of legs that create stability. Use this table for any and all indoor activities. However, this table is really only suited for light outdoor use due to its vinyl surface. If you don’t need a table that will fold at the center for tighter storage spots and you don’t plan to use it for heavy-duty outdoor tasks, then this budget folding table by Cosco is a great choice.
Price at time of publish: $47
Best Adjustable Height
LIFETIME Height Adjustable Craft Camping and Utility Folding Table
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sometimes you need a folding table that can be adjusted to varying heights, and the Lifetime Adjustable 4’ Folding Table is the perfect solution.
This molded plastic table with powder-coated steel legs is 48" x 24" with a center folding mechanism to make it easier to carry and store. But the real wow factor of this folding table is the fact that it can be adjusted to heights of 22, 24, 29 and 36 inches.
Users like this versatile table as a workbench for simple projects around the house, as a table for doing homework, or a craft and sewing station. What sets this table apart (aside from its vertical adjustability) is the fact that the legs at either end are straight, allowing someone to sit on either end. It also is tall enough for some storage drawers or filing cabinets to fit underneath. The only considerations you’ll need to keep in mind are 1) that the table surface is textured which may make writing a little bumpy and 2) that at its maximum height, the table may not be as sturdy for heavier tasks. Otherwise, the Lifetime Adjustable 4’ Folding Table is the multi-tasking folding table that is tall (or short) enough for most any job!
Price at time of publish: $60
Best With Chairs
CoscoProducts 5-Piece Folding Table and Chair Set
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Courtesy of Amazon
If you’re looking for a folding table and chairs set, this simple set from Cosco is perfect for seating four people.
The stainless steel frame is powder-coated for durability and also features tube-in-tube construction and cross frames to add stability. The tabletop and seat pads have a smooth, vinyl finish for comfort.
The set is perfect for playing cards or games but also is excellent for adding seating to any occasion. Since both the tables and chairs fold easily, it can be stored until needed. People really have very little complaints about this set, aside from the fact that the seat backs are only a molded plastic (instead of also being padded vinyl). All in all, though, this set is a solid choice if you’re looking for a square folding table and four chairs.
Price at time of publish: $111
Best for Tailgating
Coleman Camping Table
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Courtesy of Amazon
A folding table is an essential part of a proper tailgating set-up, and this lightweight version from Coleman is perfect for the occasion.
Made from aluminum, the Coleman Compact Folding Table is 27.5" x 27.5" x 27.5". However, it only weighs about 9 pounds, and when collapsed, takes up a fraction of the space available in your trunk or truck bed.
To assemble, you’ll just need to snap the legs and support poles into place and the table is ready to go. One thing to note is that you may not be able to sit with your legs directly under this table – it’s more suited for setting your beverages, hot dog buns and condiments on during your tailgating session than for sitting down to dine at. It also would be great for the same purpose on camping trips.
Price at time of publish: $60
Best for Kids
Lifetime Children's 24 in. W Square Almond Folding Table
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Courtesy of
Lifetime
Children's 24 in. W Square Almond Folding Table
Folding tables are a great choice for kids, since they are generally durable, water-resistant, and relatively stain-proof. However, many folding tables are a standard height that may be too tall or inconvenient for little ones. The Lifetime Children’s Square Folding Table is the perfect solution.
At just 21 inches high, this folding table is the perfect size for children’s crafts or a "Kids Only" table at family dinners. The sturdy steel legs fold up when not in use, making the table easy to store away. Parents and grandparents comment on the quality construction of the table and how it accommodates little ones ranging in age from toddlers to elementary-school aged children.
Pick up the Lifetime Children’s Square Folding Table and give the children in your life their very own folding table – sized just right for them. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase chairs sized appropriately. You’ll love the convenience and quality of this petite-sized folding table.
Best Round
Lifetime Light Commercial Fold-In-Half Round Table
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Courtesy of Amazon
Round tables can be great for maximizing room space or for facilitating conversation, and the convenience of a folding table makes it even better! The Office Star Resin Multi-Purpose 4’ Round Folding Table is a great choice.
This table has a diameter of 48 inches and is made of the durable, water-resistant molded plastic resin common on most folding tables today. It has steel legs that fold when not in use. Impressively, this rather compact table has a weight capacity of 300 pounds – plenty for just about any task you can imagine this round table taking on!
Note that this round table doesn’t fold in half, as some other circular folding tables do. However, with the legs collapsed, it’s easy to store. The Office Star Resin Multi-Purpose Folding Tables have a lot of fans, and this 4-foot round version is no exception.
Price at time of publish: $196
What to Look For
Shape
The most common shape for a folding table is rectangular, square, or round. The shape of the table may determine what it's best used for. For example, round folding tables are common for hosting dinner parties, since they make it easy to converse with others seated at the table. Rectangular folding tables can also be used to seat people but are also ideal for use as a work surface or to display or serve items. Square folding tables are more compact and can be used to seat people in smaller spaces. This type of folding table is also popular for playing cards or board games.
Size
Consider how big or small a folding table should be to meet your needs. The size of a folding table will determine its seating capacity and surface area. Larger tables naturally have increased capacity but will usually be heavier and take up more storage space.
Folding Top
Folding tables get their name from the mechanism that allows the legs to collapse underneath the tabletop. But in many cases, a folding tabletop is an option as well. This feature makes the table even easier to move and store. Generally, this type of folding table has a hinged middle that allows the top to fold flat. The only downside is the seam that is created in the center of the table, which doesn't allow for a continuous smooth surface along the length of the table.
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How do you store folding tables in the garage?
The simplest way to store a folding table in the garage is to collapse the legs and rest the table on its long or short edge against the wall of the garage. You should be sure that the table is placed in a location where it won't be easily knocked over. To minimize the chance of this happening, another option is to hang your folding table from utility or bike hooks. The shape of the folding table legs will determine how feasible this storage solution is, but it's a great way to store your folding table in the garage while keeping it handy for use.
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How do you clean plastic folding tables?
According to Lifetime, a popular manufacturer of plastic folding tables, the simplest way to clean them is with dish soap and a damp rag. After use, simply moisten the rag, apply a small amount of dish soap, and wipe the table surface clean. Allow the table to dry before storing. In addition, Lifetime recommends the use of a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for treating stains on your plastic folding table.
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How tall are folding tables?
The standard height for a dining table is 28 to 30 inches. Most folding tables have a height of 29 inches, placing them in the middle of this range. Some folding tables have an adjustable height feature, which may come in handy if you want a bar-top height folding table for some occasions and a standard height table at other times.