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The smartest exam desk on the market?
Updated: Aug 1, 2022
Exam desks have been in need of an update for a while...
Now that the en core table is available, we have compared the 2 products in detail.
There is also a handy comparison chart which summarises the differences at the bottom of the page.
Sustainability
Folding exam desks are made up of different components which makes it time consuming to separate out the parts to be recycled. The MDF top uses glues to bind the fibres together which makes recycling more complex (the glues have to be extracted in the recycling process). This means a folding exam desk is not 100% recyclable.
One of the most notable differences is the en core table is 100% recyclable. It is a one piece product made from reinforced polypropylene which means it is 100% recyclable at the end of its product life and most importantly, PP is very easy to recycle.
EN1729 Compliance
Most folding exam desks fail to meet EN1729 standards.
Part one of this standard is to help determine safe working heights for students and 730mm is not a recognised table height.
Part 2 of EN1729 relates to the strength, durability and safety of a product to determine if it is able to withstand the challenging environment of the classroom. Amongst other requirements, it is tested to see if it can support a weight of 100kg.
The en core table is certified to EN1729 and is available in a range of sizes to suit each age group.
More information on EN1729 compliance can be found on this link: https://www.spaceforme.co.uk/post/what-is-bs-en-1729-and-why-is-it-important
Where is it manufactured?
Almost all folding exam desks are manufactured overseas and are imported to the UK.
en core tables are manufactured in the UK.
As well as supporting UK manufacturing when buying an en core table, manufacturing in Britain helps us to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.
Warranty
Our folding exam desks come with a 12 month warranty.
A folding mechanism increases the risk of damage during use.
The en core table comes with a 10 year warranty.
This is achievable as it is a one piece design with no moving parts so the chances of damage during setting up are dramatically reduced.
Uses
Exam desks are typically solely used during the exam seasons.
This means that the desks are sat idle for the majority of the year.
One of the great advantages of the en core table is its ability to be used in different environments.
The en core is an agile table that can be used in a classroom, cafeteria, break-out area or even outside. There is a linking device to connect tables to allow students to work together in groups and different classroom layouts to be created.
Pen grooves
On a standard exam desk there is a router groove in the 600x600 table top. This is only a few millimetres deep meaning pens can still get knocked off when moving paper around.
The en core table has pen grooves on top of the legs meaning the 600x600 top remains fully useable. The grooves are recessed so that pens sit below the level of the worktop. This means they are less likely to get knocked off the table.
There is also the option of a pen groove insert to add a splash of colour to the table.
Noise levels
Folding exam desks have metal frames which can make unwanted noise when leant on during an exam. This noise is reduced with the en core table as it is made from one piece.
Styling
Traditional exam desks look dated.
We have seen a shift towards the more modern one piece plastic chairs in the classroom and the en core offers this same styling for a table.
Taking inspiration from the en one chair, the en core table matches the chair and uses the same colour palette.
Manoeuvrability
The en core has a reduced set up time as it has no folding mechanism.
It weighs 6kg so can be quickly stacked on a dolly for transportation or storage.
Price
The upfront cost of a folding exam desk is less, however, when you take into account the life expectancy of the product - the en core table actually works out better value long term.
The ability to use the en core table all year round in different environments along with its ease of recycling makes it a great investment for schools.
en core table Vs folding exam desk
Features | en core table | Folding Exam Desk |
|---|---|---|
EN1729 Compliant | Yes | No |
Height options (mm) | 760, 710, 640, 590, 530, 460 | 730 Standard 710 Premium |
Table top size (mm) | 600 x 600 | 600 x 600 |
100% Recyclable? | Yes. Made entirely from reinforced Polypropylene which is 100% recyclable. | No. Not 100% recyclable as glue is used in the production of MDF and needs to be removed when recycling. |
Weight | 6kg | 6.5kg Standard 7.8kg Premium |
Uses | Exams, classrooms, canteens, indoor / outdoor, break out areas. | Exams |
Country of origin | UK | Overseas |
Stacking | On it's own or on a dolly. Stacks 13 high within 2m on 800 x 600 dolly. | Only stacks on a trolley. Stacks 25 on a 1400 x 615 trolley. |
Warranty | 10 Years | 1 Year |
Other benefits | Noise reduction, quicker to set up, colour options | ​ |
Find out more about the en core table by clicking the link below:
Get in touch with us if you would like to see a sample or to find your nearest Spaceforme distributor: 0333 123 2424 / sales@spaceforme.co.uk
