What are the most common packaging materials used to protect the table during shipping?

When preparing a table for shipping, selecting the right packaging materials is crucial to prevent damage from impacts, vibrations, and environmental factors during transit. The most common and effective materials include several layers of protection.

Bubble wrap serves as the primary cushioning layer. Wrapping the entire table, especially the legs and corners, with multiple layers of large-bubble wrap creates an excellent shock-absorbing barrier that guards against scratches and minor impacts. For enhanced corner protection, specialized cardboard or foam corner protectors are indispensable. These rigid guards shield the most vulnerable parts of wooden, glass, or marble tables from chipping and breaking.

The next essential layer is sturdy cardboard. For table tops, using double-walled cardboard sheets on both sides provides substantial rigidity. For complete tables, disassembling when possible and placing components in heavy-duty cardboard boxes offers superior protection. Fragile glass table tops require additional measures like foam board insulation sandwiched between cardboard layers.

For valuable, antique, or long-distance shipments, custom wooden crating represents the gold standard in table protection. These professionally constructed crates provide maximum impact resistance and environmental protection. Finally, high-quality packing tape and durable stretch wrap secure all materials in place, preventing unwrapping during handling.

Combining these materials—bubble wrap for cushioning, corner protectors for vulnerable edges, cardboard for structural support, and appropriate outer containers—creates a comprehensive protection system that significantly increases the likelihood of your table arriving undamaged at its destination.