Material

Select the right materials for your tray

When buying a tray for your home the type of material used in the production is a good place to start, although it helps if you know the size of tray you need. Later you can decide on the pattern that works best with your own décor or personal taste.

With melamine being the most commonly used tray material, due to the multiple advantages that this wonder material brings to the table. Some of the main benefits of melamine is the resistance to breaking when dropped, although eventually it could break if dropped often enough. But these trays are much more likely to survive being knocked to the floor than most other materials.

Melamine, leading tray material

This tray material is also frequently the first choice for catering professionals, from restaurant owners to hospitals and hospitality organisers. Apart from the great designs that can be found on melamine trays, the requirements of catering professionals are extremely high in terms of using materials that are completely food safe.

This is something where melamine scores very highly, the surface is non-porous which is hygienic in that it prevents food or liquids from staining the tray. Particularly over an extended period of time where the appearance can be kept stain and scratch free, even when used in the dishwasher.

For domestic use it is probably not crucial to always place the melamine tray in the dishwasher, but because the material is food safe then serving sandwiches or canapes to your guests directly on, for example the sandwich tray, it gives you the confidence that the tray can be easily cleaned rather than just wiping it down.

The lightweight construction of melamine contrasts with another popular material, natural slate. The increase in the use of this material, which is also food safe, has increased in recent years due to the elegant appearance that slate trays bring to your home. Although heavier than other tray materials, slate does have the advantage of looking fantastic and brings a modern touch that coordinates nicely with many different decorative styles.

Materials for cushioned lap trays

Another style of tray that is increasing in popularity is the cushioned lap tray. With more people working from home and the greater demand for casual dining as family members find they are eating at different times, this type of tray has become an essential item around the home.

Made with various materials, the surface is usually made from resistant melamine that incorporates the pattern. Underneath the flat surface is attached a bean bag made from balls of micro fibre wrapped in cotton to create a sort of pillow or cushion. This cushioned bean bag is the part that adapts to the shape and angle of your legs and keeps the melamine surface level, allowing you to work on your laptop or enjoy a snack without everything sliding off or having to balance precariously. Additionally the cushioned material means using the lap tray is comfortable even over extended periods of time.