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When camping, on holidays, or out in the garden, how many times have you needed something to place your food and drinks on? We can easily get caught short in this situation, and it’s not always practical to have a full-size or permanent table to hand. Enter the folding table! These can be set up in seconds and are incredibly useful in multiple scenarios. If this is something you want, look no further – we have picked seven excellent options below.
How We Compared Folding Tables
To find the right folding tables, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Tabletop Size
- Durability
- Folding Mechanism
- Additional Features
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Folding Table Reviews
LIFETIME 4 x 2 ft (Editor’s Choice)
The different features of this folding table allow you to use it in numerous situations, both indoors and outdoors. For example, the surface has UV treatment and is stain-resistant, so it can withstand adverse weather and messy kids.
The LIFETIME 4 x 2 ft Folding Table has an overall surface area of 48 x 24cm, and the legs are adjustable from 22 to 36 inches. As a result, it is suitable for adults and kids and can accommodate multiple people sitting around it.
Furthermore, it offers a safe design with rounded corners to prevent bumps, plus rubber feet to stop scratches to your floors, decking, or patio. Lastly, the folding mechanism is easy to use. The legs sit flush with the tabletop due to the grooves inserted into the underside to reduce space.
Pros:
- Adjustable height for great adaptability
- The legs fold into the recess under the tabletop
- It has rounded corners to prevent bumps
- The top is UV-treated to prevent fading
- Rubber feet on the legs prevent scratches
Cons:
- You could find the instructions missing
- The adjustable height may need two people to alter
KingCamp 4 Folded Bamboo (Luxury Choice)
For regular campers and outdoor adventurers, the stylish bamboo finish, practical features, and portable design of this folding table are superb. It is hardy and durable and ideal for use underneath an awning or next to a campfire for food serving.
The KingCamp 4 Folded Bamboo camping table has surface dimensions of 39.37 x 25.6 inches which should accommodate up to 6 people comfortably. This is complemented by the adjustable legs that have a maximum height of 25.6 inches.
Despite the durability of the legs and the tabletop, the unit weighs just 15.62lbs which allows it to be carried easily. Furthermore, the sides fold neatly under, and the detachable shelving unit simply slides off the end of the legs. For extra convenience, everything is pre-assembled, except the storage compartment, so you can get it set up in minutes.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly bamboo surface
- Large tabletop suitable for 4-6 people
- Three adjustable height options for the legs
- The legs are made from lightweight aluminium
- No assembly is required on delivery
Cons:
- Some customers may have found loose screws on delivery
- It could be fiddly to store in its carry bag
Premier Housewares Snack (Best Value)
Perhaps you want a simple and stylish coffee table for drinks and snacks as you watch TV? The compact design, sleek wooden frame, and flat-pack folding mechanism make this table the ideal pick. So that you get the right fit, it is also available in three different size options.
The Premier Housewares Folding Snack Table has a surface area of 39 x 49cm as default which is ample room for a laptop, coffee mugs, books, and snacks, for example. Therefore, it could easily be placed next to a sofa or armchair and give you a platform as you relax in your living room.
This product is also easy to maintain due to the wooden surface you can clean with just a damp cloth. Therefore, if you do spill a little drink or food, don’t worry. Lastly, the wood is highly durable and has a relatively neutral tone that suits any decor.
Pros:
- Simple but elegant wooden design
- Folds easily into one unit with a narrow footprint
- Great to clean with a damp cloth
- Made from durable and sturdy materials
- It can be lifted and unfolded by one person
Cons:
- The tabletop may not be the largest
- Some customers may have found scratches
Need Computer Desk (Best for Versatility)
If you want a product that can be used in various scenarios, the flexibility of this folding table is fantastic. It has a simple design with a wooden top and metal legs that could be perfect as an office desk, for camping, or as a picnic bench in your garden.
The Need Computer Desk has a worksurface with an area of 120x60cm. It is made from robust 18mm E1 grade particle solid wood and has an attractive glossy finish. Underneath this, there is a simple metal frame and legs that allow for quick folding and storage.
The foot pads can also be adjusted for a height of 1-2cm for a little more freedom. As a result, you can alter each one independently if the table is on an uneven surface.
Pros:
- Made from 18mm E1 grade particle solid wood board
- The top surface should never fade and is easy to clean
- The cross bars add extra sturdiness to the legs and worksurface
- It has a simple folding mechanism for convenient storage
- The feet pads can be adjusted by 1-2cm
Cons:
- Some customers may have found the packaging inadequate
- The edges might not be rounded
Casaria Garden Slide (Best for Durability)
This is a brilliant pick if you want a classy, elegant folding table for use on a balcony, patio, or in a quiet area in your garden. The dark acacia wood looks fantastic but is also incredibly durable and long-lasting so expect this product to survive for years.
