Regardless of what type of table top you plan to feature in your restaurant, you need to ensure that you choose a table base supplier that will support a wide range of top sizes and materials. While your choice of table top is certainly important from an aesthetic standpoint, it is your selection of table base that will ultimately determine how solid and sturdy your tables will be for your patrons. Below are ten questions to consider as you choose a table base for your restaurant table tops.
2) Are you creating a fine dining atmosphere or a fast food environment? As outlined above, fine dining establishments are more apt to choose wood or granite table tops than laminate or resin. Accordingly, more attention should be paid to the sturdiness of the table base. You should choose a base finish that will withstand the rigors of day-to-day operations. The traditional black wrinkle (matte) finish is at home in a fine dining atmosphere as well as in the casual or fast dining experience as well.
3) How quickly do you require your table bases? Sometimes delivery time is a critical factor. If your grand opening is scheduled for this weekend, you need to find a supplier with a robust table base inventory and the ability to ship quickly.
4) What size tables do you plan to use? The best base style for your table will depend in great part upon the size of your table tops. Your table base supplier should have the ability to recommend the proper foundation for your table top size. In general, larger table tops require additional support than smaller bases. Your supplier should offer a selection of base plates as well as several sizes of top plates that mount to the table top ensuring that your tables are the solid foundation for your customers' dining experience.
5) What are your budgetary parameters? Affordability is a key driver for many restaurant owners. Before you invest in large wood or granite table tops, make sure that you can afford to purchase the style of table base that will properly support your tops. If you're trying to pinch pennies here and there, don't fall into the trap of spending less on your table bases. Choose a quality base for years of service. The black wrinkle finish of the traditional restaurant-style base makes scuffs of patrons' shoes from day-to-day use less noticeable.
6) Do you plan to bolt any of your tables to the floor? If you plan to affix any of your tables to the floor, you will need to choose a table base provider that offers bolt down table bases. Be sure to ask providers about their inventory of bolt down bases in advance.
7) Do you need to comply with any ADA requirements? If you are required to comply with ADA requirements, you need to ensure that your table base supplier offers a selection of table bases that will foster your restaurant’s compliance with mandatory guidelines.
8) Would you like a bar-height table base with (or without) a foot ring? Tall or bar-height table
bases with foot rings are often chosen for the comfort of your patrons. Either way, raising the top from the standard dining height will mean a larger top plate or heavier base plate would be more appropriate to support the table top. Table bases with foot rings are commonly seen in the following types of establishments:
9) Is the shape of your table top square, circular, or rectangular? The shape and size of your table top will help dictate the best type of top plate and base shape for your table. Do not assume that the same type of base will work for every table top. A supplier should offer a wide range of size options of both top plates and base plates.
10) Would you like guidance and support choosing your table bases? Whether you are new to the restaurant industry or you simply want to ensure that you choose the best base for your table tops, it is wise to seek guidance from an experienced table base provider. An industry expert can help you select the best type of base for your table tops, regardless of whether they are wood, laminate, granite, or metal. Ideally, you should choose an experienced provider with an extensive inventory and the ability to ship the table bases when you need them.