Today we’re going to take a look at how to choose the best pedestal table base or metal table legs for rectangular and oval shaped table tops. Most pedestal table bases are round, X-style with legs, or square, which means they fit perfectly in the center of round and square table tops. With rectangular or oval shapes, the table top is going to be much longer that it is wide, making fitment a bit more tricky. To support these elongated table tops, Tablebases.com has rectangular and oval shaped pedestals that are specifically designed for longer tables. Another option is to use multiple table bases spread out along the length of the table, or to use some of our strong metal table legs to support the table top from the corners. Below we’re going to go over tips for how to make sure you’re picking the right option for your project. 

What size pedestal table base do I need?

The rough rule of thumb when choosing a table base for a rectangular table top is that the spread of the pedestal (the size of the base bottom) should be about ½ the size of your table for light or medium weight table top materials at dining height, up to ⅔ the size of your table top for bar height tables, or dining height tables made from heavier materials such as cement, butcher block, or stone table tops. On a 36” x 48” wood table top, you’ll want to find a rectangular table base that is at least 18” wide and 24” long (½ the size of a 36” x 48” top). If you make that same size table top out of stone, you’ll want to find a table base with a spread that is closer to approximately 24” x 32”.

Can I use more than one table base?

You can also use more than one base to support rectangular table tops, which opens up more options for the style and finish of the bases. An easy way to pair multiple pedestals with a rectangular or oval shaped table top is to focus on finding table bases that will support the width of your table top, and then use two or more to support the length of the table. T-style bases are great for this application, as they are specifically made to be used in pairs, and are very space efficient. On an oval table where the widest and longest points are 36” x 84”, look for a pedestal base that we recommend for 36” table tops, and then use two bases to support the length. With longer table tops, you can even use three or more bases, depending on the weight, size and height of your table. 

How much space to put between the bases?

The space between the two table bases also contributes to the overall spread of the table bases. So for an 84” long table, you’ll want the combined footprint of your table bases to be at least 42” (half of 84”). If you use two of our 22” bases, they will be 44” combined, which satisfies that requirement. If your tabletop is heavier, or you’re making a bar height table, consider aiming for a foot print that is closer to ⅔ the size of your table. In our example, ⅔ of 84” would be 56”, so you’ll want to place those 22” diameter bases at least 12” apart, so that the combined footprint of the bases and the space between them is 56”. 

What about metal table legs?

Going with metal table legs is also a good choice for rectangular or oval shaped table tops. Metal table legs have a number of advantages over pedestal style table bases. Table legs take up much less space than pedestals, and they leave the entire underside of your table free for chairs (this also makes wheelchair access much easier). Table legs can also be a bit stronger, since you’ll have at least 4 legs placed at the corners of the table, where they can provide more support than 1 or 2 pedestal bases in the middle of a table. This is why table legs allow for more flexibility with the size of your table top, because they are placed at the corners rather than in the center. Table legs do have a few disadvantages compared to pedestal bases. Table legs are usually 2 to 3 inches in diameter, so on narrower tables (less than 36” wide), they can make it difficult to fit chairs at the heads of the table. Table legs are also not the best choice for booths or banquettes, since having legs at the corner can make it more difficult to slide in along a bench or booth seat. 

What if you're not sure about which options to use?

We do our best to make this entire process easy for you by providing a table base finder that can automatically help you narrow down your search to see which pedestal table bases are suitable for the size, weight and height of your table top. Just enter all of your table top specifications, and you’ll see results showing you individual rectangular bases, as well as which pedestals can be used in pairs or threes to support longer table tops. Just click on the Virtual Assistant link at the Tablebases.com home page. Our customer service team is also happy to provide recommendations if you call 1-800-258-2320 or email support@tablebases.com.