I still use tables ….. WHAT? But NOT for what you think. I use tables when I have to show some kind of a schedule, or data presentation….. and I style my tables with CSS, so I don’t have to mark up each <tr> and <td> tag to present them…….

You must have heard by now that designing with tables is becoming obsolete. CSS is the professional easy way to design web pages, and it has quickly become a must-have for standards-compliant websites.

What are standards-compliant websites?

At first new web designers think OMG Rules! But, these rules make it easier in the end, which is what? Designing a web page that can be viewed in any web browser and can be accessed by anyone who may need screen-readers, braille devices, or who want to print information or receive via a cell phone or i-pod. This is ALL available now by using standards-compliant (X)HTML for markup and content, and CSS for design. No more "transparent gif’s" to create white space between your page elements.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) allow you to separate the content of your website from the design, making both much easier to update and much friendlier to search engines. Search Engines look for CONTENT, not endless redundant and empty <tr> and <td> tags.

Tables require much more mark-up in the of your web page This means it takes longer to download, and more bandwidth useage.

Tables are usually slower to layout for the browser because tables require mathematical calculations by the browser engine which means it takes longer for people to actually view your pages.

Tables usually prevent incremental rendering. In other words your page is loading away in the background revealing nothing but a blank white screen with little parts showing up bit by bit.

Tables may require you to chop single, logical images into multiple ones. You’ve seen those web designs where the header image is all in small pieces designed to fit within a table cell. Very difficult to change the look of your page.

Once you know CSS, table-based layouts usually take more time to implement. Over the past few years I have created simple templates. One-column, Two-column, and Three column, as well as some unusual ones that mimic a frames layout.

Tables are semantically incorrect mark-up for layout because tables describe the presentation, not the content – which is what people came to your page to see… CONTENT.

People who use screen-readers have a terrible time with table-based layouts. Wouldn’t you want to make your website content available to everyone?

Tables lock you into the current design and make re-designs MUCH harder than semantic HTML plus CSS. You can’t just "fix" a table based design to update it. You pretty much have to create the WHOLE design from scratch. With CSS layout and design you only need to change those elements in your style sheet that you want to look different.

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