No matter how much counter or table space you have in your home or business, there are those times you need just a little more. Lifetime’s folding tables allow you to have that extra space when needed but can be hidden away when you don’t. Because Lifetime folding tables are designed for indoor and outdoor use, they’re also great for picnics, tailgating before a big game and selling food or handicrafts at festivals.

Lifetime folding tables come in many shapes and sizes, some of which are notably more portable than others. If you plan on transporting yours regularly, it's best to choose a streamlined and lightweight model. Conversely, if you only plan on using your outdoor dining table in your backyard or patio, a model like the Lifetime 22119 Folding Picnic Table, which has a heavy-duty build and attached benches, may be the way to go.

Most people buy folding tables because they need something they can take with them to various locations or because they only periodically have need for the extra surface area and don’t want a traditional table cluttering up their space when it’s not in use. In both of these instances, portability plays an important role in how convenient the table is to move around.

When it comes to portability, the two most important factors are the size when folded up and the weight. Ideally, a folding table should be lightweight and manageable enough for a single person to carry. Most people are best served by choosing a model with an attached or integrated handle.

The majority of Lifetime folding tables utilize the same build materials. These include a steel frame with an all-weather finish and a high-density polyethylene tabletop. Both of these materials are sturdy, which makes the tables capable of supporting a lot of weight for their size and means they’re designed for indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, the polyethylene material is stain-resistant, so your table should stay looking like new for a long time.

Though all are strong, the weight capacity of Lifetime tables varies from model to model. It’s important to check the capacity of any model you’re considering to ensure it’s suitable for your needs before making a purchase. Never exceed that weight capacity during use, otherwise, you risk breaking the table at best, and injuring yourself or others at worst. The capacity of most Lifetime folding tables is somewhere from 300-900 pounds.

The size and shape of a folding table dictate what types of activities you can use it for. The larger a table is, the more people can sit or work around it. That said, you’ll need to balance the size with your portability and storage needs. You’ll also want to look at the shape. If buying a table for prep work, a rectangular table is usually best. For playing poker, you’ll probably want to opt for a round table. For dining, both square and round tables work well.

Most Lifetime folding tables make use of a polyethylene material that's highly stain-resistant. It's also completely impervious to moisture. Even so, it's still good practice to clean off anything that could potentially stain the table within a reasonable amount of time. You can do this with just a damp cloth or with a towel and an all-purpose cleaner.

Some Lifetime folding tables include seats as part of the purchase. These are usually in the form of benches and may be attached or separate units. You can also buy matching chairs separately for most models.

If you plan on using your table for food prep work or another kind of activity where you’ll be standing over it the majority of the time, choose one that’s height adjustable. This allows you to set it at the most ergonomic working height for your body, which should eliminate the need to hunch over unnecessarily.

Those who plan on using their table outdoors may want to look for a model that features an umbrella hole. These are generally only found in their large rectangular and round picnic tables.

Lifetime folding tables cost $30-$400, depending on the size and whether or not they include seating.

A. Most Lifetime folding tables come with a 10-year warranty. However, there are also some models that only carry a 2-year warranty, so check the product description of any table you're considering.

A. Lifetime folding tables generally require some assembly, but it's uncomplicated and most people can accomplish it in just 10 minutes or so.

Lifetime 22119 Folding Picnic Table: available at Amazon

Our take: This 6-foot picnic table, which is ideal for outdoor dining, features attached benches yet still folds completely flat for storage and transport.

What we like: It features an integrated umbrella hole for protection from the sun or rain, and it has enough seating for up to eight people.

What we dislike: It's too large to fit in most vehicles, even when folded up.

Lifetime 80160 Commercial Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table: available at Amazon

Our take: A simple but useful model, this utility table works well as a food prep or serving station.

What we like: It's height adjustable to suit various needs, and the wide stance makes it very stable.

What we dislike: It's difficult for one person to adjust the height on their own.

Lifetime 25402 Commercial Round Folding Table: available at Amazon

Our take: With both a folding top and frame, this round table is a good choice for those with limited storage space.

What we like: The cross-leg style makes it very stable and sturdy, and it can even be used in a semicircle setup if you want to position it against a wall.

What we dislike: There are some reports of the tabletop warping over time. Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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