Dressing and Embalming Tables: What Funeral Professionals Need to Know in 2026
Embalming tables and dressing tables do different jobs. This 2026 guide compares hydraulic and folding designs, top materials, capacity, height range and storage, with real specs.
An embalming table needs a fluid-resistant top, drainage and stable height adjustment under load. A dressing table needs a clean, dry surface where a decedent can be dressed and casketed while the embalming table is cleaned for the next case. Many firms use one embalming table and several dressing tables.
Quick answer: Use a stainless embalming table with a drain, hydraulic if you work long days or bariatric cases. Add folding laminate dressing tables, at least one extra-wide, so cases can move off the embalming table. Match heights to your lift and casket bier.
Embalming vs. Dressing Tables
| Embalming table | Dressing table | |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Stainless, drained | Laminate or stainless, dry |
| Height | Hydraulic or multi-height | Fixed or adjustable |
| Storage | Stays in place | Often folds flat |
| Typical capacity | 600–1,000 lb | Up to 700 lb on our extra-wide model |
Models
| Table | Key specs |
|---|---|
| American Oversized Embalming Table | 1,000 lb, hydraulic foot pump, stainless perforated top, four locking casters |
| Economy Multi-Height Folding Embalming Table | 600 lb, 32.5–38.5" at each end independently, 80 × 30" 304 stainless trough, folds flat, ships assembled |
| Multi-Height Stainless Embalming & Dressing Table | American-made stainless, works as either table |
| Extra Wide Folding Dressing Table | 78 × 32" laminate, 700 lb, 34" height, folds to 59 × 32 × 9.5" |
| Single Folding Mortuary Dressing Table | Adjustable height, steel frame, folds flat |
American Oversized Embalming Table - Bariatric1,000 lb hydraulic
Economy Multi-Height Folding Embalming Table600 lb folding
Multi-Height Stainless Steel Embalming & Dressing Table – Model 1038-MHDE-SDual-purpose stainless
Extra Wide Folding Mortuary Dressing Table78×32 in., 700 lb
Single Folding Mortuary Dressing TableFolding dressing table
6-Pack Folding Mortuary Dressing Tables6-pack
Buying Multiple Tables
Mortuary schools, disaster teams and high-volume firms buy in packs: the 2-pack, 6-pack and 10-pack of folding dressing tables, or the 2-pack of hydraulic embalming tables.
See where tables fit in the room in the prep room equipment guide. Hydraulic table detail is in hydraulic embalming tables.
Care and Sanitation
Stainless tops should be cleaned with a disinfectant that is safe for stainless steel and rinsed so residue does not build up in the drain. Check hydraulic tables for leaks at the pump and cylinder, and keep casters free of hair and debris so locks hold. Laminate dressing tops clean easily but should not sit wet; dry them between cases. Inspect folding locks on dressing tables every month and replace any table whose frame no longer locks firmly.
When adding tables, think about where they go when they are not in use. Folding tables that store flat against a wall keep the prep room open for the lift and cot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an embalming table and a dressing table?
An embalming table has a drained, fluid-resistant top for preparation. A dressing table is a dry surface for dressing and casketing.
Can one table do both jobs?
Yes. Multi-height stainless tables can serve as either, but most firms keep a separate dressing table to free the embalming table.
What height should an embalming table be?
Adjustable is best. Our economy folding table adjusts 32.5–38.5 inches, and hydraulic tables adjust smoothly under load.
Questions about fit, freight or lead time? Call our Johnson City, Tennessee team at 1-888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com.
