Restaurant table bases and Tops

How to Match Restaurant Table Tops with Table Bases?

Have you ever noticed how tables at some restaurants are wobbly, unstable, or tip over? Restaurant tables are the centerpiece and a crucial design element of any dining space and require special attention. Many restaurant owners treat their restaurant table tops and bases as different objects and order them separately.

However, not all table bases can match your selected table tops. The opposite is also true. Therefore, you must match your restaurant table tops with the right table bases that add durability and stability. Perfectly matched table bases lay a strong foundation of comfort and safety for your guests while dining.

Now that you know the importance of matching table tops with bases, read on to learn about different types of bases and how you can choose the perfect one for your requirements:

How To Choose Table Base?

When deciding the perfect table base for your restaurant, you need something that is functional, durable and looks good. Here are the four crucial features to look for in a table base:

1. Material

The choice of material for your table base depends on the intended use. For example, while aluminum is a perfect material for outdoor table bases, other less expensive options work great indoors. Indoors or outdoors, select a cost-effective and convenient material.

2. Appearance

Match Restaurant Table Tops with Table Bases

The look and feel of your table bases support the tabletop, which drives the ambiance inside your restaurant, and ambiance remains one of the top reasons why people prefer dining out.

3. Adjustable Height

Having a fixed table height might not work in all settings. For example, standard chair height and bar chair height vary significantly, and your table base vendor must have height options to accommodate different setups. 

4. Configuration

As explained below, the type of table bases you require depends on the weight and size of your table tops.

What Are the Popular Table Base Types?

Different types of Table Bases

1. X-Base

x base for restaurant table top

As the name suggests, an X-base resembles the letter ‘X’ at the point of contact of the table base with the floor. Also known as cross base, although many designs prefer X-bases with square or rectangle table tops, you can fit round table tops on them as well. The X-base design has four contact points with the floor and creates a functional yet stylish look. 

2. Round Base

round base for table top

Similar in design to the X-base, round bases feature a circular plate at the bottom. Although a bit heavier, round bases are sturdy and offer space for customers to sit comfortably and rest their feet. The heavy construction makes this base design perfect to pair with heavier or larger table tops without compromising stability. While round bases are popular with round table tops, some designs match round bases with square tops as well. When choosing a round base for your table top, ensure that the base is smaller than the top to allow your guests’ movement. 

3. T Base

t base for restaurant

T-base designs are suitable for supporting long table tops. Also called end table bases, these bases are popular with rectangular table tops. Most restaurant tables use these bases as support at each end for holding large table tops. For larger tables, you can consider two or more T-bases to distribute the load evenly and provide extra stability.

Table Base Size Chart

Although you can find several table-base size calculators online, the handy chart below can be a good starting point to know what table-base dimensions you should consider before you decide. 

Table Top ShapeTable Top SizeTable Base Size 
  RoundX-Base
Round24” – 30” (Diameter)17”22” x 22”
 36” (Diameter)22”30” x 30”
 42” (Diameter)30”36” x 36”
 48” – 60” (Diameter)30”
Square24” x 24”17”22” x 22”
 30” x 30”17”22” x 22”
 36” x 36”22”30” x 30”
 42” x 42”30”36” x 36”
Rectangle24” x 30”17”22” x 22”
 24” x 42”22”22” x 30”
 24” x 48”22”22” x 30”
 30” x 42”22”22” x 30”
 30” x 48”22”22” x 30”
 36” x 36”17” (2)22” x 22” (2)
 42” x 42”22” (2)22” x 22” (2)
    

Space Consideration While Choosing Table Bases

While selecting the table bases, there is more to consider than just their looks. Any busy restaurant looks for ease in cleaning and maintenance to increase the table turnover rate and maximize their capacity. Here are some space considerations while choosing table bases for your restaurant:

  • Although round or square bases are easy to clean, you can’t push the chairs fully in. 
  • On the contrary, X-bases are space-efficient as they allow you to push in but are cumbersome to clean. 
  • Some designs feature bolt-down bases that compromise the flexibility of moving or rearranging your restaurant tables.

Restaurant Table Tops and Bases Compatibility

As you might have noticed in the table base chart above, no one base size fits all table tops. To ensure compatibility of table tops and bases, you must consider

  • Size of the table top
  • Weight of the table top

While the table top size consideration is a bit obvious, many restaurant owners forget to take into account its weight. For example, although heavier, bulky tables might look pretty, they are difficult to shift and move for events. Moreover, the heavier your table top is the bigger or wider base you will require to support it, which escalates the price.  On the other hand, heavier tables like granite are very durable and long lasting, which saves money in the long run.

How to Match Restaurant Table Tops with Bases?

Once you have finalized your restaurant table tops, it’s time to match them with the correct bases. Depending on the size and weight of your table tops, you can select the best material, shape, and size for the table base.   

While the chart for the table base dimensions gives a rough idea for matching restaurant table tops with bases, they are not binding. If you opt for an unusually thick or bulky table top, use a table base at least two sizes bigger than our minimum recommendations with a column thickness of more than 4 inches.  If you have any concerns at all about matching bases to your desired tables, discuss it with a qualified restaurant furniture vendor who will make sure you get the perfect base for your table the first time.

Summing it up

Matching your restaurant table top with the perfect table base dimension might appear confusing or even intimidating. However, with a bit of research and understanding of your requirements, this task gets effortless. 

This article lists the top things to consider while choosing bases for your restaurant tables. Whether you are refurbishing your restaurant or opening a new one, these points will guide you in matching the table bases with your restaurant table tops.

FAQs

Q. How much overhang should a table top have?

A. A standard table top must have overhang between 2-4 inches.

Q. How wide should a table base be compared to the top?

A. It is recommended that you keep it two-third to the width of your base and the width of your table top.