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SM   FRANCE TABLE  TOPS   AND   TABLES The welcome of a shaded terrace, the invitation of a poolside terrace, the fresh breeze of a Mediterranean patio...relaxing images... and the table is at the center of those convivial thoughts. For nearly thirty years, SM France has created and produced table tops and tables for the best moments of life. We are very pleased to present you with our catalog 2001...beginning the new millennium with a new presentation of products, which we are sure, will captivate your clients.                                                   Geographical location     At Rochefort-Sur-Mer, on the western coast of France, near La Rochelle, SM FRANCE produces laminated molded table tops and tables.    These table tops are specially designed for contract use in hotels, restaurant, cafes, terraces, patios and gardens.                SM advantages             Manufactured by molding specially formulated hardwood shavings under controlled heat and intense pressure, SM table tops are "Laminated". This patented process creates a beautiful, weather-resistant, durable top.  Click here for seeing SM advantages                                                                                              Quality            The quality of SM products is assured by a rigorous quality control program using the latest testing equipment and techniques.                Know How            The SM team of dedicated men and women coupled with our special processes contributes to our worldwide reputation for excellence.                                                                                                               Logistic       SM FRANCE exports more than 70% of the production towards over 45 countries around the world.         Creativity          SM colors and patterns are designed to harmonize with most interior and exterior designs. Special patterns, designs and custom tops can be made to meet any need. The SM creative team works constantly to bring the latest colors, decors and patterns to our products to meet and anticipate the demands of our clients. Our customers, with their demands and ideas are also a part of our design team!

SM France Tops Frequently Asked Questions.

What is an SM Top? ... It is a molded laminate table top, with a melamine surface like most laminates and a design printed on high melamine content paper, fused to a special wood substrate. It is weather‑resistant, UV resistant, and has surface properties similar to most laminate surfaces.

What is the special substrate? ... It consists of an African hardwood, “Okoume" which is hydrophobic or in other words doesn't like water and so resists absorbing it and swelling up.

It looks like chipboard, is it? ... No, it is made differently. First, we use exclusively this single wood type. Second, we shred it to about the size of large rice grains. Third, we dry it to 1% humidity and then while still hot and extremely dry, we infuse it with resins which it absorbs because it is so dry. Fourth, these grains are "cold molded" into a blank which is slightly larger than the finished table. It is this blank which will be made into the table in the hot‑press operation.

How is the melamine applied? ...The blank goes into the hot press with melamine sheets top and bottom and the melamine sheets and wood grains are fused into a practically solid mass with a high resin content.  In a secondary operation in the same press the decor sheets are then fused to the semi‑finished blank in a second pressing operation. When it comes out of the press it is a sealed top with the melamine sheets fused to the wood. It is far different from a laminate just glued to chipboard.

Will water collect on the surface? … Actually the tops go thru a special forming operation while still hot to impart a slightly higher center than edges so that water will NOT collect on the surface. Any table that does not have this form after curing is rejected.

Are all tables the same thickness? ... No certain models are slightly thicker than others. Typically, larger tables are thicker in the center than smaller tables, but long experience in molding has helped us perfect the correct thickness to assure a nearly flat surface with no warping.

What about swelling? ... One of the tests our tables must pass is being subjected to boiling water for two hours. Another is being soaked in 158-degree water for five hours. The special wood used and treatment means our tables are virtually swell proof.

How are bases attached? ... In most cases, table base mounting plates or spiders are screwed directly to the tables.  In some other installations, plywood or marine plywood mounting plates may be desired. These are customer choices ... not requirements.

How about umbrellas? ... Umbrella holes can be put in all tops and a special umbrella hole plastic guide is available. However, tables under 32" are not recommended for umbrellas since they will likely blow over in the wind. If however the tables are inside and the umbrellas are merely decorative, it may be possible to use an umbrella with a small table.

How about custom tops? ... SM has actually three ways to do custom tops. First is by printing on a special paper using either a specially modified ink‑jet printer similar to an architect’s plotter printer. Quantity requirements are modest... only 25 pieces. Second is by "offset" printing the special paper in rolls.  This is designed for higher quantities.  However because of greater set‑up costs, 200‑300 piece minimums will be required. The third way to a custom look is be using a fabric, which will result in a table similar to the fabric based "DECO" tops. Only certain fabrics may be successfully used however, and not all inks are UV resistant so some fading may occur with time. Fabric must be 100% cotton, thin, printed and untreated.  We have also successfully molded silk.

Why are SM tops so reasonably priced? …Our process is an industrial process and high volumes of tops are produced annually with highly sophisticated equipment. The result is an extremely good product at a very reasonable price. The downside is that because of the special molds required, special sizes are not possible.

Are there other tops made using the same process? … The answer is that there are similar tops, but not using the same exact process.  SM has improved the process and changed the wood formula for the substrate from the original formula. SM tops do not have the same wood inside as the other tops, which are made from mixed local hardwoods and possibly softwoods. We believe that our tops have a greater density and higher resin content which makes for a stronger more resistant top. We do not have a problem with swelling or screws pulling out.

Will the tops scratch? ... In the same manner as laminate will scratch.

Will the tops fade? ... Even the best automotive paints will fade. To minimize problems in extreme situations, such as desert sun, we recommend lighter colors and common sense.

Can the tables go indoors? ... Of course, anywhere a good clean pretty top is used.

Will the tops de‑laminate? ... Since the tops are molded as the melamine is applied, there is really nothing to delaminate.

What if a hot pan is placed on the top? ... Another of our tests is 20 minutes at 350 degrees. The surface will likely lose its semi‑matte finish and become dull.

What about cigarettes? ...Like laminate, a burning cigarette can discolor the top, but will not burn through or render the top unusable.

I notice that the edge of the table has been smoothed off on the underside with a sander.  Won't water get in? ... The bottom sheet of melamine is mostly for appearance rather than protection. The wood grains themselves are protected by the infusion of resins.

So the advantages are? ... A weather resistant, good looking table top at an extremely reasonable price.  A custom top at prices that defy the ordinary tops.  A great flexibility in design, a wide range of colors, and a sanitary long-wearing surface.

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