Custom Table Covers: Frequently Asked Questions

Custom table covers are powerful marketing tools that transform plain tables into eye-catching brand displays. Here’s what you need to know:

Materials: Polyester (durable), spandex (sleek), or vinyl (outdoor-friendly)
Sizes: Standard 6ft and 8ft, with custom options available
Printing: Dye sublimation for vibrant, long-lasting designs
Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; air dry or low heat
Pricing: Starts around $45 for basic custom covers

Key benefits:

Boost brand visibility at events
Protect tables from damage
Versatile use for trade shows, job fairs, and markets

Feature	Fitted Cover	Loose Cover	Convertible Cover
Look	Professional	Versatile	Adaptable
Fit	Exact size	Multiple tables	6ft and 8ft tables
Best for	Trade shows	Various events	Frequent travelers

Remember: Measure your table, choose high-quality materials, and focus on clear branding for maximum impact.

Materials and How Long They Last

Choosing the right material for your custom table cover can make a big difference in your event presence. Let’s break down the options and their durability.

Types of Materials

Table covers come in different fabrics, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

Material	Pros	Cons
Polyester	Tough, fights wrinkles, easy cleaning	Can look less fancy
Spandex	Stretchy, tight fit, modern vibe	Might show table flaws
Vinyl	Waterproof, easy to clean, outdoor-friendly	Less breathable, can look plastic-like

Polyester poplin is a popular choice for many businesses. It’s durable, keeps its shape, and handles frequent washing without losing color.

Lifespan of Table Covers

With good care, a quality table cover can serve you well for years. Here’s what you can expect:

Polyester covers typically last 3-5 years with regular use. Spandex covers usually go for 2-4 years, depending on how often you stretch them. Vinyl covers, especially when used outdoors, generally last 1-3 years.

Keep in mind, these are rough estimates. Your cover’s lifespan depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.

Materials for Outdoor Events

For outdoor events, you need a cover that can handle the weather. Vinyl is your best bet. It’s waterproof and can take on sun, wind, and rain.

If you want a more fabric-like feel that still works outdoors, try polyester covers with water-resistant treatments. They’ll keep your table dry without looking like a raincoat.

Cleaning and Care

To keep your table cover looking sharp:

1. Washing: Most polyester covers can go in the washing machine. Use cold water and a gentle cycle.

2. Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or air dry to avoid shrinking.

3. Storing: Fold it neatly and keep it in a cool, dry place. Use the storage bag if it came with one.

For tough stains, spot clean with mild soap before washing. Skip the bleach and harsh chemicals – they can mess up the fabric or print.

Here’s a pro tip: Get a portable steamer. It’s great for quickly smoothing out wrinkles at events.

Getting the Right Size

Picking the perfect size for your custom table cover can make or break your event’s look. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of sizing it just right.

Common Sizes

Most events stick to standard table sizes, which makes life easier. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Table Type	Dimensions	Cover Size
4 ft Rectangular	48" L x 24" W x 29" H	48" L x 24" W x 29" H
6 ft Rectangular	72" L x 30" W x 29" H	72" L x 30" W x 29" H
8 ft Rectangular	96" L x 30" W x 29" H	96" L x 30" W x 29" H
Circular Cocktail	30" diameter x 42" H	30" diameter x 42" H

Trade shows love 6 ft and 8 ft rectangular tables. When in doubt, go for a 6 ft cover – it’s usually a safe bet.

How to Measure Your Table

Getting the size right is key. Here’s the lowdown on measuring:

For rectangular tables, measure length, width, and height. For round ones, you’ll need the diameter and height. Simple, right?

Pro tip: Grab a flexible measuring tape for spot-on measurements.

Fitted vs. Loose Covers

It’s like choosing between a tailored suit and a comfy sweater. Fitted covers look sharp but need exact measurements. Loose covers are more forgiving but might need some adjusting.

Want that crisp, pro look for your trade show booth? Peak Banner‘s fitted covers (starting at $55) won’t let you down.

Covers for Special Table Shapes

Got a weird table shape? No sweat. Oval tables? Measure like a rectangle, but note the widest point. Serpentine or triangular tables? You might need to go custom.

