table pads tablepads

In these days of robotics and mass production, we take pride in the fact that your table pad is handcrafted in much the same way as your grandmother's pad was made. Our gals cut, snip, and tuck the same way that it has been done for 85 years, with great care. Folding and unfolding the pad over many years puts stress on the hinges. If the hinges are not constructed properly, they will wear out rapidly. Pioneer hinges are handmade for strength and durability. They will withstand the tests of time and stress. What other industry can promise you such quality in this impersonal age?

The inner insulation material currently being used by most of the table pad industry is made by Certainteed, a major U.S. insulation company. This material is similar to roofing shingle material (without the asphalt and granules), or the insulation used to deaden sound in automobiles. The main quality of this type of insulation is that it does not absorb heat. If someone accidentally sets a hot dish on your Pioneer pad, the pad will protect your table, if the pad absorbed heat, it could transfer that heat to your table finish. Your Pioneer pad, with its inner insulation material, will keep itself and your table cool, giving you peace of mind.

The vinyl covering of your Pioneer table pad is designed to protect your table's finish from moisture and scratches. Some companies will lead you to believe that their 1/4" "budget" pad will protect up to 275°, their 3/8" "medium" pad will protect up to 375°, and their "best" 1/2" pad up to 575°. Of course, the thicker the pad, the more insulation. However, all table pad tops are made of vinyl. Just as a linen tablecloth will scorch if you take a dish out of a 575° oven and lay it directly on the cloth, the vinyl top of any table pad will melt if subjected to extreme heat. The inner insulation will still protect, but the vinyl top of the pad could melt. Your table pad will protect against ACCIDENTAL scratches, heat, and spills. We recommend that the use of a potholder or hot pad will keep your table pad AND your table as good as new. Don't let other companies mislead you into believing that a table pad is completely indestructible.

Just as Sanitas last longer than wallpaper, or a cloth covered book lasts longer than a paperback, vinyl with fabric backing will last much longer than vinyl with paper backing. After several years, vinyl plasticises - that is, it begins to dry and crack because it is a petroleum product. You will see an older pad that, although the vinyl has begun to flake, the fabric backing is still holding the pad together well.  Unfortunately, many companies over the past 12 to 14 years have used paper backing, and their pads are falling apart.  The vinyl has become dry and brittle, and the hinges glide open like a giant zipper.

Properly constructed, the fabric backing of your Pioneer table pad will hold up much better over a long period of time.  After all, what you want from a table pad is durability and longevity.  Your dining room table represents a major investment.  The right pad will make it an heirloom.

For years, most table pad manufacturers reinforced the outer edges of their pads with stitching, much as the top stitching that you find in quality purses, briefcases, and luggage.  Over the last decade, newer finishing methods have been developed.  One of the more popular methods is acetoning.  After all the materials are assembled and laminated, acetone is applied around the edge, which causes the vinyls to melt together and seal.  The pads are then quickly pressed and dried.  This bonding can separate in 7 to 12 years as the vinyls plasticises.  Gluing is another alternative sometimes used in finishing, but again all pastes and glues become dry and brittle.  We recommend that you have your pad stitched.  Simply mark the box on your order form.

Of course, stitching is not completely indestructible.  We have seen 2 or 3% of the 25-to-50 year-old pads coming apart in small places here and there.  It would be great if people held up as well!