How to ship a table like a pro (13 easy steps)

So, you have a table to ship, but you’re unsure about the next steps.

How do you pack it?

What about the fragile top?

What if it gets chipped?

These are all legitimate questions.

Here’s the good news—all the answers live on this page. We ship heavy and bulky items for a living, so we know a thing or two about shipping tables—big or small, coffee or dining. And it’s not as complicated as you might think—as long as you have a solid plan.

We’ve split that plan into 13 easy-to-follow steps below.

How to ship a table in 13 steps

Shipping furniture safely requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Follow the steps below so your table arrives at its destination undamaged and ready to use.

Learn the risks of shipping furniture

01

To minimize the risk of transport damage, it’s helpful to understand how it happens.

How tables usually get damaged in transport

• The box is compromised under the weight of other packages
• The packaged table is dropped in transit
• The table is exposed to moisture
• Transport vibration loosens the joints

Specifics of your table—can it be disassembled?

If you can disassemble the table, you’re in luck. It will be easier to pack and cost less to ship.

If it’s fragile and can’t be disassembled, it’s a logistical challenge. There are still simple and reliable options for shipping fragile items, but it will likely cost more.

Clean the table thoroughly

02

Cleaning the table for shipping is not about sanitization. It’s about uncovering any defects and scratches.

Bear that in mind as you go through the steps:

1. Disassemble the table (if possible) and clean the parts separately.
2. Remove all dust with a damp microfiber or lint-free cloth.
3. Clean the surfaces with a mild detergent or a mix of soap, vinegar, and warm water.
4. Wipe it all down and pay extra attention to those stubborn, grimy spots. Be thorough but gentle, especially with wood.
5. Clean the metal parts with a degreaser to uncover any masked scratches.
6. Clean the stubborn debris out of the cracks. An old toothbrush will do—brush in gentle strokes along the crack line.
7. Remove water stains with an equal-part mix of vinegar and olive oil. Work along the grain and buff immediately with a clean cloth.
8. Use dedicated, non-abrasive cleaners for soapstone, granite, marble, and steel. Avoid anything that might scratch the surface (scrubbing pads are a common mistake).
9. Wipe the whole table dry to finalize.

PRO TIP: Be extra careful with detergents. Inspect the labels, as many contain ingredients that can harm furniture, be it wood, metal, or glass. Specifically, steer clear of ammonia and sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. If in doubt, test on a small, hidden area.

Document the current condition

03

Anytime you ship furniture, you’ll want to take photos and videos. This will be proof of its condition before shipping.

Take close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, and stains.

NOTE: Scratches might be more visible under a flash than daylight on some surfaces (like metal). Experiment with lighting and keep the clearest photos.

Measure the table (and weigh it)

04

If you can disassemble the table, measure and weigh all parts. This will help you figure out how to box and pack it.

You’ll also know whether the packaged table will exceed the size limits for parcel shipping.

3 additional tips:

• Measure the furthermost edges, but note any irregular shapes.
• For curved parts (like legs), imagine straight lines and note the distance between them.
• To get the total weight, weigh the table parts and add it all up.

PRO TIP: Before you go all in, consider a pack-and-ship service from UPS or FedEx.

Understand your transport options

05

Familiarize yourself with the terms you’ll hear when shipping furniture, like parcel and freight shipping.

Size limits for parcel shipping—and what it means for tables

*Girth is calculated as: (Width × 2) + (Height × 2)

Parcel vs. freight shipping

If your packaged table exceeds the limits above, freight shipping services will transport it.

FTL vs. LTL in freight shipping of tables

FTL and LTL stand for full truckload and less than truckload, respectively.

If you’re making and selling furniture online, you might have the volume for a full truck. If you don’t, your table will need LTL shipping.

White-glove furniture delivery

White-glove delivery refers to premium shipping options. It can include specialized packaging, transit guarantees, assembly, and packaging disposal.

For most, LTL freight will offer enough protection for shipping furniture.

Plan the packing steps

06

If you’ve decided to pack the table yourself, a shopping trip is in order.

Packing supplies and tools you might need

Map out your table packing process

1. Put it all on paper.
2. List all the table parts, along with their dimensions.
3. Note the total weight.
4. Draw out how the parts fit together.
5. Choose the right-sized shipping box and decide where you’ll get it from.
6. List the supplies that align with your plan.
7. List the steps and add specifics.

Choose the shipping box carefully

07

If your table is small enough to be shipped as a parcel, a simple shipping box will do.

1. Choose a thick cardboard box.
2. Stay away from used boxes.
3. Take your time when choosing the box size.
4. Get furniture shipping boxes from reliable suppliers like UPS or FedEx.

PRO TIP: Consider packing your table in a mirror or TV box. These are adjustable and more forgiving of mistakes in planning and measuring.

Choose the right carrier for your table

08

Some carriers are faster, and others are more flexible when it comes to size limits.

Shipping costs and fee transparency

Furniture shipping costs

Determining furniture shipping costs isn’t straightforward due to multiple variables—some related to your table (size and weight) and others to the shipping service (distance and type).

The theoretical cost of shipping a small table

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll assume you’re shipping a coffee table that weighs 30 pounds and measures 35 x 20 x 16 inches.

UPS vs. USPS vs. FedEx—dimensional weight and cost comparison

Disclaimer: These tables and graphs are for reference only. Use the carrier calculators for precise estimates.

Pack the table

09

This step can make or break your table (literally). A well-packed table can withstand cross-country shipping, while poor packing can lead to damage in the first mile.

1. Wrap the tabletop in foam sheets. Secure them with packing tape.
2. Slide on the foam corner protectors.
3. Wrap the legs in bubble wrap and secure them with colored adhesive tape.
4. Lay the parts on top of each other. Add padding between them to avoid damage.
5. Collect the screws into bags and label the bags individually.
6. Arrange all the parts together for efficient use of space.
7. Wrap it all in cling film and secure it using strong adhesive tape.
8. Lift the packaged parts on the side and slide them into a box.
9. Lay the box back down.

Optional—build a shipping crate for your table(s)

If you’re making tables, you’re probably handy enough to build a crate. Use a pallet as the base, and combine foam and OSB boards for the sides.

Pad the packaged table

10

With the table in the box, add padding to immobilize it and minimize the damage risks.

1. Start with the bigger padding pieces.
2. Pad all sides of the table.
3. Add the smaller padding pieces.
4. Avoid packing peanuts.

PRO TIP: If possible, get a helper to hold the box or the parts as you add padding.

Seal the box well

11

Follow these steps to seal your box for safe shipping:

1. Close all open edges by taping in an H pattern.
2. Start with clear adhesive tape.
3. Double tape over the first layer using heavy-duty tape.

Label the table

12

The packing slip should be prominent with clear and complete details about the sender and the destination.

Communicate with the table recipient

13

Don’t assume the recipient will fully understand how you packaged the table, even if you add unpacking instructions.

Other considerations for shipping a table

Domestic and international table shipping

Shipping a table internationally adds steps to the process.

Tracking your table

All major carriers allow you to track and monitor the table’s location.

Third-party liability insurance

The carrier’s maximum declared value might be lower than your assessment of the actual value.

Ship furniture without fuss

If you’re selling furniture in bulk, shipping and handling add steps and can slow down your business. Sidestep this hassle by partnering with a reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider.