| The term table pads refers to a number of different | | | | purpose is simply to catch any drips or spills that may |
| things, all of which are essentially table top pads that | | | | occur at the dining table and prevent the table cloth |
| serve to cover and protect the surface of the table | | | | from being soiled, since it is easier to clean small |
| somehow. Normally table pads go beneath a table | | | | dining room table pads than the whole table cloth |
| cloth, if there is one. There is some variety in table | | | | each time there is a minor accident.In addition to the |
| pads available, ranging from rigid-surfaced table top | | | | ones mentioned you can find large, hard, table cover |
| pads that fold up along hinges, to soft vinyl covers | | | | pads that fold up along hinges. These are particularly |
| that simply sit over the top. The materials used can | | | | useful if you have a fine wooden table that you wish |
| vary a fair bit, as do the intended purposes.The | | | | to prevent damage to the surface during day to day |
| range of materials used includes simple cloth, vinyl or | | | | use so you have an undamaged surface to present |
| hard plastic, water-proofed weave (much like a | | | | guests with on special occasions. If a loss of |
| mattress protector), soft felt, and wool for poker | | | | authenticity concerns you, you may consider table |
| tables.As well as serving as a surface protector it is | | | | top pads in a wooden veneer finish so as not to spoil |
| possible to find certain themed table cover pads that | | | | the effect.Due to their fairly simple construction, |
| serve to add some functionality to your table. For | | | | most table top pads start at about US$30 and |
| example, card game enthusiasts may be interested in | | | | reasonable quality dining table pads can be bought for |
| felt poker table pads which go over the top of | | | | as little as $5. The folding rigid table pads will cost |
| whatever table you're using and give the effect of a | | | | more especially if they have a pattern like imitation |
| card table that you'd find in a casino. Avid card | | | | wood veneer. You can get higher quality pads tailor |
| players are rewarded with a more convenient playing | | | | made to your table if you're willing to pay more still. |
| surface suited to the task and a more authentic | | | | The most expensive of the table pads are usually |
| feel.There are smaller pads available called dining table | | | | the felt poker table pads which vary greatly in |
| pads, or place-mats, which are small cloth or vinyl | | | | quality, but can cost as much as $200 or possibly |
| table pads that sit on top of the table cloth or table | | | | even more if you have a large custom-order.Jeff King |
| surface, one at each position on the table. The | | | | writes on many consumer topics. |