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Restaurant table bases are often overlooked in the dining experience, but they play a vital role in the stability, comfort, and overall aesthetics of a dining space. This guide breaks down the key components of a restaurant table base, explaining the role each part plays in supporting the table and enhancing customer experience.
For your convenience, we’ve provided a detailed diagram to help you identify the key components commonly found in most restaurant table bases.
The Top Plate, sometimes referred to as the Head (depending on the type of base construction), is the uppermost part of the table base that connects directly to the table top. This part is essential because it holds the table top securely in place, ensuring it doesn’t wobble or shift during use.
The top plate distributes the weight of the table top evenly across the base, providing a stable foundation. Its size is crucial, as a larger top plate generally offers better support for wider or heavier table tops, enhancing stability.
The connection points are holes or slots on the top plate that allow the table top to be bolted securely to the base. These points are designed to accommodate bolts that fasten the table top, ensuring a tight and reliable connection.
These points make the table assembly easier and help keep the table top firmly in place, reducing the risk of it coming loose over time, especially in a busy restaurant environment.
The Connecting Bolts are the hardware that secures the table top to the top plate through the connection points. They are typically threaded bolts that fit into pre-drilled holes in the table top, ensuring a stable attachment.
Connecting bolts is essential for a secure setup. They keep the table top and base connected tightly, preventing wobbling and movement. Quality connecting bolts also allow for easy disassembly if the table needs to be moved or the top replaced.
The Spider or Support Arms are small, outward-reaching metal arms attached to the top plate. These arms extend the support area of the base, reinforcing the connection between the top plate and the column.
Support arms distribute weight more evenly, which helps maintain the balance of larger or heavier table tops. This component is especially useful for rectangular or oval tables, where weight distribution is critical to avoid tipping or wobbling.
An Umbrella Hole is often included in table bases designed for outdoor use. This hole allows an umbrella pole to pass through, securing it within the base.
The umbrella hole enables restaurants to provide shade to outdoor diners, enhancing comfort and protecting patrons from sun exposure or rain. This feature is valuable for patios or outdoor seating areas, particularly in warmer/tropical climates.
The Column, or Post, is the vertical component that connects the top plate to the base plate. Made from durable materials like steel or aluminum, the column is designed to bear the weight of the table top while providing height and structure to the table base.
The column determines the table height, making it adaptable for different table styles, standard dining, counter, or bar height. A strong, stable column ensures the table remains upright and supports heavy table tops without bending or breaking.
The Base Plate is the main, weight-bearing part of the table base. This plate, which can come in various shapes (round, square, or rectangular), sits flat on the ground and supports the column.
The base plate’s primary function is stability. Its size and weight help balance the table, preventing it from tipping over. The base plate’s material and weight also contribute to durability, making it essential for supporting the entire structure of the table in high-traffic environments.
