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Types of Table Tops and Bases

Set the stage for each and every dining experience by selecting the perfect table tops and bases for your establishment. From upscale eateries and bars to fast casual restaurants and cafeteria service, the tables you use not only provide a place for dining, but also contribute to your establishment's overall atmosphere.

Table Top Materials

Table tops are available in a variety of materials and finishes. From upscale granite to everyday laminate, there are numerous indoor and outdoor solutions to complete the dining experience. Wood and wood-look tabletops offer a very traditional look in any dining establishment. Conversely, stone tabletops bring a modern edge to the table. Powder coated steel table tops are great for outdoor areas and other ultra-casual establishment with a no-frills look and durable design.

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  • Durable and easy to repair
  • Can be used indoors and sometimes outdoors
  • Requires regular maintenance
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  • Made from a thin layer of hardwood that is bonded to particleboard or kraft paper
  • Can be used indoors and sometimes outdoors
  • Not as durable as solid wood
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  • Made from a non-porous composite material that replicates natural teak
  • Splinter- and crack-free, as well as weather-, water-, and UV-resistant
  • Great for indoor or outdoor use
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  • Crafted by mixing resin with a hardener
  • Durable and resistant to impact, staining, UV rays, scratches, and heat
  • Can be used indoors and sometimes outdoors
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  • Made from layers of plastic that are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper
  • Can be used indoors and sometimes outdoors
  • Can scratch easily and become damaged when exposed to high heat
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  • Features a melamine top and a manufactured-wood substrate core
  • Scratch-, shatter-, stain-, burn-, and fade-resistant
  • Use indoors or outdoors
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  • Extremely hard and durable and heat-, scratch, and chip-resistant
  • Superior to marble, synthetic, and laminate table tops
  • Use indoors or outdoors
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  • Made from natural quartz
  • Very similar to granite in durability; slightly less heat-resistant
  • Use indoors or outdoors
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  • Sturdy, long-lasting steel construction
  • Features extreme durability and corrosion resistance
  • Use indoors or outdoors

Table Top Shapes

Most restaurants stick to the basics when it comes to table top shapes - round, square, and rectangular. Each shape has its own advantages as well as space considerations.

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  • Facilitate conversation
  • Not always the most space-efficient option
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  • Make it easy to butt tables up against each other for larger groups
  • Keep all patrons equally spaced and closer together than rectangular table tops
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  • Seat more people when hosting larger groups
  • Make it easy to expand seating capacity
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  • Great for creating a unique, modern space
  • Not always the most space-efficient option
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  • Allow for efficient use of space
  • Enhance the aesthetic appeal of a dining space
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Corner Table Tops

  • Allow customers to slide into and out of restaurant booths more easily
  • Ideal for casual eateries and family restaurants

Seating Capacity Recommendations

Knowing how many people can comfortably fit at various-sized tables can be difficult guesswork. Use the guide below to calculate seating capacity and help determine which sizes and types of table tops will work best for you.

Table seating diagram

Table Base Heights

Each style of table base is available in several height options. Standard, counter, and bar height table bases work with chairs of a similar height for optimal enjoyment and guest satisfaction.

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Designed for use with chairs with an 18-20" seat height

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Designed for use with chairs with a 24-28" seat height

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Designed for use with chairs with a 28-30" seat height

Table Base Components

Table bases form the foundation of your dining experience. These pivotal pieces come in a variety of sizes and styles. Most are composed of three main components - the spider, the column, and the base plate. When you are ready to assemble your table base, being familiar with these base components will make your job much easier.

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Spider

Attaches the base to the table top

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Column

The body of the table base

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Base Plate

Offers stability to the table base

Table Base Types

From a stable round base to a versatile cross base, a contemporary square base to a sturdy end base, table base options are endless. Most table bases feature a 3" column. For larger, heavier table tops, a base with a 4" column is recommended to hold the additional weight.

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Often chosen to match round table tops

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Best for rectangular or square table tops

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Secure the column to the floor for stability

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Support long, rectangular table tops

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Ensures stability and prevents wobbling

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Wide base minimizes wobbling

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Mounted to a wall to hold rectangular table tops

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Table Base Space Considerations

  • Round, square, and bolt down table bases are easier to vacuum and sweep around.
    • However, they do not allow chairs to be pushed in fully, so if aisle or floor space is at a premium, a round table base may not be the best choice.
  • Cross bases are more difficult to clean around, but allow chairs to be pushed in further than with round table bases.
  • Trestle and T-shaped bases are easy to clean around and don't inhibit chairs being pushed in.
  • Cantilever brackets are great for eliminating bases that take up floor space, allowing for more foot room and making it easier to clean under the table top.

Special Features for Table Bases

Table bases are available with several features to increase the convenience of the table itself, and the enjoyment of your guests.

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  • Allow for easier, more space-efficient table storage
  • Can adjust the top to a vertical position when it's not in use
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  • Let your customers rest their feet, as opposed to dangling them
  • Provides a more comfortable dining experience
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  • Allow you to keep guests cool and shaded on hot, sunny days
  • Eliminates the need for an additional umbrella base
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  • Self-leveling feet keep tables secure and balanced on uneven floors
  • Eliminate customer complaints and accidental spills caused by a wobbly table
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  • Turn any table into a self-leveling table
  • Easy to attach

Table Tops and Bases Compatibility

When determining the correct base for your table top, it is important to consider the size, weight, and shape of the table top.

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How to Choose the Best Table Base for Your Table Top

Use our table tops and bases sizing chart for recommendations for Lancaster Table and Seating compatibility. For all table tops and bases, check out our "You May Also Need" section on each product page for compatible pieces!

Please Note: These are minimum recommendations for our table tops and our bases. If your table tops are unusually thick and/or heavy, we recommend choosing a base at least two sizes larger than the minimum, along with a 4" column. We do not recommend attaching any table top larger than 30" round or square to a bar height table base. 

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Table and Dining Sets

Take the guesswork out of compatibility by selecting a complete table and dining set. Available as a standalone item or with matching chairs, these sets make it easy to offer adequate seating.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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