School Fix Compares the Best Cafeteria Tables

Choose from rectangular, round, and elliptical shape mobile folding table options to best fit into your specific school environment. Round or elliptical shapes can create a more collaborative space, while a more traditional rectangular shape can create a more defined cafeteria seating arrangement. Many schools choose a combination of round and rectangular tables to give options to have a different user arrangement. School Fix® can help in the design of your cafeteria layout in order to maximize seating capacity or enhance student collaboration.

Ease of setting up, breaking down, and rolling tables away to the storage location needs to be safe and manageable by utilizing minimal staff. The exact folding operation and function of mobile folding tables vary from table manufacturer to table manufacturer. A primary consideration when buying the best cafeteria table for your school should be the ease of folding up and down, with the assistance of a torsion bar or a hydraulic lift-assist mechanism to reduce potential staff member back strain.

Setting up and breaking down tables repeatedly can cause avoidable workplace stress or even injury. We have found that all of the mobile folding table manufacturers that we represent have reliable built-in lift assist mechanisms that significantly reduce user stress, such as mobile tables from KI, which feature pneumatic cylinders and a torsional energy storage system, ensuring safe and easy use. This is not always the case if using older tables. Older cafeteria tables can wear down lift assist mechanisms and often cannot be adequately repaired or made to function as a new cafeteria table functions. New tables are just simply more reliable and safe. Driving a car with 200,000 miles on it can be challenging. The same goes for mobile folding cafeteria tables. Repeated use over many years, folding and rolling away, plus general wear and tear in a school environment, can make tables unreliable. School Fix's recommendation is to replace those worn-out cafeteria tables with new tables that incorporate better engineering and are designed to meet today's safety and design standards.

Seating options for portable folding tables are best chosen based on the age of students that will most frequently be using the tables. The basic idea here is to allow older students a more defined and independent space, with stool-style seating, while younger students may be better placed on bench-style seating. There is no absolute rule here, but you should consider which style table best fits your school based on the age of your students.

Other popular options that should be considered are mobile folding tables with ADA access points and tables with a lower-than-standard height to more easily accommodate smaller children.

School Fix® represents the leading manufacturers of school cafeteria tables, including Krueger International or KI, National Public Seating, AmTab, Virco, and Biofit, all tables have a manufacturer warranty from ten to fifteen years to give you confidence that the table brand decision that you made will function reliably in your school for years.

Some of the most popular quality features and durability options can help your new tables operate as you expect and stay looking great in your school environment. Below, we have listed a few choices you should consider when buying new cafeteria tables.

Table Top and Bench Core Material Options:

1.  MDF Core Material

2.  Plywood Core Material

Table Frame and Undercarriage Tubing Finish:

1.  Chrome Plated Steel

2.  Powder Coated Steel

Table Top and Bench Edging Options:

1.  Molded-In Heat Treated Edge

2.  T-Molded Edge

Always top on the list of concerns, storage can be challenging, especially if mobile tables are being stored in an open area of the cafeteria or hallway. Today, portable folding tables are designed for compact storage while maintaining stability in an upright (folded) position. Modern locking safety latches hold tables secure and require the user to make a commitment to unlock the table to begin unfolding. Unfolding should be slow and safe. The same lift-assist mechanism also provides safe resistance to help the operator slowly expand the table and reduce any risk of the table unfolding too fast.

Review the operation of your tables often. If a table is not consistently operating correctly during the setup and breakdown process, do not continue to use that table. Honestly, it is not worth the risk. Here are a few common problems to watch out for:

1.  Lift-assist mechanism if not lifting or providing resistance when setting up and breaking down.

2.  Safety latch mechanism is not functioning properly or is not operational.

3.  Table casters are not rolling properly or appear worn out.

4.  Cafeteria table tops, benches, or stool tops are cracked and wobbly, especially if the stool top spins around and is not secured correctly to the frame tubing.

All of these points above should be checked and inspected as often as possible. Many of our School Fix® customers create a cafeteria table safety inspection checklist, with at least a weekly review of safety, operation, and functionality. Of course, if you ever need to replace anything on your cafeteria tables, School Fix has you covered with our Replacement Cafeteria Table Parts.

