Table Top & Base Buying Guide

Restaurant scene with 36
How to choose the right restaurant table tops & bases

Your Guide

Selecting the right table tops and bases is one of the most important decisions when furnishing a restaurant or hospitality space. The right combination affects guest comfort, floor layout efficiency, durability, and overall design style.

This guide walks you through:

• Table top shapes
• Material options for restaurant environments
• Standard table sizes and seating capacity
• Base styles and support options
• Edge styles and thickness considerations
• Specialty tables for bars and events
• Storage solutions like table dollies

Use this guide to find the right combination for your dining room, patio, bar area, or event space.

Choose the Right Table Top Shape


The shape of your table top impacts both seating capacity and traffic flow in your restaurant.
Quick Tip: Choose shapes based on how guests move through the dining room, not just aesthetics.

Restaurant Table Materials


Material selection affects durability, maintenance, and overall restaurant style.

Rustic restaurant with Rectangle Butcher Block Style Table Tops and chairs - corner view
Best for farm-to-table restaurants and rustic aesthetics

Butcher Block Table Tops

A classic choice for restaurants &
cafés.

Benefits:

  • Warm natural appearance
  • Extremely durable
  • Unique wood grain character

Considerations:

  • Requires periodic sealing
  • Needs protection from excessive moisture
Best for Casual Dining, High-Traffic Ares, Quick-Service

Laminate Restaurant Table Tops

Made from layers of synthetic materials bonded together, offering a wide range of colors and finishes while being resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.

Benefits:

  • Affordability
  • Easy to clean
  • Scratch and stain resistant
  • Available in many finishes
36
Contemporary restaurant with 36
Best for contemporary restaurants & upscale casual dining

Resin Restaurant Table Tops

A sleek, durable option for modern dining spaces.
Benefits:

  • High-gloss appearance
  • Moisture resistant
  • Extremely durable
  • Low maintenance

Choosing the Right Table Top Size


Table top size affects both the functionality and comfort of your dining or working space. Understanding standard sizes helps you make the best choice for your venue.

Standard Sizes:

Rectangular tables: 36" x 72", 42" x 84", and 48" x 96".

Round tables: 36" to 72" diameter.


Determining the Right Size:

Measure your space carefully, allowing room for chairs to move freely. As a rule of thumb, provide about 24 inches of table width per person. For example, a 72" table can seat six people comfortably, while a 96" table can accommodate eight.

22'' x 22'' Restaurant Table X-Base with 3'' Dia. Table Height Column
Choosing the right support

Restaurant Table Bases

The base of your table is just as important as the top—it provides support and can enhance the table's look. Choose a base that complements your table top and ensures stability.

Popular Base Options:

  • Pedestal Base: Ideal for round or square tables, offering sleek aesthetics and ample legroom.
  • Trestle Base: Great for rectangular tables, providing sturdy support and easy chair movement.
  • Restaurant X-Base: Highly versatile and perfect for restaurant dining tables.

Table Edges


The edge of your table can affect both its look and safety.
Here are some common edge types to consider:

Square Edge: Clean, modern look, perfect for creating a seamless appearance when tables are placed side by side.

Rounded Edge: Softer, safer option, ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with children.

Beveled Edge: Adds sophistication while preventing edge chipping.

42'' Round Laminate Table Top with 33'' x 33'' Bar Height Table Base and Foot Ring

Specialty Restaurant Tables

Specialty table tops—such as bar tables, pub tables, high top tables, and cocktail tables—add functionality and style to your space.

  • Bar & Bar Height Tables: Great for casual dining and relaxed settings.
  • High Top & Pub Tables: Versatile for restaurants or home bars, perfect for socializing.
  • Cocktail Tables: Ideal for events, creating elegant standing spaces for mingling.
Cocktail Table Dolly for 30'' Round Tables
Best for banquet halls, catering & event venues

Table Top & Base Dollies

For commercial venues or event spaces that frequently change setups, table top and base dollies are essential. These specialized dollies make moving and storing tables easy, saving time and effort during event preparations or daily operations.

Find the Right Tables for Your Restaurant


At Restaurant Furniture 4 Less, we specialize in commercial restaurant furniture designed for durability, functionality, and style. Our selection includes thousands of table tops, bases, and accessories ready to support your dining room, patio, bar, or event space.

Browse our full selection of restaurant tables, bases, and accessories to find the right solution for your business.

Need help choosing the right combination?

Call our restaurant furniture specialists at 1-855-307-3863.