Full Coverage vs. Open Back

Think about your setup. Full coverage is great for 360-degree visibility. Open back? Perfect for wall-side tables or if you need to stash stuff underneath.

"For trade shows, go full coverage. It looks pro from every angle and hides your under-table stash", says a Peak Banner rep.

Printing Your Design

Let’s talk about turning your design into a real, tangible table cover. It’s not just about slapping a logo on fabric – there’s a whole process behind it.

How Designs Get Printed

There are two main ways to get your design onto a table cover:

1. Dye Sublimation

This is the top dog in custom table covers. Why?

The ink becomes part of the fabric. No peeling, no fading.
Your designs come out looking crisp and vibrant.
It handles complex designs like a champ.

2. Heat Transfer

Better for simpler stuff:

Great for one-color logos or basic text.
Easier on the wallet for straightforward designs.
Works on different types of fabric.

Getting Your Art Ready

Before you hit that send button, make sure your design is good to go:

High-res images are a must (300 DPI or higher).
Turn your text into outlines.
Use CMYK colors for the best results.

Pro tip: Ask your printer for templates. They’ll help you nail the fit.

Where Logos Can Go

You’ve got options for logo placement:

Placement	What It’s Good For
Front Center	Getting noticed
Front Corners	A balanced look
All Sides	Branding from every angle
Table Runner	A focused branding strip

Color Printing Options

With dye sublimation, you can go wild:

Full-color printing doesn’t cost extra
Want exact color matching? We can do Pantone.
Gradients and photos? No sweat.

One-Sided vs. Two-Sided Printing

Option	Good Stuff	Not-So-Good Stuff
One-Sided	Cheaper	People might miss your brand
Two-Sided	Your brand is always visible	Costs more

FYI: Peak Banner offers printing as standard on their custom table covers, starting at $55. Your brand will be visible no matter where people are standing.

Taking Care of Your Table Cover

Let’s talk about keeping your custom table cover looking great. With the right care, it’ll stay sharp for all your events.

How to Clean

Cleaning your table cover is pretty simple:

Shake it out to get rid of loose stuff
Machine wash in cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent
Hand wash delicate fabrics
For tough stains, pre-treat with detergent and water

"I washed the 100% polyester cover in warm water on gentle, then dried it on low heat. It came out wrinkle-free!" – Sarah, Copywriter

How to Store

Store it right to keep it looking crisp:

Method	Why It’s Good
Rolling	No creases or wrinkles
Hanging	Wrinkles fall out naturally
Folding	Saves space, but might crease

Keep it cool, dry, and out of the sun to avoid fading.

Fixing Wrinkles

Got wrinkles? No problem:

Steam it in the bathroom during a hot shower
Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth
Mix water and vinegar for a DIY wrinkle spray

Moving and Packing

When you’re on the go:

Roll it up instead of folding
Use a garment bag for protection
Don’t stack heavy stuff on top

"Rolling around a cardboard tube beats folding. It stops pressure marks." – Peak Banner fabric expert

Different Types of Covers

Let’s dive into the world of custom table covers. There’s no one perfect cover for every situation, so knowing your options is key.

Basic Cover Types

Here’s a quick rundown of the main styles:

Cover Type	What It Is	When to Use It
Fitted	Tailored with sewn panels	Trade shows, professional events
Throw	Loose fabric, rounded corners	Multi-size table setups
Stretch	Made of stretchy polyester	Modern, sleek displays
Open Back	Has a back cut-out	Staff seated behind the table

Want a pro tip? Peak Banner’s fitted covers start at $45. They look sharp and have an open back for easy access.

Multi-Use Covers

Think of convertible covers as the chameleons of table decor. They adapt to different table sizes, which is great if you’re always on the move.

Here’s a cool example: A 14-foot table skirt can dress up both an 8-foot and a 6-foot table. If you’re in catering or have a mobile business, this flexibility is a game-changer.

Using Table Runners

Table runners are like the cherry on top. They add a splash of color and branding without covering the whole table. Use them to:

Highlight your brand colors
Draw attention to specific products
Create a layered look over a tablecloth

"Runners are great for layered styling. Pair them with placemats or contrasting tablecloths for a dynamic look", says a fabric expert at Peak Banner.