Virco Cafeteria Tables >

Key Features:

• Tubular Steel Frames
• Specially Designed Torsion Bars
• Up-lock and Down-lock Mechanisms
• Heavy-duty Wheel Assemblies

• Customizable: Oval Tables are available in five colors with a Particleboard Core and Vinyl T-Molding Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 

• Certified: Virco Mobile Tables are UL, BIFMA, GreenGuard, and CPSIA Certified, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart decision.  

• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring high-impact ABS Stool Caps, a specially designed Torsion Bar System, and heavy-duty 4” Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 

• Quality Assured: Tubular Steel Frame with high-impact ABS Stools and a laminated Particleboard Tabletop. Backed by a Limited 10-Year Warranty.

• Spacious: Mobile Stool Style Tables allow students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Customizable: Oval Tables are available in five colors with a Particleboard Core and Vinyl T-Molding Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: Virco Mobile Tables are UL, BIFMA, GreenGuard, and CPSIA Certified, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart decision.   
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring a high-impact Particleboard Bench and Tabletop material, a specially designed Torsion Bar System, and heavy-duty 4” Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: Tubular Steel Frame with a high-impact laminated Particle Board Table Top and Bench. Backed by a Limited 10-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Tables.

• Customizable: Rectangle Tables are available in five colors with a Particleboard Core and Vinyl T-Molding Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: Virco Mobile Tables are UL, BIFMA, GreenGuard, and CPSIA Certified, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart decision.  
• Safety First: Virco tables are optimized for safe use featuring high-impact ABS Stool Caps, a specially designed Torsion Bar System, and heavy-duty 4” Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: Tubular Steel Frame with high-impact ABS Stools and laminated Particleboard tabletops. Backed by a Limited 10-Year Warranty.
• Spacious: Mobile Stool Style Tables allow students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Customizable: Rectangle Tables are available in five colors with a Particleboard Core and Vinyl T-Molding Edge. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: Virco Mobile Tables are UL, BIFMA, GreenGuard, and CPSIA Certified, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart decision.  
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring a high-impact Particleboard Bench and Tabletop material, a specially designed Torsion Bar System, and heavy-duty 4” Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping.
• Quality Assured: Tubular Steel with a high-impact laminated Particleboard Tabletop and Bench Backed by a Limited 10-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Tables.

• Versatile: These units can be used as either a bench with a backrest or a bench and table unit
• Ganging Device: The optional Ganging Device allows the user to link two units together to create a full-size cafeteria table
• Adjustable Heights: 15"H or 17"H (Bench Height) and 25" or 27" (Table Height)
• Capacity: One Convertible Bench Unit seats up to 5 people (at 18" spacing)
• Tabletop Size: 15"W x 96"L
• Measurements:
  • as Bench Configuration: 28"W x 33-3/4"H
  • as Bench Table Configuration: 29-1/8"W x 27"H or 29"H (Adjustable)
  • as Storage Configuration: 25-3/8"W x 33-3/4"H

National Public Seating Cafeteria Tables >

Key Features:

• Tables lock partially open for easy cleaning
• 14-gauge steel framing
• Casters lift off the floor to prevent tables from moving when opened
• "EasyLift" Torsion Bar System

• Customizable: Round Tables are available in eight colors with an MDF, Particleboard, or Plywood Core and Vinyl T-Molding or the Anti-Bacterial Protect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: NPS Mobile Tables have been tested for 7,000 open/close cycles exceeding the UL testing of 6,000 cycles. MAS2 Certified Green. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring a unique frame and leg base tube design allowing for safe exit and entry, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All steel frame with high-impact laminated phenolic tabletops and benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow for more students to sit per table as compared to Stool Style Tables.

