Below is a brief description of the materials we use in the construction
of our custom tailored table pads. |
INTERIOR CORE |
| All table pads are constructed using either low density fiberboard, paper felt or a combination of the two. |
| Elite Quality, we combine a 7/16" thick piece of low density fiberboard with about 1/8" of multiple layers of paper felt to create a pad about 9/16" thick. |
| Select Quality, consists of layers of the paper felt to create a pad about 3/8" thick. |
| The low density fiberboard we use is typically used in the construction industry as an insulating underlayment, while our paper felt is the core material for asphalt roof shingles. Both of these materials work well as a table pad core because, they have a random grain, are firm but slightly flexible with good heat and sound resistant characteristics. |
| We favor using multiple layers of these materials to achieve a high level of heat resistance, as the build up process adds slight air spaces to compliment the materials themselves. This combination works best to resist the conduction (through solids) of heat in comparison to solid core pads or alleged heat shields which, in actuality accelerate the passage of heat. |
VINYL TOP MATERIALS |
All table pad companies use printed PVC (vinyl) to achieve appearance and resist moisture. We specify that our vendors supply only new vinyl (no recycled materials). In a certain thickness with a specific flexibility, laminated to a backing (called a supported vinyl) to achieve the longevity we need to provide a lifetime guarantee.
Our print patterns are exclusive to our product lines. We consider our specifications proprietary, but be assured they do exist for our customers providing the quality necessary for long life. |
BOTTOM COVER MATERIAL |
| We use a precision acrylic/nylon flock laminated to a backing material for all of our Elite quality pads. The Select quality pads are constructed with a napped cotton flannel. |
| The precision flock we use, which we call Duravel or DV for short, assures uniformity in color and a soft finish which is compatible with wood table finishes. |
| Both of these materials are available in various colors and are chemically inert, which is very important as pads are frequently left on tables for long periods of time. |
ADHESIVES |
| We use only water based, permanently flexible adhesives which is another important ingredient to promote longevity and quality for several reasons. |
| First, these adhesives are very high strength, which do not degrade over time. They also remain flexible over time which allows the pads to give a little to resist warping and provide the best possible sound absorption. |
| Lastly, these adhesives dry very quickly and have no migratory (chemically inactive) properties. We also know they are safe to use by our employees and are environmentally friendly. |
INTERLOKS |
| Since we introduced flocked materials to the industry in 1975, we recognized that these bottom covers are easy to move on the table surface and the pad sections can become separated while in use. |
| Thanks to an employee idea, we developed and a patent was issued in 1982 for our locking system called Interlok. |
| The advantages to this design are: |
Simple to use |
Fully hidden when in use |
Mechanically lock the sections of the pad securely together |
| We have continued to evolve the materials we use over the years, as these materials have improved for our application. Currently, we use a special Nylon which promotes strength and longevity, but also long term memory and resists deformity. |
| The combination of these traits, again, assures our customers of a product that meets the requirements of our Lifetime Guarantee and ease of use. |
PRODUCT COMPARISONS |
| It has been stated over time that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We find it interesting that since introducing the Elite and Select quality names, Interlok and flocked materials over 20 years ago, how many companies use these exact same materials, designs or names to represent what they sell. |
| Frankly, there is nothing we can do to stop other companies from using our ideas, but as least it confirms that we are doing the right things when it comes to making table pads. |
| What is important is that our mission today is the same as it has been for the last 80 plus years we've been in business, which is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible table pad we can make. Our goal will always be to meet your expectations and in the process protect your furniture during a lifetime of ownership. |
