Before You Buy Your Next Table

If you’re a newbie practitioner who asks any veteran massage therapist about their most important tools of the trade, they will almost always say their massage table! A therapist’s massage table is the centre of the massage universe and the one piece of equipment that you simply cannot do without. A new table can be a significant investment so it’s important to choose wisely.

To help prepare you in your quest here is a list of important questions to consider before you start shopping.

• What is your budget?

• How do you plan to use your table; mobile or permanent set up?

• What treatments will you be offering?

• What table height and width do you need?

• Is the table weight important to you?

• Do you have a preference for wood or aluminum?

• Do you want standard or Reiki endplates?

• Do you like a face crest or face hole in the table?

• What colour do you like?

• What kind of company do you want to purchase from?

Might other things come up? Probably, but, if you prepare this list ahead of time, you’ll have most of your bases covered.

So now you’ve done the research and shopped around and maybe narrowed it down to a shortlist. Here’s where things can get a little more technical.

What to look for in your first massage table?

Build Quality

Is the frame well designed and sturdy? It shouldn’t rock, squeak or tip. Has a quality foam been used and is the upholstery well finished?

Static and Working Weight

Static weight is the amount of total weight a table can hold safelyin a stationary position. Working weight is the total dynamic (meaning in motion) weight that can be safely placed on your table.

Comfort and Style

This one is a no-brainer, right? Wrong. Comfort involves a multitude of things. The thickness, density, and quality of the foam. The design of the table top itself. The feel of the upholstery. And, to make things even more complicated, you actually have to like the look.

The Company

The company you buy from controls things like the warranty, spare parts and the availability of customer service assistance when/if questions or concerns about your table should ever arise. Although you won’t be chatting with them every day, on the off-chance you ever need to, you’ll want to have chosen a reputable company.

The Warranty

A good warranty is one of the most important qualities your massage table can have. After all, even precision craftsmanship and durable materials can fail. While it is a rare occurrence, you want to know that the company who built the table will stand behind it. Ideally, you’ll never have to use your warranty, but should you have to, knowing you’re covered for the one of the big things that can impact your business brings peace of mind.

The Delivery

A good company will always guarantee the delivery of its products. Imagine what it would be like to order something and then be responsible for damages it incurs during transport or if it doesn’t show up at all!

So, the next time you decide to buy a new massage table, consider all of these things. They impact both your ability to do your job and the safety and comfort of your clients and that’s really important stuff!