<tables> in .css without any <tables>

Ok I am new to .css

Going to be pulling info from mysql and displaying it in repeating nestled tables via a php loop.

like a products page with a images, discriptions prices for each item etc.

I am going to import a .css page for style.

Question whats the best way to do this.

I can create a <table> with losts of nestled tables and use the .css to position and style it.

or

I could forget all the <tables> and place each item in its right place using .css.

Is that taking .css to far… Is the performance gain of not using lots of nestled tables worth while ?

Or have I lost the plot here !