Portable or Stationary

• The first thing to consider is how you intend to use the table. A professional therapist who does a lot of outcall work would benefit most from a light-weight portable table. A hobbyist may be fine with a portable table that he can store and take out as needed. Someone who has a dedicated space would do well with a stationary table. Many professional therapists have portable tables that double as stationary tables. They leave them in place for daily use and take them off-site for events or outcalls. Portable tables are less expensive than stationary tables and more versatile.
  
  

Working Load

• Load is the maximum weight that a massage table can support. Massage tables have a static load and a working load. The working load is the most important number because that's the weight of the giver and the reciever. Someone who does a lot of pressure work may need a heavier table to support both his and his client's weight. People who work on larger clients also need heavier tables. Stationary tables tend to have higher loads than portable tables and high-load portable tables are much heavier than their lower-load counterparts.
  
  

Pad Density

• Pad density is the thickness and softness of the padding. The denser the padding, the longer it will last and the more comfortable the table. But there are some cases where a firmer table may work better. Sports massage and pressure techniques work better on firmer tables while Swedish massage lends itself better to softer padding. There are also tables with strategic cutouts and thicker padding for pregnant women.
  
  

Upholstery

• Massage tables are generally upholstered in vinyl or a leather-type material. In some cases you can find actual leather coverings. A person who uses the table outdoors without sheets, such as at a sporting event, should choose upholstery that is the least porous and easiest to clean and disinfect. For a person who uses the table with sheets, the upholstery may not matter as much. Ultimately it depends on its intended use and your personal preference.
  
  

Table Height

• In general, the table should be high enough for the giver to rest his knuckles on the surface while standing fully erect. Ultimately, the height of the table depends on personal body mechanics and working style. Someone doing sports massage may set the table lower so she can use her body weight more effectively. A Swedish practitioner may set the table higher. Massage tables are adjustable to allow for differences in style, body mechanics and height.
  
  

Table Placement

• Massage requires a lot of bending and squatting. There should be room on all sides for the giver to work without bumping into walls or obstacles. He should also be able to walk around the table without having to contort himself. Working in a space that's too small may lead to poor posture and overuse injuries.
  
  

Table Storage

• Massage tables should be stored away from extreme heat or humidity. Car trunks are not good storage places because they can get really hot, leak or infuse the table with exhaust smells. Most portable tables fold down to the size of a card table and fit into a standard closet. Table bags are a must because they protect the upholstery from damage and make the table easier to transport.