Some therapists find that the choice between a wood or aluminum frame is an easy one, just depending on their aesthetic preferences. Over the last 14 years, we’ve seen that there is often a preference for the look of wood, but as the design of aluminum tables has modernised, the sleek and stylish look has made them a more appealing choice.

In many therapy schools, the teachers are no longer active in their own practices, and remember back to many years ago when metal tables were common. These old models would rust and squeak, and were very heavy.

For this reason, many tutors would still recommend against aluminum tables, not realising how much the industry has modernized and confusing the aluminum tables with metal. While metal tables are now quite uncommon, there are still a few options floating around that are very cheap – generally under $120, but such low quality that you would have to buy a new table again very soon after purchasing.

While aluminum tables are a recent addition to the market, many therapists are now choosing the aluminum option for the increased strength and reduced weight.

In the professional price range, there is no difference in quality between the aluminum tables and the wooden tables. Both will have been made with very high quality materials, and both will have been constructed with the same stringent building standards.

In this instance, it’s best to choose the table best suited to your practice and your preferences. In the professional range it’s not really important whether you opt for wood or aluminum. While an aluminum frame will be stronger than wood, you’ll never get to the upper limit of the working weight of a wooden table, so you have no risk of damaging the frame regardless.