The quality of tables manufactured today has been unknown due to new technology, material, and construction. Testing has proven to be the quickest possible way to estimate it. In the evolution of a new table, calculations can be used in some cases, but to estimate durability and reliability, it would be necessary to test a prototype and use details concerning the durability and reliability of typical points, i.e., functional elements.
Wear and tear of tables in use pass through three periods: the first period of excessive wear and tear, the second period of stable wear and tear, and the third period when wear and tear exceed allowed limits.
Individual constructions have an influence on the initial and final rigidity of tables and on hard wearing. Standard dismountable legs are weaker than fixed legs or the dismountable panel construction legs. Tables with four separate legs are weaker than the legs of other constructions, particularly if the legs are metal. The connecting area of the leg and underframe is the best if it is flat. If it is rounded, the results are worse. The fact that 64% of tables have dismountable legs and that this construction has achieved the worst results is a warning calling for further testing of such constructions.