The Casaria Garden Slide Table has an easy folding mechanism where the tabletop unclips from one of the legs. It can be flattened in seconds, and, when retracted, it has a slim profile and could be stored conveniently in a cupboard or shed, for example.
For extra protection, the acacia wood is pre-oiled, although it is advised that you use hardwood oil occasionally to replenish the finish. Lastly, the corners are rounded to prevent those annoying scraps and bumps.
Pros:
- Made from solid, gilded Acacia wood
- A simple folding mechanism where the tabletop unclips
- It is delivered pre-assembled
- Rounded corners to prevent nasty bumps
- The material is weather-resistant for outdoor use
Cons:
- Some of the edges may be a little rough
- You may find broken pieces on delivery
HOOBRO Side (Best Design)
Sometimes people like to relax and enjoy their meals or snacks in front of the TV instead of setting their dining table. If this sounds like a treat, then this double pack of folding units could be the perfect choice for you.
Each table has a work surface that measures 48 x 36cm, which is ample space for a dinner plate and coaster or a heap of snacks and drinks. Furthermore, the legs are 66.5cm high so that people of any height can comfortably fit underneath when sitting on a sofa or chair.
The style of these folding tables from HOOBRO is also superb, and the work surface has a unique industrial finish. Combine this with the metal legs, and you have a pair of products that could fit easily with any type of decor. Additionally, the mechanism is simple to use, and, when flat, the tables can fit neatly against the wall or in a cupboard.
Pros:
- Charming and rustic industrial design
- When folded, it has a minimal storage footprint
- The legs have plastic pads to prevent floor scratches
- Includes two identical tables
- It could be used as a coffee table or TV dinner tray
Cons:
- Assembly may not be the easiest
- Some customers may have reported missing parts
Nestling Picnic (Best for Portability)
This could be an excellent option for those who head out with their tent or caravan and need a portable folding table. The carry bag, removable top surface, and quick-folding legs allow you to set it up or pack it away in seconds.
The Nestling Folding Picnic Table is made from waterproof aluminium for a fantastic combination of durability and lightness. Similarly, the work surface is robust and composed of individual slats joined together that fold outwards to lie flat on the frame.
You’ll find a detachable tray underneath the main top for food preparation and storage. We like that the legs individually adjust too. Therefore, if the unit is placed on uneven ground, you can alter the height of each part and still get a flat finish to prevent spillages.
Pros:
- It splits into two parts for convenient storage
- The legs have an adjustable height of 45-65cm
- Made from lightweight but strong aluminium
- The table has a decent maximum load capacity of 65kg
- Includes a carry bag for simple transportation
Cons:
- The legs may sometimes wobble when extended
- Some plastic on the packaging could be irritating to remove
How to Choose a Folding Table
There are many different folding table designs, and some are better suited for specific tasks. Therefore, picking the right one for you can be challenging. But don’t fret; we know this and have compiled a simple buying guide below, which dissects the main features to look for.
Tabletop Size
Most importantly, how big is the tabletop? This is vital for two reasons – storage and usability. Usually, the top itself does not fold; therefore, it must be the right size so you can fit it inside a car or in your garden shed, for example.
Secondly, the overall dimensions of the surface dictate how many things you can put on the table. It’s no good having a tiny tabletop if you want to use it to serve food and drinks for an entire party. Look at what you want it for and where you intend to store it and find a suitable length and width.
Durability
Next, think about the durability – how much wear and tear can the table withstand and is it suitable for transporting on a bumpy car journey?
If you only want the folding table for your garden and it won’t be moved much, it may not have to be as robust. In contrast, durability may be highly important if you intend to use it on camping trips and outdoor adventures.
Folding Mechanism
The way that the table folds is also something to look at as this dictates how easy it is to use and how quickly you can set it up.
Does it retract into one unit, or perhaps it breaks apart into several pieces? Can one person easily pack the unit away, or do you require multiple helping hands to flatten it? Look at the design and assess how simple it is and if you think it suits your needs.
Additional Features
Lastly, some folding tables have extra features, including a carry case or storage box. Similarly, others have under-table compartments and shelves that provide additional utility for holding cutlery or other things. Consider how you want to use yours and if any extra functions like these would be beneficial.
Summary
We picked the LIFETIME 4 x 2 ft Folding Table as our Editor’s choice, with its versatile, space-saving design and durable build quality. The legs have an adjustable height from 22 to 36 inches and fold neatly away underneath the tabletop into pre-aligned grooves. Additionally, the UV-protective coating of the surface makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use or as a portable table for camping trips and holidays.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.