A table pad is a thin mass (made of different materials) that acts like a cushion in order to protect the table top and edge against damage ( scraping, jarring, spilling, staining, etc). It has to be the same size and shape as the table it will be used on. Its material will depend on the location of the table- indoors or outdoors - and on its destination: dining table, conference table, massage table, game table etc.
It can be made at home (from cotton flannel for example), but for an expensive table or a conference table it is better to consider having a custom made table pad because it will fit to the exact dimensions of the table giving good protection against scratches, heat and spills.
We still need a table pad, even if we are using tablecloths. All respectable hotels and restaurants use pads made of latex with a soft polyester felt backing because the tablecloth or table skirting will drape better, noise will be diminished and of course the top table is kept away from heat, moisture and scratches.
Types of pads
Poker pad
A poker pad should be at least 1/4 inch thick and of good quality. There are several types of felt (velveteen, vinyl, wool felt, cotton blend) to choose from and the most expensive is speed felt. Professional poker players say that felt is just the right material to play cards on!
Conference table pad
A conference table pad has a blaze matte surface finish. The table pad gives, a normal table the appearance of a conference table. It supplies a comfortable workspace for people seated at the table and protects the table's surface from any accidents that may occur.
Massage table pad
A massage table pad is made of pure 100% American virgin wool. It has multiple functions: the clients will have the pleasure of a wool massage table pad that reacts to the fluctuation of body temperatures, no matter what the season is and it doesn't allow the development of mold and mildew.
Dining table pad
A dining table pad is better customized to properly fit the table. It is over 1/2 inch thick and it consists of a leatherette or woodgrain top and a cushion velvet or felt bottom. It has to be heavy-duty and washable and also easy to handle and store (that is why it shouldn't warp when standing upright in order to save storage space). By construction, a dining table pad has a solid, lightweight fiberboard core which is meant to be durable and humidity and heat resistant (up to 600º). To apply the pad to the table strong, flexible, water-based adhesives should be used in order to create a bond, without giving warping problems or a long term odor.
If you have doubts over whether or not to buy a table pad you may consider the following: in time, because of the sunlight, the table's finish will lose its brightness; placing different objects (like keys, pencils etc) on the table's surface will lead to scratches; domestic accidents, like spilling a glass of wine, can ruin the table's finish. Not only will pads offer good protection and the guarantee that the table will have the same look as the day it was purchased, but you can use them as decoration for holidays or special occasions.
