Restaurant Table Bases Guide

Tips for buying table bases:

If you are looking for more flexibility and customization options, you have more choices when you can order a table top and a table base separately. Plus, table tops endure abuse more and need replacing more than table bases so buying each item separately can save you a lot of time and money.

Creating your very own restaurant table can be exciting and a lot of fun. But it can also be an epic fail if you don’t know what to look for:

• How do you determine which table base fits best with your table top?
• Should you buy a two-prong or an X prong base?
• What material should your table base be made of and why does it matter?
• What type of height do you need to have for your table base?

Restaurant table bases differ in style, size, material and weight. Each business has its own unique characteristics and style and finding the right base can be tough. Fortunately, there are plenty of choices available so you can narrow down your options to fit your needs.

Shape/Style

Round Base

One of the most popular base styles for restaurants, this is best paired together with a round table top. Stability is improved when attaching a round top to a round base as opposed to a square top.

X Prong

This functional table base allows more storage room for chairs. With less surface area than a round or square base, chairs can be pushed in further underneath the table. Because of this, it is one of, if not, the most preferred choice for table bases.

Bolt Down Base

Designed to anchor the column to the floor therefore permanently securing the entire table in place this type of base is commonly used on booth tables and in food courts.

2 Prong Bases

Similar to an X prong base, this table base offers more room for chairs but with a much smaller surface area. While this base pairs nicely with square and rectangular tops, at least two of them need to be installed at the opposite ends of a top to ensure stability.

Material

Cast Iron

This material is a great choice due to its heavy weight, rough texture, and durability. Cast iron bases are typically powder coated to prevent chipping and rusting but also have longer longevity than other table bases

Aluminum

Perfect for use outdoors, this table base is a good choice for smaller table tops and offers robust table support. It’s easy to clean, maintains a great finish and is also rustproof.

Chrome/Stainless Steel

Known for its durability and ease of maintenance its anti-corrosion properties make this table base popular among fine dining restaurants and those with outdoor dining areas.

Table Legs

While our table legs are made of steel they get a mention of their own mainly because of their different looks and styling. Perfect for communal dinning tables and industrial settings they can either be part of the background or become (together with a table top) a focal poin in the decor.

Match Your Table Base to Your Table Top

To determine which base is right for your table top size and shape, we compiled a table of common table tops and the matching table base size: