Purchased a website design - should I go with a table structure or CSS layout?

Recently, I decided to hire a new web designer for one of my projects. After multiple attempts, he finally delivered a beautifully designed webpage by sending me 20 poorly sliced images from Photoshop and an entire HTML file with table structure.

When I requested him to convert it into CSS, he informed me that he was not familiar with CSS as he solely focused on design. He argued that in his 4.5 years of experience, no client had ever asked for a sliced design because they preferred to work on the PSD files themselves to create the HTML. He also mentioned that using table structures in web design was common practice.

This left me questioning whether I am outdated in my approach or if he is simply behind the times.

Throughout my experience, I have always built webpages using DIV and CSS, only resorting to table structures when absolutely necessary. This is the method I have been taught and continue to follow.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter and any advice on how to navigate this situation moving forward.

htmlcsslayout

Answer №1

He argued that throughout his 4.5 years of experience, not a single customer requested a sliced design; instead, they all preferred to receive the PSD file and handle the HTML themselves.

I believe this is a valid point. Designing something is different from coding it into HTML, and not being proficient in HTML doesn't diminish one's skills as a designer.

Additionally, he mentioned that table structures are still commonly used in web design.

While this may have been true back in 1999, it is no longer applicable today.

If you hired him primarily for his design skills and ended up pressuring him to code the HTML due to time constraints or other reasons, it might be best to pay him for his work, move on, and seek out someone else for the CSS layout.

However, if he offered to code the HTML for an additional fee and delivered a table-based layout, then I would argue that his work does not meet the standards of 2009. As a client, I would insist on a rework or a refund in such a scenario.

Answer №2

appears to have the skills of a visual artist, rather than a web developer

it is crucial to clearly outline the desired deliverable formats

Answer №3

Using tables for design is outdated and inefficient. Embracing CSS and divs is the right approach. A skilled web designer should have a strong understanding of CSS to create modern designs.

I recommend seeking out a different designer.

Answer №4

In my personal experience, I have noticed that Web designers who struggle with coding layouts in CSS/XHTML often lack a crucial understanding of how web pages need to adapt to varying amounts of content. This becomes especially evident when designing for systems like CMS or websites with different text size requirements. The gaps in understanding these key areas can result in fundamental issues with the overall design, leading to final products that simply do not function as intended.

Answer №5

A true web designer should have a solid understanding of CSS.

Answer №6

Regarding your query, it is advisable to shift from a table based layout to a css based one.

It appears that the individual you enlisted primarily focuses on web design (handling visual aesthetics and layout), rather than web development (coding aspects of a website).

Many individuals who identify as web designers often handle both tasks, so he should have clarified his role before being hired. It seems evident that he excels in design but lacks expertise in coding.

You may want to consider hiring a separate web developer to implement the website using the PSD files provided by your designer.

Answer №7

It appears that the designer you've hired excels at drafting, but struggles with creating HTML layouts. Using tables for layout can severely limit your design options as they are better suited for tabular data. In my view, it would be wise to consider utilizing his strengths in drawing while seeking alternative solutions for HTML layouts to avoid potential complications.

Answer №8

While tables may technically function and pass validation, they are not recommended for layout purposes.

The designer confesses to having limited understanding of HTML & CSS. It's possible that their clients opt for a PSD to XHTML service or something similar for coding. Although I have no personal experience with these services, it could be worth exploring if you require fast results but lack expertise in CSS.

Answer №9

For those who are hesitant about converting the PSD file to XHTML themselves, there is a range of services available that can handle the task for a reasonable price, like the service provided by w3-markup.com.

Answer №10

Just like many others in this community, I agree that tables are no longer the go-to for web layout in 2009. Personally, I have never utilized a table for layout purposes and wouldn't even know where to begin. In response to your query - he may be advanced in age.

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