Restaurant owners like restaurant granite table tops because they are gorgeous, easy to clean and
low maintenance. However, there are some factors that need to be considered before purchasing. Here are 4 tips restaurant owners need to know when considering purchasing restaurant granite table tops.
1. Outdoor Use
Granite tables can be used outdoors, because granite is a common rock that is found outdoors all the time. That being said, when granite is manufactured for use as a table top, normally there is a plywood base on the bottom of the table for attaching the table base. If the granite table top is going to be used outdoors, it is important that the plywood that is glued to the table bottom, or under the veneered granite, is protected from the weather. Marine grade plywood works well, but should be protected from moisture.
What many people do not know is that granite gets very hot in the sun, especially darker granite colors. Granite can even get hot enough to burn skin. Consider using an umbrella, lighter colored granite, or a mesh net to block out some of the sun to prevent the granite becoming extremely hot. Consider putting the tables under some type of overhang where they are protected from the sun. If the granite tables will be in an extremely sunny or warm climate all year round, switching to another table top material such as resin may be a better alternative. One final tip about using granite table tops outdoors is they are polished and reflect the sun like a mirror, which can be annoying, even blinding to customers if no protection from the sun is used.
2. Matching tops with bases
Solid granite table tops need to be supported with a quality base to prevent wobbling or even tipping over. There are four components of a quality base that need to be considered. First is the thickness of the metal which is better at 18 gauge or less. Second is the size of the base bottom. The third consideration is the diameter of the column. Fourth is the size of the top plate. The rule of thumb with matching table tops and bases is to purchase larger, heavier base, which will add to the security of the base. The cost to purchase a restaurant table base that is one size larger is relatively inexpensive,
3. Granite table top assembly
It is important to know how the granite table top is manufactured before purchasing. Does the granite table top have plywood attached to the granite for attaching the table base? If not, someone will have to cut and attach the plywood. Applying the glue to attach plywood to granite can be messy and difficult. Before purchasing granite tables, ask the vendor how the table and base will be assembled.
4. Maintenance
Granite table tops are generally very low maintenance. Occasionally, though, issues may arise like cracks or chips that will need to be addressed. Filling in these cracks or chips with a colored epoxy glue that matches the table top color will usually solve these two issues. Bases should also be inspected at the start of every shift to ensure the levelers are in place and the tables are level, which will increase the table base and table top durability.
In summary, knowledge is the key to purchasing granite table tops. Knowing these 4 tips about restaurant granite table tops when purchasing will make the process much easier.
