10 Things to Consider Before Buying Table Bases

A five-part informational series to highlight the buying process of table bases.

Have you ever really given it much thought about what goes into the purchase of a table base?  I would guess that you probably haven’t.  They’re a necessary item and so you probably look for the one that will get you by – whether that’s the cheapest (to save money) or one that promises to hold up your top in a fashionable way (design). 

Here at JI Bases, we’ve collected what we think are the ten important things to consider BEFORE buying your table bases.  It’s not an all-inclusive list, but we’d like to point out that you SHOULD think about who you buy from because the table base is your solid foundation that all else will suffer if it’s not right.

Over the next few blog posts, we’ll take a look at items from the list.  You can download an infographic of the Top 10 by clicking the red button below.

(10) “Type”

By type, JI Bases is talking about the type of base you’ll be using.  The common styles are pedestal, cantilever (wall-mounted) or bolt-down (permanently attached to the floor). The choice of base is dependent upon your choice of table top as well.  We’ll discuss more about the tops in the near future.

According to Caron Reynolds (Dunaways.com, 2015), the choice of table or booths may depend on demographics; households with children often like booths because they assist in keeping children confined.  Or, couples may prefer booths to have a feeling of intimacy or privacy.  Reynolds continued that many establishments use a combination of both free-standing tables and booths.

The location of where the tables will be may also define what type of base you could use.  Wall-mounted cantilevers are excellent for booths located where a wall can support the weight of the table top.  Used with a pinleg for additional support, this may be your answer for a longer, rectangular top.  However, if a wall isn’t available, a pedestal-style base would by your other option.

(9) “Style”

While you may decide on pedestal table bases, there’s a specific style to consider as well.  The common 4-prong (cross or “X”) base is probably the most common found in restaurants across the globe.  Round or 3-prong (triangular) bases are also seen.  This is also where design meets functionality.  Will the style of base help to offset any balance issues or maybe more important, will it support the top itself? 

The round base is perfect when a smaller footprint is desired.  For instance, the same size table top that would potentially use a 22”x22” 4-prong base, could utilize an 18” round table base.  It may not seem much, but when space is at a premium, that difference could be comfort vs. squeezed in like a sardine!

We know that you have basic concerns over money and budget when it comes to outfitting your establishment.  You’re worried about drawing in customers, making certain that they enjoy their dining experience; and, that they’ll come back with friends or family.  What you shouldn’t worry about is that your tables will become unsteady. 

With the JI Bases experts worrying about the quality of your table bases, it’s one less thing to worry about.  We pay attention to every detail of quality throughout the design, manufacture, and delivery of your table bases.  No more wobbles due to unevenly cut columns or stretched stamped steel top plates that succumb to weight over time.

Leave the worries to JI Bases.  We’re ready to be your partner providing a solid foundation for your customers.