Must Know Facts for Restaurant Granite Table Tops

granite tablesWhen thinking about what table top material to use in any food service business from restaurants to churches to casinos, granite should be considered.  While you might think there is not a lot to know about granite as it’s just a rock that does not move, there is quite a bit to be learned.  Read the 6 tips below about granite to find out why restaurant granite table tops might be just the right option for you.

1. Cost and target customer

The first question that usually arises about granite is the price of each table top.  Of course a customer needs to know the price, but considering the return on investment (ROI) probably should be investigated  first.  How do you determine the return on investment?  Ask the question, what materials will help make the most sales by attracting repeat customers?  Obviously, laminate will cost less than granite, and if your customer is a fast food demographic who may not appreciate granite over laminate, then laminate may be your best, most cost effective choice.  However, for that customer who likes to be surrounded by a more upscale look, then granite has the ability to attract and retain customers, increasing your return on investment.  Knowing your customer is the key, and granite may be the more cost effective option in the long run. Another general rule regarding granite is the more common the granite, the lower the price, and in general more muted colors seem to cost less.

2. Mix with other tables

A very effective use of granite tables is to mix the table materials. What does mixing materials mean?  An example is using laminate table tops and granite in similar colors.  The granite increases the value of the surrounding less expensive laminate table tops, which makes an overall very appealing look.  Contrasting restaurant table top colors can be very interesting, like a black granite with wood tables perhaps finished in a shade of brown.  This is an effective way to keep the cost overall for the restaurant tables, while still using the desired granite tables look for the target customer.

3. The color of granite

It may be surprising to those unfamiliar with granite that the colors range from white to black, with many shades and colors in between.  Many granite rocks have interesting features to consider, like veins of different color or a rock like appearance within the granite.  Granite is found around the world as it was formed from magma and cooled with various chemical compositions giving different colors and hardnesses.  Visiting a granite warehouse, where granite slabs are available, is quite an experience.

4. Outdoor use

Granite table tops can most certainly be used outside, but there are a few things you need to know before placing them outside.  Selecting the right granite color to use outdoors is very important, as dark colors can get hot enough in the sun to burn skin.  Lighter colors are not affected quite as much by the sun. Another issue that needs to be considered is that of blinding glare from the sun.  Granite table tops are polished to a glass like finish, which can reflect sun to the customers’ eyes and the eyes of the surrounding customers.  Both of these concerns, hot granite table tops and glare can be solved by using umbrellas, or possibly a mesh material that covers a patio.  Also, be aware that some granite table tops are made of veneer granite with a core of wood.  Before this type of granite table top is used outdoors, make sure the wood is sealed with some type of moisture barrier like paint or epoxy glue.

5. Assembly and maintenance

It is important when purchasing a granite table top that you make sure you buy the correct bases to support the table top and that the top and base can be assembled easily at the right table height.  This problem can more easily occur when the top and base are purchased separately.  It is a good idea to purchase the granite table top and restaurant table base from the same vendor, who can assist you with ensuring the bases will support the table tops.  Granite tables don’t need a lot of maintenance, but  a routine inspection of the tables should be set up to catch any issues, such as a crack along vein lines, or screws or glue not holding the base and top together correctly.  Chips in the granite can happen when something hard bangs into the granite table top, like another granite table when they are moved around.  Although these problems are not very common, and like any table top routine inspection and prompt repairs are needed to keep the table tops in good condition.

6. WOW experience

Separating your food service operation from the competition or just making your staff in a non-retail setting can be done with granite table tops.  Investigate colors, blend in with your décor and wow your target audience.  When others go for the routine materials for table tops, you can be different and get people talking about your facility.

Granite table tops may not fit every application, but if they are the right choice for your business, you now know how to use your table tops to impress customers so they return time and again.