What is the table’s performance in fire-resistant or fire-retardant tests?

When evaluating furniture for public, commercial, or high-risk environments, a table's performance in fire-resistant or fire-retardant tests is a paramount safety consideration. This performance is not a single metric but a series of rigorous evaluations against established standards.

The core of the testing involves exposing the table's materials—whether the substrate, laminate, or edge banding—to controlled flame sources to measure key behaviors. The most critical measured outcomes are Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI), as defined by the renowned ASTM E84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials). A low FSI indicates slow flame progression across the surface, while a low SDI signifies minimal smoke generation, which is crucial for safe evacuation. Tables intended for stringent applications often target a Class A (FSI 0-25) or Class B (FSI 26-75) rating.

True fire-retardant tables are engineered, not simply constructed. Performance stems from integrated solutions: the use of inherently non-combustible cores (like mineral-based substrates), chemically treated woods, or fire-retardant impregnated panels that char rather than sustain combustion. The integrity of the entire assembly, including adhesives and finishes, is tested.

Common benchmarks include UL 723 (aligned with ASTM E84) and CAL 117 for upholstery components. Passing these tests means the table significantly resists ignition, slows fire growth, and limits smoke output, providing vital time in an emergency. It is essential to distinguish between "fire-resistant" materials that inherently withstand heat and "fire-retardant" treated materials designed to suppress combustion. Certification labels from bodies like UL or Intertek provide verified proof of a table's tested performance, which is a critical factor for code compliance in schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and hospitality venues. Ultimately, a table's fire test performance is a quantifiable measure of its contribution to a layered life-safety strategy.