I have one of the older ones that has a shelf underneath with a middle drawer in it. I purchased one of the large cutting mats that fits completely over the top of it. I never fold the sides down unless I am moving it to the kitchen to use as some of the others do, as a buffet table. I got a table cloth to match my dining table one and use it every year at Christmas time. It is higher than a regular table and that way the small children cannot reach things on it and get into every thing! Which is a good plus! It really is good on the back, not having to bend over so far to cut, work, etc on things. I think you would be happy with one. You will not know how you made it without one when you get it! Thay are on sale right now at JoAnn's.