Have you ever wondered where cafeteria furniture comes from? It is usually so rugged and battle scarred in appearance that it looks like it grew out of the school or office floor. No, some administrator, principal or senior kitchen lady had to research, examine, and purchase it. The biggest customers for cafeteria furniture are still public schools, but more and more companies are building their own cafeterias, in order to keep the workers inside and eating during bad weather and to provide quality, healthy meals. In both settings, the watchwords for the furniture are “clean” and “safe.”
Most cafeterias have folding tables and chairs, made from metal, plastic and fiber wood. This is so the cafeteria furniture can be removed from the room, leaving space for a dance, assembly, or pep rally. The tables may be round or square, but are usually light enough to be moved by children. In contrast, office cafeterias tend to have larger, plusher furniture, not meant to be removed from the room. The office cafeteria may have piped in music and a place to eat outside. The kids usually have large functional tables, with gum stuck beneath the top.
Both of these types have to be built to last under heavy use. The tables and chairs may be bought from commercial furniture dealers, large school supply businesses, or simplest of all, on the internet. The dealers will probably bring the pieces of cafeteria furniture and build them on site. Supervise the workers carefully, because a loose joint leg or screw could lead to an accident and possible litigation. You don’t want or need either. Also keep in mind that kids will be kids. There will be unsuitable climbing on the tables and food fights. It is also important that the furniture be kept free of bacteria and viruses. Make sure that the pieces for the cafeteria have smooth, sanitary surfaces.
Buying cafeteria furniture for your school or business is a great responsibility. Research stores on line to find heavy gauge legs and support braces for the furniture. In these days of limited budgets, the cafeteria furniture will probably have to last for years and as mentioned, it must be sturdy and safe. There are many bodies, large and small, depending on the strength, cleanliness and dependability of good cafeteria furniture. Buying for children is a tall task, but with a bit of research and planning, it can be done well.