Picking the Right Style

Your cover choice depends on your event and brand image:

1. Formal events

Go for full-coverage tablecloths. Round ones are perfect for weddings and banquets.

2. Trade shows

Fitted contour covers look pro. Check out Peak Banner’s stretch covers (from $45) for a modern twist.

3. Outdoor events

Think durable. Vinyl covers can handle rain and are easy to clean.

4. Versatile use

Table skirts are your best bet. Mix and match them with toppers for a custom look at any event.

Prices and Ordering

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of custom table cover pricing and ordering. It’s not rocket science, but there are a few key things you need to know.

What Affects Price

The cost of your custom table cover depends on a few factors:

Size: Bigger covers = bigger price tag
Material: Fancy fabrics cost more than basic polyester
Design complexity: Full-color prints might hit your wallet harder
Quantity: Bulk orders often mean better deals
Speed: Rush orders? Prepare to pay extra

For example, Peak Banner’s custom covers start at $45. Not too shabby for the industry.

How Long Orders Take

Production times are normally 3-5 days, 1-2 day rush is also available.

Don’t forget to factor in shipping time – usually 2-5 days for standard delivery.

Minimum Orders

Good news: many suppliers don’t have minimum order requirements. Peak Banner, for instance, are cool with single-item orders. Perfect for small businesses or design testing.

Product Guarantees

Look for:

Quality assurance
Color matching guarantees
Satisfaction guarantees or return policies

Some companies, like Peak Banner, even offer a "110% Best Price Match Guarantee". Talk about confidence!

Getting Price Quotes

Want accurate pricing? Here’s what to do:

Know your specs (size, material, design details)
Shop around for quotes
Ask about bulk discounts

Many suppliers have online calculators for instant quotes. Peak Banner’s website, for example, lets you punch in your specs for a quick estimate.

When comparing quotes, consider the total cost (including shipping and setup fees), production time, print quality, and customer service. Don’t be shy about asking for samples or checking reviews.

Summary

Custom table covers pack a punch for businesses at events. Here’s what you need to know:

They’re More Than Just Tablecloths

Custom table covers:

Turn boring tables into brand billboards
Work for trade shows, job fairs, and markets
Protect your table while showing off your brand

Pick Your Material

Material	Good For	Best At
Polyester	Most events	Handling crowds
Spandex	Modern look	Showing table shape
Vinyl	Outdoor use	Keeping water out

Most people go for polyester poplin. It’s tough and looks good.

Size It Up

You’ll find covers for 6ft and 8ft tables, but you can get custom sizes too. Think about:

Fitted covers for a sharp look
Loose covers to fit different tables
Convertible covers for flexibility

Make It Pop

Dye sublimation printing is the way to go. It makes your design last. Remember:

Use high-res images (300 DPI+)
Stick to CMYK colors
Put your design where people will see it

Keep It Clean

Take care of your cover and it’ll last 3-5 years. Here’s how:

Wash cold, gentle cycle
Dry on low heat or air dry
Roll or hang to store

What It’ll Cost You

Prices change based on size, material, and design. At Peak Banner, custom covers start at $45.

"Your table cover is often the first thing people see. Make it count!" – Peak Banner fabric expert

Custom table covers are a smart way to get noticed. They’re not just for looks – they’re a key part of your event strategy.

FAQs

What is the standard trade show tablecloth size?

Most trade show table covers come in 6ft and 8ft sizes. Here’s a quick look at the dimensions:

Table Size	Length	Width	Height
6ft cover	72"	30"	30"
8ft cover	96"	30"	30"

But don’t just assume these will fit. Always measure your table before you buy.

If you’re hopping between events, consider a convertible cover. These nifty things fit both 6ft and 8ft tables. Talk about flexibility!

"The right size isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety and professionalism", says a fabric expert at Peak Banner. "Too long? Trip hazard. Too short? Unprofessional."

Got a weird-sized table? No sweat. Many suppliers, including Peak Banner, can make custom sizes. Their covers start at $45.

Pro tip: When in doubt, go bigger. It’s easier to adjust a cover that’s too big than to stretch one that’s too small.