Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 5PM Eastern.
School Cafeteria Furniture Tips
The Advantages of Pedestal Lunch Tables
Pedestal lunch tables offer some advantages to students. These tables foster an opportunity for students to interact during lunchtime. Conversely, long, rectangular tables which are often used in cafeterias are not conducive to conversation and therefore do not encourage interaction among students.
Pedestal lunch tables usually offer more flexibility than traditional cafeteria tables. This is because the tables may come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are also easier to move, so a variety of different layout options may be utilized with this type of table.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Cafeteria Design Options
There are a number of different cafeteria design options. Perhaps the most well known cafeteria design includes a serving station across one wall and a group of long, rectangular tables which are either parallel or perpendicular to the serving area. This design is effective because it can accommodate a large number of students and provides adequate aisles and access exits. However, this type of layout does not foster interaction among students because conversations can be difficult.
Other cafeteria design options incorporate the use of pedestal lunch tables. These tables may come in a variety of sizes and shapes and may seat as few as four students or more than 10 students. These tables are more conducive to conversation and foster more interaction among students. Pedestal lunch tables are also more flexible and can be set up in a number of different ways. The tables can be kept separate or grouped together as necessary. Pedestal lunch tables can also be rearranged quickly and easily to accommodate purposes other than eating such as assemblies.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Necessary Cafeteria Furniture
Yes, it may be obvious, but does every cafeteria need? At a minimum, the necessary pieces of cafeteria furniture should include chairs and dining tables. The design and layout of these chairs and tables may vary considerably but they should always be suitable for eating. Depending on the needs of the school, it may be necessary for the cafeteria furniture to be multifunctional but the primary function of these pieces of furniture should be to provide a location for the students to eat. Last but not least? Food, while not technically furniture, is something no cafeteria can do without.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Selecting Cafeteria Tables
When selecting cafeteria tables, it is important to consider space limitations, the number of students, the size and ages of the students, storage potential, durability and price. The chosen cafeteria tables should fit into the available dining space without creating an unsafe environment. This includes, but is not limited to, blocking aisles or exits and putting students at a level of unsafe height.
The number of students who will be utilizing the equipment is important because it can influence the types of cafeteria tables selected. Larger, individual tables which accommodate fewer students may be appropriate for a large space and a small number of students, while tables which accommodate many students in a confined space are preferred for crowded situations. The size and age of the students is important because it will help to determine whether or not furniture designed specifically for smaller children is required or not. A cafeteria which serves only preschool students may utilize child-sized furniture, while cafeterias which serve older students as well as younger students should seek out furniture which will accommodate the size differences.
Finally, durability and price must be considered when selecting cafeteria tables. The school administrators should select tables which are not only economical but also provide a great deal of value for the money spent. Some cafeteria tables may be very inexpensive, but if they are not durable the low cost may be offset by the need to replace the tables frequently.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Purchasing School Cafeteria Tables
When purchasing school cafeteria tables it is important to factor the spatial constraints of the cafeteria as well as the school’s intention for the lunch period. Spatial constraints are critical because they will help to determine which types of tables will not only fit well within the available space, but will also accommodate the necessary number of students. When considering spatial limitations the size of the tables should be considered and the layout should be planned carefully to ensure aisle ways are adequate and exits are not blocked.
School administrators should also consider the goals of the lunch period when purchasing school cafeteria tables. Schools with a mission of fostering student interaction, good table manners and improved social skills might want to consider purchasing smaller pedestal tables for the cafeteria. This is because this type of table allows for greater interaction among students. Conversely, schools which view the lunch period as simply an opportunity for the students to nourish their bodies may prefer to utilize long, rectangular cafeteria tables. These tables can accommodate a greater number of students but do not foster student interaction.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Furnishing a College Cafeteria
In many cases, furnishing a college cafeteria is not very different than furnishing a high school cafeteria or a middle school cafeteria. This is because the critical furnishing such as chairs and dinning tables are very similar. Depending on the institution, the college cafeteria may feature tables and chairs which are more decorative in nature as opposed to high schools and middle schools which may opt for furniture which is more durable and more industrial.
The major differences in furnishing a college cafeteria include the need for pieces not necessary in high schools or middles schools, such as pedestals for swiping meal plan cards or making purchases, salad bars, built in grill areas, carving stations, stations for self service items and tray return areas.
