New to craft fairs...need tables?!?!

[Classy N Sassy Creations]

Hey Ya'll! I'm fairly new to participating in craft fairs. Each time I"ve had to rent my tables... I'm looking to buy 1-2 long craft tables. I would want the kind that fold in half so they can easily be transported.

I've done some searching, but all the tables I've found are $100+... does anyone know where I can find some cheaper... or is any one wanting to get rid of some??

I dont care what color they are...since I will have table covers on them! I just need them to be sturdy and able to display jewelry!!

Thanks ya'll!!
-Brittany

[Dasi]

I bought at Costco and they have different high adjustments. I bought the 4' and 6'. I put 2 of the 4' tables together to get an 8'. They are easier to transport and carry if they are smaller.

[Otter's Flame]

I don't recommend the folding tables unless you are not going to be using them often or you are willing to do research and find VERY high quality folding tables that usually cost quite a premium.

I have used tables in catering and at art shows etc. For me, when I am in full show mode I will be traveling almost every weekend. Setting the tables up, taking them down, loading them in a car, unpacking them, packing them a few days later and unfolding and folding all over again. Unless it is a very high quality folding table, this is just a broken or bent folding mechanism waiting to happen.... or worse... an unsteady table waiting for you to display all your beautiful goodies on it so it can collapse.

I have rugged 8 foot tables but I have a trailer to carry all my stuff or my car is large enough I can pack it all in and on my car if need be. I have used smaller tables in the past and that is what I would do if I could not transport full sized tables.

Try and get the most rugged equipment you can if at all possible. If you are going to do all indoor shows it isn't always quite as critical but if you do outdoor shows you will be in the elements and that includes wind..... very nasty on overhead canopies, especially if they are flimsy ones.

Decide how often you will use your show equipment, what conditions you will use it in and then decide what you need. I hope I have been helpful.

Otter

[mnoelker]

I got mine that adjust to three different heights at Sam's Club. They are light and easy to carry. I drive a Dodge caravan to and from shows and they fit lying flat, one on top of the other in the back of the van on the floor. They are 2 feet wide by four feet long. The highest height is counter height which is perfect for shows. When I bought them a couple of years ago they were $40 each. Good luck!

[yellowbird]

I have a pocket door table. I found the door in the trash but you can get them from hardware stores dent and damaged section. since they are hollow they are very light. The door has hinges and folds in half. It fits in my station wagon over the passenger seat. I use very lite weight aluminum saw horses I got from a flea market for only $15 twenty years ago they are indestructible.. You will see lots of these at flea markets (vendors use them) . This is an easy set up. I Velcro on a black wrinkle free skirt and cover the top with off white fabric. (It it's windy I add weights.) All my junk goes under the table. cheap easy fast and sturdy.

[lunamoonshadow]

I got mine @ the evil Wally world...had to 'cause my "good" tables wouldn't fit in my new car ...If I have to replace them in a few years, so be it, I *have* to be able to carry them & set them up MYSELF! (Sorry Otter--that's *my* requirement--can I *lift* it--without pulling out my back, & can I do it *repeatedly* & can I put it in my car?--shoestring budget here & limited storage!!)
I've found if I treat things well, they tend to last well.
~luna
(oh & I've got one "just like mine" that we use @ the store where I work--it's held up fine for over 5 years & it's fairly well abused--the staff *isn't* always nice to things they don't own )

[likes to make glass stuff]

I'm with Luna...the cheapest ones I can manage. My husband sets up the tent and stuff, and if I can't do the tables then I'm just standing watching him work, since he won't let me help. Light tables mean I can be doing something during most of set up. My tables cost something like $20-30 each, and I'm at them costing less than a buck per use now.

[Wonker]

Originally Posted by mnoelker

I got mine that adjust to three different heights at Sam's Club. They are light and easy to carry. I drive a Dodge caravan to and from shows and they fit lying flat, one on top of the other in the back of the van on the floor. They are 2 feet wide by four feet long. The highest height is counter height which is perfect for shows. When I bought them a couple of years ago they were $40 each. Good luck!

Those are just the ones I've been looking for, but I can't find them at the Sam's here. Is there a manufacturers name somewhere? Those are the ones that I think are perfect for shows. Counter height really is important. Thanks

[melody]

I just replaced two of my tables (had the old heavy ones for over 15 years). There was a sale at Kmart, but they didn't have what I wanted. I got two 4' ones at BJ's and got an additional $16 off. They are the plastic/resin kind and they adjust to 3 different heights.

[beadsoncypress]

Walmart has resin folding tables 5' long (with a handle) for $37.....I got my sale flyer today....

[mnoelker]

Wonker-I will check in the am and post the manufacturer then.

[Wonker]

Thanks Mary.

[fourpawsglass]

I got my folding tables at Staples that were less than $100. I drive a Toyota Solara and three of them fit in the trunk. They have handles on the end which make them very easy to carry even for little short me. I have no trouble setting them up on my own which for most of my shows I'm alone.

[divelement]

I saw a 8' folding table made for tailgate parties. Folds to 24" by 24". Was at Sportsauthority. it is about 100.00 so not sure it's a bargain or not. I am shopping for my first show also. Big issue is if not happy may never do shows again. So thinking going cheap and if happy replace it all. I know this means buying things twice but sometimes thats the best choice.

[fourpawsglass]

Did a little research for you this morning. Amazon.com has some folding tables that are adjustable and on sale for $53.00 - http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Prod-...1634985&sr=1-4

[Wonker]

Wow....thanks Tracey...that's just the ticket. I ordered them this morning....now I'll just hope they get here in time.

[SteveWright]

If you find some cheap tables, but they are too low, (and conventional conference tables are too low), you can raise them with PVC pipes. Most conference tables have legs and a cross brace a foot or so up the leg. Lay your table on it's side and slip a 1.5 inch PVC pipe over one leg, and see how far it goes up the leg. Mark that and measure to the bottom of the leg. Figure out how tall you want your table then figure out how long the PVC pipe needs to be. Cut the pipes about 1/2 inch too long.

The legs are smaller than the pipe interior so the pipes will splay out slightly. Set up the table and put all 4 pipes in place. Get a Mr Sharpie or some marker. With the marker laying flat on the floor, trace around the bottom of the pipe. If the marker does not reach the highest point of the gap in the pipe, you may have to put the marker on a shim, a ruler would work. Mark around the pipe and cut on those lines.

When you set up and add the pipes to the lets, just turn the pipes until they are flat on the floor and you will have a cheap tall table that is stable.

Then head over to a decorating store and ask for a Bar Height Folding Chair. It is the poor man's version of an artist's chair. We have two.

Steve

[mnoelker]

The name of the manufacturer of my tables is Lifetime and (800)225-3865 is the number.