TABLE TOPS. TYPES AND PROPERTIES

When choosing table tops, it is important to take two things into account: functionality and aesthetics. It is important to choose table tops that are durable, resistant and also have a decorative appearance. There are different options on the market with different qualities, and it is important to be aware of them. Whether it is office equipment, coworking, libraries, desks or home offices, it is important to be able to work comfortably in a pleasant environment.

At DESMON we are specialists in office furniture. We manufacture shelving, chairs, partition walls, movable partitions and also tables and desks. Our experience has allowed us to know the different supports that can be used to manufacture a table or desk.

In this article, we have compiled the most commonly used table top proposals. The decision should be made according to the use, functionality, environment and decoration of the area. We tell you everything you need to know about the most commonly used table tops. Take note.

Before we start explaining the available options, it is important to prioritise the needs of the user and the environment in which the table is to be located. It is not the same to choose tabletops for an office desk as it is for a school canteen, for example. The use will be different and so will the environment. It is important to get it right and to value practicality and aesthetics.

We now review some of the most common table tops.

Table tops with a melamine finish are probably the most widely used table tops. This is a chipboard backing that is coated with a very thin sheet of melamine. This surface is completely smooth and soft to the touch, which is ideal for working on.

In addition, melamine table tops are highly resistant to knocks and scratches. They are also resistant to liquid spills, which is why they are so common in school canteen areas. They also do not deform under temperature changes and are very easy to clean.

At DESMON we have a wide range of melamine finishes that faithfully imitate the appearance of natural woods or materials such as stone or cement.

Finally, the variety of finishes allows them to be combined with many types of legs. These types of table tops are suitable for use in offices, schools or even in the kitchen or dining room of private homes.

Solid wood table tops are one of the most aesthetically pleasing options. Tabletops of different varieties can be used, which will have different tones. However, at DESMON we always recommend that the pieces are pre-treated to protect the wood. It is important to do this on both sides and also on the edges.

Table tops made of solid wood can be coated with stain, varnish or lacquer. This will protect the surface and make it look even more aesthetically pleasing. Whether round, rectangular or square tabletops, it is important to take into account their lower hardness compared to other materials.

The wood variety is a personal choice. Pine has straight grains and knots; oak may have some surface cracks and the grains tend to be denser. Beech is a very durable wood that is often used in kitchen table tops. Tropical acacia wood is very hard and robust. And if you are looking for an outdoor tabletop, teak is your best bet because it is weather-resistant.

Phenolic table tops are ideal because of their high strength and hardness. Sure, the phenolic material is one of the most hygienic materials on the market. The reason is that its surface is completely smooth and prevents the proliferation of germs or microorganisms. Perhaps that is why it is also used in school canteens or children’s classrooms.

Phenolic tables resist knocks, impacts, scratches and even vandalism. In addition, they are very easy to clean.

Certainly, tabletops made of phenolic material withstand the action of disinfectants and detergents without losing hardness. The colour does not fade either and they are completely clean in one wipe.

In DESMON we also use these phenolic tabletops to manufacture sanitary cabins located in toilets or lockers in changing rooms.

Plywood consists of thin sheets of wood glued together. Pressure and heat are applied to achieve a completely smooth finish. The sheets are laid alternately, giving the edges a striped appearance with alternating lighter and darker shades.

They are robust and very resistant pieces that are also very decorative. Birch wood is often used in plywood because of its hardness and solidity. If you decide to hide these striped edges, you can always cover them with adhesive veneer.

Tabletops known as MDF (medium density) are made from a mixture of wood fibres up to 75%. Compressed synthetic resins are poured on top of this material, resulting in tabletops with a higher density than plywood.

On the other hand, there are many manufacturers who improve the properties of the piece by adding different chemical products. In this way, it is possible to obtain boards that repel water or prevent the formation of fungus.

Of course, MDF table tops are grain-free and uniform in colour. They are soft to the touch and are one of the most economical options on the market.

These are just some of the proposals that exist on the market. However, the best option is to contact DESMON so that we can offer you a quote with tailor-made solutions.

We have a multidisciplinary team that designs, manufactures and assembles all our table tops. In addition, we can offer you complementary chairs and even shelves to complete all the equipment.

Contact us and get a customised quote.