Two Key Factors when Buying Restaurant Table Bases

round_basesOne of the first things customers do when shopping for restaurant furniture is to look at the dazzling array of options in restaurant table tops because there are so many beautiful options such as butcher block, granite, and laminate among many others.  When shopping for restaurant tables, keep in mind some basic facts about the restaurant table bases that support the table tops.

The most important factor when buying restaurant table bases are to first consider the base quality.  Base quality affects customer comfort and durability.  The second important factor to consider is the base style.  The style of base, such as round or X-base, affects how the table top looks on the base and how well supported the restaurant table top is.

To properly match a base to a table top, the size and weight of the table top should be compared to a base that has the ability to support the table top.  This ensures that your customers will be comfortable while seated at the table, and has a great impact on the safety of the customer. The ability of the table base to support the table is one of the most important factors when purchasing a commercial table base.  This article covers some variables and general advice for customers shopping for restaurant table tops and bases.

1.  Base Quality

One of the most important factors customers need to look at when purchasing a table base is the quality.  From the outside two bases may look about the same, but all bases are not created with the same quality.  The thickness of the base column and the overall weight of the base determine how stable the table top will be. A base column constructed of 22 gauge steel will wobble much easier than a column constructed of 16 gauge steel. Of course, this all depends on the weight and size of the table top, and properly matching the correct size base to table size and style.  Other parts of the base which affects the quality of the base are the top plate (also called a spider) which vary in quality, size and weight. Base columns that are not cut exactly at 90 degrees will cause table top lean. Base castings that are poor will not allow the base to tighten before the table top is applied.

2.  Base Style

A cross base (also called an X-base) looks like an X on the bottom where the base sits on the floor.  A round table base is constructed with a large round plate where it contacts the floor.  Round bases are usually heavier and may be of better quality for certain table types as they have five points of contact with the table top instead of four points of contact with the cross base.  When purchasing long rectangular tables, the table will be much more stable when matched with two t-style table bases rather than round or cross bases.

Cantilever bases are used with tables that are placed against the wall.  These benefit customers by allowing more foot room, especially on booth tables where the booth seating is not moveable. Cantilever bases are attached to the wall and post legs are used at the end of the table to make the table solid enough so customers can push off of the booth table when exiting.  Ground mount or core drilled bases allow for maximum foot room, but they are not moveable. Ground mount bases bolt to the floor and core drilled are set in concrete.

Special bases are necessary for some types of tables.  Some table tops require a special custom made base by a metal fabricator. This includes over sized tables, extremely heavy tables, unusual bar height tables, extreme customer use or odd shaped table tops.