Spa Equipment: Choosing the Best Massage Table

By Mike | December 17, 2020

Choosing the best massage table among your spa equipment can be difficult, especially with so much diversity in the styles and quality. The good news is we have compiled 10 ways to choose a massage table for your personal or professional use.

Considering the range that these massage tables have, the table is one of the most important pieces of spa equipment for your massage therapists. Choosing the best one will make it easier for your massage therapists to do their job, which helps increase your income, and eventually leads to the growth of the business.

Spa Equipment: 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Massage Table

Table Weight

The best weight in which many therapists agree for a table to have is between 22 to 46 lbs. Even portable massage tables with wooden legs can weigh more than their counterpart. The overall weight will depend on the size of the massage table, as well as the material.  Therefore, you will need to choose wisely.

You should also choose the one with the lightest weight that you can manage daily. The last thing you want when transporting a massage table from one client to another is to feel as if you have gone through a workout routine. 

Fabric styles and quality

For spa equipment, especially massage tables, you need to consider the material they’re made of before you make a financial investment. This material will be highly responsible for the weight, longevity, and visual appeal of your massage table.

If you consider a wooden massage table, then make sure to double-check the quality of wood, and the common flaws like cracks and knots.

Weight capacity

The weight capacity of a table is known as the working weight. It’s the total amount of weight the table can hold easily. Weight capacity isn’t usually a problem, since they have a weight capacity that ranges from 400 to 600 lbs. However, you should consider the weight capacity based on the size of the client and the pressure treatment that is being provided.

Table width

It’s also important to consider the table width when choosing the best massage table. You will need a table that will suit almost every body type and shape. This results in the comfort of your clients, regardless of their size.

As a skilled worker, you should also consider your personal height when choosing the perfect table width. If your therapists are short, go for the narrower massage table, around 28 inches. If they’re tall, go for a table width that ranges from 30 to 32 inches.

Table length and height

For portable massage tables, you need to consider the table’s height and your own height. Different tables come in different heights, so you need to find one that suits your therapists. If the table is too short or too high, your therapists will certainly struggle with back and posture problems.

Consider the height and length of the massage table for your clients. The normal size in which most tables come is 73 inches, which suits most client demands. If you want a longer table, make sure that it has the adjustable face cradle, adding an additional 7 to 9 inches to your massage table.

Adjustable features

One of the best features to consider when choosing a massage table is the adjustable height. This feature can be useful when the table is used by more than one person. If it isn’t used by other therapists, then you’ll still find it useful when they’re working with different body depths.

An adjustable height feature will also help your therapists when they provide a lot of different massage treatments. Massaging the head will need a different table height than on the neck and other body parts.

Foam thickness

Client comfort should be your top priority for your business. You want your clients to have the best experience so that they will return.

When choosing a massage table, make sure to choose one with high-quality, thick foam. The thickness of the foam provides clients with enough support and comfort. The quality and the thickness of the foam determines how long your table will last, too. The standard size of the foam is 2 to 3 inches thick.

Price

Now, comes your budget – it all depends on whether you choose quality or quantity. If your focus is on the quality of service, then you need to go with a massage table that suits your budget and your therapist’s skill level. Usually, a good portable table will cost around $1200 to $5000.

Material composition

When choosing the best spa equipment, specifically massage tables, you’ll need to choose between aluminum and wood. Many therapists find it very easy to choose from these two, depending on whichever looks better. But massage tables come in different styles now.

Aluminum and wood are great options – so it all boils down to your preferences. At the professional level, it shouldn’t make that much of a difference in which material the massage table is made of. However, you get an extra edge on aluminum, as the frame is much stronger compared to wooden frames. They can also bear more weight than wood.

Shelf life and durability

When buying a massage table, you should also consider the depreciation and tax write off implications of this new investment. Massage tables have a lifetime of approximately n number of years, under normal wear and tear situations. The price paid can also help you decide, as to the income derived and long-term benefits.

Spa Equipment: Where to buy a massage table?

If you’re looking for the best massage table, you can find retail stores that offer different pieces of spa equipment. If you do a web search for massage tables, you’ll also find plenty of reputable sources where you can buy online. Before you make your decision, check with the store if they offer programs to allow you to test the equipment for 30 to 90 days. If they don’t, you may also check the warranty to see what the return policy covers. This way, you’ll be able to test and try the table if it meets your clients’ needs.