A better alternative to traditional upholstery trestles
Pneumatic upholstery lifting tables allow operators to raise and lower furniture throughout the manufacturing process. This reduces unnecessary bending, stretching and manual repositioning while making every part of the product easier to access.
The Rexel ST-3 range includes standard, rotating, heavy-duty and compact lifting tables for different furniture sizes and production requirements. The standard ST-3 has demonstrated productivity improvements of at least 14% compared with conventional upholstery trestles.
What are the benefits of lifting tables?
- Improve efficiency - Reduce time spent manually lifting, turning and repositioning products. Compared with conventional upholstery trestles, productivity improvements of at least 14% have been observed.
- Reduce operator fatigue - Position each product at a suitable working height, reducing repeated bending, stretching and awkward postures throughout the working day.
- Lower manual-handling risks - Support heavy, bulky and awkward workpieces while they are assembled, upholstered, finished or inspected.
- Improve access and consistency - Adjustable-height and rotating models give operators easier access to every side, helping them work more efficiently and maintain consistent quality.
- Create a more inclusive workstation -
The working height can be adapted for different operators, tasks and products instead of forcing everyone to work at one fixed level. - Support health and safety responsibilities - Mechanical handling aids can help businesses avoid or reduce hazardous manual handling as part of a suitable risk assessment and safe system of work. This supports the principles of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, although equipment must still be correctly selected, maintained and operated.
- Reduce physical energy expenditure - Testing has shown a 15% reduction in operator energy use compared with traditional upholstery trestles, helping employees maintain performance across repetitive production shifts.
- Protect long-term productivity - A safer, less physically demanding process can contribute to fewer handling-related problems, more sustainable working practices and better employee wellbeing.
Popular Applications
- Sofa, chair and furniture production
- Office and contract seating
- Beds and mattresses
- Automotive and marine trim
- Furniture frames and components
- Product assembly and sub-assembly
- Packing and dispatch
- Quality inspection and finishing
- Maintenance and repair work
- Composite and lightweight industrial products
- Any workshop process involving bulky or awkward workpieces
Productivity Impacts
Traditional trestles require operators to repeatedly bend, lift and manually reposition furniture. A pneumatic lifting table brings the product to the operator instead.
This can help manufacturers:
- Complete operations more quickly
- Reduce unnecessary operator movement
- Maintain a consistent working position
- Accommodate operators of different heights
- Improve access during stapling, trimming and inspection
- Reduce fatigue during repetitive production
Our Support
We supply upholstery manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland and our team are on hand to help identify the appropriate table size, load capacity, tabletop and safety configuration for your application.
Available support includes:
- Product recommendations and technical advice
- Delivery and installation (on request)
- Operator training
- Spare parts and servicing
- Finance and leasing options
Looking to upgrade your upholstery set-up?
Tell us what you manufacture, the approximate product dimensions and maximum weight. We’ll recommend the most suitable lifting table for your production process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about pneumatic lifting tables, including air requirements, working heights, load capacities, tabletop options and choosing the correct model for your workshop or production process.
Do pneumatic lifting tables require electricity?
The Rexel ST-3 range is pneumatically operated and generally requires a suitable compressed-air supply. Requirements vary between configurations.
What is the standard min. and max. working height?
The standard ST-3 adjusts from approximately 320mm to 1,280mm.
What weight can the table support?
Standard models support loads up to 160kg. Heavy-duty versions are available for furniture weighing up to 320kg.
Can any of the tabletops rotate?
Yes. Selected models include rotating tabletops, braking systems or both.
Which tabletop surfaces are available?
Options include carpet-covered, plywood, polyethylene and stainless-steel tabletops.
Are smaller tables available?
Yes. ST-3 Mini models are available for chairs, smaller furniture and compact workstations.
Can you help us select the correct model?
Yes. Send the product dimensions, approximate weight and photographs of your current workstation, and we can recommend a suitable configuration.
