Nowadays, massage tables are available almost everywhere—even in supermarkets! However, prices vary significantly. A budget-friendly foldable massage table can cost as little as €80, while a professional electric treatment table can run into the thousands.
Choosing the right massage table for your needs can be challenging due to the overwhelming variety available. This guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure your table lasts for years.
Foldable or Fixed Massage Table?
The first decision you need to make when buying a massage table is whether it should be foldable or not. Foldable massage tables are generally cheaper than fixed massage tables and, as the name suggests, can be easily transported.
Beginners often choose a foldable massage table because it is easy to store when not in use.
Do you want to know everything about the advantages and disadvantages of foldable and fixed massage tables? We have written a detailed article on the subject that you can read here.
Table of Contents
1. The right width of a massage table
2. The right height of a massage table
3. The stability and sturdiness of a massage table
4. The right weight of a massage tabl
5. The mattress and upholstery of a massage table
6. Reiki panels for a massage table
7. Three common mistakes when buying a massage table
1. The Right Width of a Massage Table
The width of a massage table is very important for both the client and the masseur. A wide massage table is often more comfortable for the client, but if you are relatively short as a masseur, it can lead to back pain.
The width is therefore one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a massage table. This is largely a matter of personal preference.
However, there are a few factors that help determine how wide your massage table should be. These factors include:
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Your height - If you are not very tall (shorter than 1.65m), it is best to choose a narrower massage table. If you are taller, a wider massage table may be more comfortable. In short, if you are shorter than 1.80m, do not choose a massage table with a width of 76 cm.
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Type of treatment - Are you mainly providing sports and recovery massages? Or are you more focused on relaxation massages, holistic treatments, or beauty treatments? The type of treatment you offer is an important factor in choosing the width of your massage table.
For intense massages (sports and recovery massages), a narrower massage table is often preferable. In these types of massages, you apply more pressure, and the wider the table, the further you have to reach over your client. This, combined with the force applied, puts extra strain on your lower back. A narrower table allows you to work closer to your own center of gravity, reducing strain on your lower back.
For lighter massages (relaxation and holistic treatments), a wider massage table is also possible. Since less pressure is usually applied during these treatments, there is less strain on your lower back when reaching over the client.
Comfort - Many people wonder whether a narrower massage table is less comfortable for the client. Some even fear that clients might feel unsafe on a narrow massage table. The key is to find the right balance. However, there are ways to increase client comfort on a narrow massage table, such as using a headrest, armrest, or arm panels.
Portability - The width of a massage table is also crucial if you need to transport it frequently. A table that is too wide is much harder to carry. For example, if you have a 76 cm wide massage table and your inner leg length is 66 cm, lifting the massage table will be very difficult. This can make the table feel much heavier, even if the actual weight is the same.
2. The Right Height of a Massage Table
Another important factor when choosing a massage table is the height. Never buy a massage table that cannot be adjusted in height.
Unless you know exactly which height suits you and never plan to change it, an unadjustable table will become a problem over time.
Additionally, a massage table that cannot be adjusted in height is often a sign of poor manufacturing quality. Manufacturers save costs by not including an adjustable height mechanism.
When choosing the right height range, keep in mind that most massage tables are adjustable between 55 cm and 85 cm.
However, if you are very tall (1.90m or taller), a maximum height of 85 cm may not be sufficient. In this case, you can opt for our Belverde massage table with extra-long legs up to 89 cm. At higher heights, make sure that the massage table has cross panels—more on this later.
Massage tables usually have two height adjustment systems:
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Twist knob system - commonly found on wooden massage tables.
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Push-button system - typically used on aluminum massage tables.
In the videos below, you can see how both systems work.
3. The Stability and Sturdiness of a Massage Table
When assessing the stability of a massage table, many people focus on the weight capacity. However, manufacturers often overstate the weight capacity. Instead of trusting these figures, focus on:
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Leg thickness: Our economy tables have 32mm legs, premium tables 35mm, and cheap tables 28mm.
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Cross panel thickness: Economy models have 5mm panels, premium tables 6mm, and cheap tables 3mm.
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Stabilizer bars: All our massage tables include two additional stabilizer bars, reinforcing the table at four extra points.
To test stability:
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Place your hands on a corner of the massage table.
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Apply pressure by pushing the table away from you.
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Ideally, the table should shift no more than 3-4 cm.
4. The Right Weight of a Massage Table
If you regularly transport your massage table, its weight is crucial. The weight of a foldable massage table typically ranges between 11 and 23 kg, primarily determined by its design, dimensions, and materials.
If you frequently work on location and need to transport your massage table often, it is best to choose one that weighs no more than 16 kg. Ideally, you should select the lightest table possible without compromising quality.
There are three ways to reduce your table's weight:
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Choose an aluminum massage table instead of a wooden one.
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Opt for a massage table without a backrest. Adjustable sections that allow the table to be propped upright add extra weight (usually 2–3 kg).
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Select a smaller massage table—but keep in mind this may not be practical for treating larger clients.
Premium aluminum massage tables are often more expensive. While an additional €100 may seem like a lot initially, it is likely one of the best investments you can make in your career.
If you choose a cheaper massage table, it may lead to injuries due to poor ergonomics. A lighter massage table improves your working comfort, reduces back strain, and allows you to focus more on growing your practice.
5. The Mattress and Upholstery of a Massage Table
The upholstery and filling of your massage table are essential for client comfort, treatment efficiency, and table durability.
The Right Upholstery for a Massage Table
Upholstery affects how the massage table feels against the skin. Lower-quality massage tables often use inferior upholstery to cut costs, making them more prone to tearing. Tears in upholstery are never covered under manufacturer warranties.
To ensure high-quality upholstery, follow this simple test:
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Pinch the upholstery and twist it a quarter turn.
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Release and observe. High-quality upholstery should quickly return to its original position without any visible marks.
There are two common upholstery materials:
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PVC Vinyl Leather – Generally considered a cheaper option. However, some professional massage tables use PVC upholstery because it feels firmer, which is beneficial for sports and medical massages.
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PU Leather – A slightly more expensive and luxurious material. It is also the more environmentally friendly choice, as no chlorine is used during production. PU leather is easier to clean and softer on the skin compared to PVC vinyl leather.
There are significant differences in PU leather quality. At ZenGrowth.nl, we distinguish between 'Standard' PU Leather and 'Premium' PU Leather. PU leather quality is determined by grain size—the larger the grain, the lower the quality.
The Right Mattress for a Massage Table
A common misconception is that a thicker mattress automatically means a higher-quality massage table. This is not true! Although mattress thickness is an important factor, the quality of the foam used is far more crucial.
Unfortunately, there are no universal standards to indicate foam quality. If you want a high-quality massage table, choose one with multiple foam layers.
An ideal mattress should have:
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A top foam layer with low density, which prevents pressure on sensitive areas (shoulders, hips) and provides optimal support.
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A bottom foam layer with high density, which provides the necessary support when pressure is applied. This prevents the client from feeling the wooden base of the table, a common issue with cheap massage tables.
The bottom foam layer should have a high density. This bottom layer provides substantial support when you, as a masseur, apply more pressure. This prevents the client from feeling the wood at the bottom of the massage table, which is often the case with cheaper massage tables.
Our care foam (see above) is the best solution for this. This way, you get the best of both worlds!
If you see a massage table with a 10 cm filling but no information about the foam layers or the quality of the foam, alarm bells should start ringing. The likelihood is high that the foam quality is very low.
The type of treatment is also very important. For more intense massages, it is better to have a filling that consists mainly of high-density foam. You don't want to simply be shifting the foam of the filling when applying pressure. Instead, you want to apply pressure directly to the client to enhance the quality of your treatment.
For lighter massages, you can opt for a filling with lower-density foam, as this offers more comfort to your clients. In these massages, it is also often less important to apply a lot of pressure on the client.
For a professional massage table, it is best to choose one with at least 5 cm of filling. This increases the comfort of your clients and ensures that your massage table will last for many years.
6. Reiki Panels for Your Massage Table
Finally, there is one more important factor to consider when purchasing a massage table: the panels at the bottom of the table.
The disadvantage of a cross panel is that you cannot fit your knees under the massage table when treating the head or feet while seated. If you use a saddle stool, you will have to lean forward during the treatment, which can cause back pain. Almost all our massage tables instead use Reiki panels.
Reiki panels provide extra legroom, allowing you to comfortably position your knees under the massage table. However, they slightly compromise stability, but this is only an issue if the table is set at a high height.
If you use a saddle stool with a table that has Reiki panels, you will no longer need to lean forward during a treatment, preventing back pain.
The use of Reiki panels is especially important for facial treatments, Reiki, and foot reflexology.
For heights under 85 cm, a Reiki panel provides sufficient stability, as long as the rest of the table meets all necessary requirements (wide legs, thick panels, stabilizer bars).
For heights above 85 cm, it might be better to choose a table with cross panels.
Massage Table with Reiki Panels:
7. Three Common Mistakes When Buying a Massage Table
Hopefully, this guide has helped you in finding the right massage table for your specific situation. Lastly, we would like to share three common mistakes people make when buying a massage table:
- Choosing a table with three or four zones when they are not actually needed.
- Not checking the dimensions of the table.
- Buying a massage table for under €120, only to have to purchase a new one within a few months because the table has worn out.
Are you a therapist or masseur starting with foot reflexology but unsure which massage table to buy? Read our four simple steps to choosing a massage table for foot reflexology.
Why Buy a Massage Table from ZenGrowth?
At Zengrowth.nl, we focus on high-quality products at competitive prices. All our foldable massage tables come with at least a 2-year warranty to ensure quality.
Additionally, most models are available from stock and can always be returned within 30 days.
Remember: A high-quality massage table may seem like a significant investment at first, but in the long run, it will generate extra revenue. The cost of a massage table is much lower than the benefits!
Let’s do some quick math. You have a practice and perform an average of five treatments per week, which amounts to 260 treatments per year. A premium massage table will last at least 10 years with that level of use. That equals 2600 treatments.
A €400 massage table costs about €0.15 per treatment. Compared to a €60 treatment fee, that cost is negligible.
With a premium massage table, you enhance your clients' comfort, making it easy to charge €5 to €10 more per massage.
Additionally, you ensure your own working comfort, which is equally important when performing numerous treatments over the years!
Still unsure what to choose? Check out our selection guide.
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