• Customizable: NPS Rectangle Tables are available in 13 colors with an MDF, Particleboard, Plywood Core, and Vinyl T-Molding or the Anti-Bacterial Protect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: NPS Mobile Tables have been tested for 7,000 open/close cycles exceeding the UL testing of 6,000 cycles. MAS2 Certified Green. 
• Safety First: NPS Tables are optimized for safe use featuring “wobble-free” stool caps, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel Frames with high-impact Polystyrene Stools and Laminated Phenolic Tabletops. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Spacious: Mobile Stool Style Tables allow students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Customizable: NPS Rectangle Tables are available in 13 colors with an MDF, Particleboard, Plywood Core, and Vinyl T-Molding or the Anti-Bacterial Protect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: NPS Mobile Tables have been tested for 7,000 open/close cycles exceeding the UL testing of 6,000 cycles. MAS2 Certified Green. 
• Safety First: NPS Tables are optimized for safe use featuring a unique frame and leg base tube design allowing for safe exit and entry, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel Frame with high-impact Laminated Phenolic Tabletops and Benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Tables. 

• Customizable: NPS Swerve Tables are available in 13 colors with an MDF, Particleboard, Plywood Core, and Vinyl T-Molding or the Anti-Bacterial Protect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations and allow for school logo customization. 
• Certified: NPS Mobile Tables have been tested for 7,000 open/close cycles exceeding the UL testing of 6,000 cycles. MAS2 Certified Green. 
• Safety First: NPS Tables are optimized for safe use featuring “wobble-free” stool caps, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All 14-gauge Steel Frames with high-impact Polystyrene Stools and Laminated Phenolic Tabletops. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Aesthetic: The "Swerve" Wave Table Top shape provides a modern look to any school cafeteria.

• Versatility: Convertible Bench Units can be used as a comfortable bench with a back, as a desk with a bench seat, or easily combine two single units with the built-in ganging device and create a cafeteria or activity table with a bench seating on each side.
• Features: Four casters for easy mobility with two locking casters to prevent movement when in use, "pinch-proof" folding, no trip points at the top, and non-marring reinforced nylon glides.
• Customizable: Available with Particleboard, MDF Fiberboard, or Plywood core materials, as well as T-Mold or Protect Edge edging options.

Krueger International "KI" Cafeteria Tables >

Key Features:

• All table legs operate from the unitized frame instead of the tabletop
• 14-gauge steel tubing
• Pneumatic Lift Assist
• Torsional Energy System

• Customizable: Round Tables are available in 15 colors with a warp-resistant high-density Particleboard under a high-pressure laminate surface and Bullnose or Molded-In Perfect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: KI Uniframe Tables have been tested for UL certification of 6,000 open/close cycles. LEED & WELL Building Standard met. BIFMA, FSC, & SCS Indoor Advantage Gold. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring high-impact ribbed stool caps, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel frame with high-impact Polypropylene stools and a laminated Particleboard tabletop. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Spacious & Collaborative: Uniframe Stool Style Tables allow students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables. The round-shaped design allows for efficient student collaboration.

• KI Certified: KI Uniframe Tables have been tested for UL certification of 6,000 open/close cycles. LEED & WELL Building Standard met. BIFMA, FSC, & SCS Indoor Advantage Gold. 
• Safety First: KI Tables are optimized for safe use featuring high-impact ribbed stool caps, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel Frames with high-impact Polypropylene Stools and a Laminated Particleboard Tabletop. Backed by a Limited 15 Year Warranty.
• Spacious: Uniframe Stool Style Tables allow for students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Customizable: Rectangle Tables are available in 15 colors with a warp-resistant high-density Particleboard under a high-pressure laminate surface and Bullnose or Molded-In Perfect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: KI Uniframe Tables have been tested for UL certification of 6,000 open/close cycles. LEED & WELL Building Standard met. BIFMA, FSC, & SCS Indoor Advantage Gold. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring semi-concealed and automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel Frame with a Laminated Particleboard Tabletop and Benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Uniframe Bench Style Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Versatile: KI Uniframe Convertible Bench design will provide you with the flexibility to arrange seating and table function in many ways to cater to your needs.
• Quality Assured: All Steel Frame with a Laminated Particleboard Tabletop and Benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative Capacity: Uniframe Bench Style Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Cafeteria Tables.
• Certified: KI Uniframe Tables have been tested for UL certification of 6,000 open/close cycles. LEED & WELL Building Standard met. BIFMA, FSC, & SCS Indoor Advantage Gold.

