How to choose a manicure table: 7 things to check before you buy

The seven checks

• Size and layout. Measure the space first. Leave room for the client to sit comfortably, for the technician to reach tools without twisting, and for people to walk behind the chairs. If a standard size does not fit your room, ask for a made-to-measure table.
• A surface that cleans easily and resists chemicals. Nail products, removers and disinfectants all touch the table top. Choose a finish that wipes clean and is made for this kind of use, and ask the supplier what it has been tested with.
• Drawers that keep tools covered and tidy. Closed drawers keep tools out of sight and away from client belongings, which also helps the hygiene impression. Check that they slide smoothly when fully loaded.
• Dust extraction. If you file a lot, dust control protects the technician and keeps the station clean. Decide at the ordering stage whether you want an extraction option built into the table, because adding it later is harder.
• A comfortable hand cushion. The client's forearm rests on it for the whole service. It should support the wrist without pushing it up and be easy to wipe or cover.
• Power and lighting. Plan where the lamp and any equipment plug in, and where the cables run. A neat cable path avoids tripping hazards and a messy look.
• Matching stools and working height. Table and stool heights must fit together for both the technician and the client. Choose them as a set so that posture is comfortable for long appointments.

Look at the whole station, not just the table

A manicure station is a small system: table, stools, lamp, storage and often a pedicure or makeup area next to it. When the pieces match in wood, colour and height, the salon looks calmer and more deliberate, and it is easier to extend later. If you are fitting several stations, ask for them to be produced together in one batch so the finish is consistent.

You can see our range of manicure tables and matching stools, and read how to keep a station hygienic in Are manicures good for you?.

Ordering from abroad

If you are importing, ask for a dimensioned drawing, a finish sample and a clear packing description before you pay a deposit. Export packing in wooden crates on pallets protects the pieces on a long journey. We make tables to order for buyers in Europe, the UAE and Africa, and can quote EXW, FOB or CIF. Send your layout through our quote form.