• Customizable: KI Split Bench Tables are available in 15 colors with a warp-resistant high-density Particleboard under a high-pressure laminate surface and Bullnose or Molded-In Perfect Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: KI Uniframe Tables have been tested for UL certification of 6,000 open/close cycles. LEED & WELL Building Standard met. BIFMA, FSC, & SCS Indoor Advantage Gold. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safe use featuring semi-concealed and automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and “no-trip” heavy-duty 4” casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All Steel frame with a laminated Particleboard tabletop and benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Spacious & Collaborative: Uniframe Split Bench Style Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Cafeteria Tables while still maintaining personal space.

AmTab Cafeteria Tables >

Key Features:

• Two-color Stool Tops
• 14" Stool Tops are the largest in the industry to maximize comfort and safety
• 14-Gauge Steel Construction
• E-Z Autolock in folded position and opens from both sides of the table

• Customizable: Rectangular Tables are available in 12 colors and Vinyl T-Molding or the molded-in Dyna-Rock Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: AmTab Mobile Tables are UL, ANSI/BIFMA, and MAS2 Certified Green, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart choice. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safety featuring multiple entry points, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and heavy-duty 4” Swivel Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All-Steel Frame with high-pressure Laminated Tabletops and patented Stool Design. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Spacious & Collaborative: AmTab Stool Style Tables allow students to have more personal space when seated versus Bench Style Cafeteria Tables.

• Customizable: Rectangular Tables are available in 12 colors and Vinyl T-Molding or the molded-in Dyna-Rock Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: AmTab Mobile Tables are UL, ANSI/BIFMA, and MAS2 Certified Green, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart choice. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safety featuring multiple entry points, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and heavy-duty 4” Swivel Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All-Steel Frame with high-pressure Laminated Tabletops and Benches. Backed by a Limited 15-Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow for more students to sit per table as compared to Stool Style Tables.

• Customizable: Elliptical Tables are available in 12 colors and Vinyl T-Molding or the molded-in Dyna-Rock Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: AmTab Mobile Tables are UL, ANSI/BIFMA, and MAS2 Certified Green, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart choice. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safety featuring multiple entry points, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and heavy-duty 4” Swivel Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All-Steel Frame with high-pressure Laminated Tabletops and patented Stool Design. Backed by a Limited 15 Year Warranty.

• Customizable: Elliptical Tables are available in 12 colors and Vinyl T-Molding or the molded-in Dyna-Rock Edge options. Offered in multiple color combinations. 
• Certified: AmTab Mobile Tables are UL, ANSI/BIFMA, and MAS2 Certified Green, so you can be assured you are making a safe, smart choice. 
• Safety First: Tables are optimized for safety featuring multiple entry points, automatically locking storage latches and down lock, and heavy-duty 4” Swivel Casters. Folds in teepee position to prevent potential tipping. 
• Quality Assured: All-Steel Frame with high-pressure Laminated Tabletops and Benches. Backed by a Limited 15 Year Warranty.
• Collaborative: Bench Style Cafeteria Tables allow more students to sit per table than Stool Style Tables.

Many school cafeteria and lunchroom seating solutions can be implemented into your facility’s plan, but if you’re on a tight budget and need cafeteria tables that are affordable and dependable, look no further than School Fix®. We also carry a vast inventory of Cafeteria Table Repair Parts to renovate worn-out cafeteria furniture. We hope you found this guide helpful. To read more about our products or solutions to common school maintenance concerns, please visit the School Fix® Blog.

1. What are school lunch tables called?

School lunch tables are commonly referred to as cafeteria tables, lunchroom tables, or mobile tables if the table has wheels.

2. What is the size of a lunchroom table?

The size of a lunchroom table may vary depending on the shape of the table. Standard rectangular cafeteria tables generally measure around 120"-144" in Length x 30" in Width x 29" in Height. Standard round cafeteria tables generally measure 27"-29" in Height x 60" in Diameter.

3. What are cafeteria tables made of?

Cafeteria tables are generally found with three different core materials. MDF Core, Particleboard Core, or Plywood Core with a high-pressure laminate surface. Cafeteria table frames are generally constructed of Tubular Steel.

4. How long is a standard cafeteria table?

The length of a standard cafeteria table may vary based on the shape of the table. Generally, rectangular cafeteria tables will be found either 120" in Length or 144" in Length, while standard round tables generally measure 60" in Diameter.