Photo Courtesy of bythebrooke.blogspot.com

A sub-top is a piece of plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard) that you glue to the underside of a stone table top. The sub-top is used to attach the table base to the table top, and also to help support the stone table top and prevent it from cracking. Continue reading for our easy step-by-step guide to installing your own sub-top and creating a stone table!

We recommend using a sub-top for all stone tables, so you do not have to drill directly into your stone piece. Epoxying the stone directly to the table base is not recommended, as that makes it very difficult to separate the table base from the table top if you need to move them in the future.

We recommend using wood that is at least 3/4” thick for your sub-top material. This will give you enough room to use sturdy screws, without adding too much weight to the already heavy table top. For outdoor tables, we recommend using exterior grade plywood or MDF. 

Necessary Supplies: 

  • Stone Table Top
  • Heavy Duty Table Base Suitable for Stone
  • 3/4” Thick Plywood or MDF, cut to size. 
  • Construction Epoxy 
  • Clamps with rubber ends to hold stone and sub-top together while epoxy dries (or something heavy to set on the wood)

Step 1: Cutting the Sub-Top to Desired Size and Shape

The size of the sub-top will depend on the size and shape of your stone table top. Generally, you’ll want the sub-top to be the same shape (round, square, rectangular) as the stone table top. If you have a square or rectangular table, your local hardware store will likely cut your sub-top to size for you when you purchase the wood. If you have a round or irregularly shaped table, you’ll likely need to cut your own sub-top or hire a professional. 

The sub-top can be smaller than your stone slab (but make sure it is large enough to cover the mounting plate for your table base). Generally speaking, your sub-top can be inset 6-8” on each side. For example, on a 36” x 48” table top, you could have a sub-top that is approximately 24” x 36”. You’ll want to consult with your granite fabricator or contractor for exact specifications. 

Many people also choose to paint their sub-top and give it a beveled (angled) edge, to make it look even more finished, and help it disappear so as not to be noticeable under the stone. 

Step 2: Clean & Prepare Your Stone

You’ll want to clean the underside of your stone, to make sure it is free of any residue or debris that could prevent the epoxy from sticking properly. Start by using a soft cloth with warm water, then dry, and wipe with diluted isopropyl alcohol. 

Step 3: Attach the Sub-top to the Stone Table

Once you’ve made sure that the underside of your stone is clean, it’s time to add epoxy. First, you’ll want to find the center of the table top. From the center point, measure and mark the corners (or edges for a round table) of the sub-top, so that once epoxied it will be centered on the stone.

Add a layer of epoxy to the underside of your stone, and to one side of the wood sub-top. Line up the sub-top with the marks you made in the last step, and press firmly. Attach the strong, rubberized clamps to the sub-top and stone so that it rests firmly in place. Refer your epoxy manufacturers directions for information on drying times (at least 24 hours recommended).

 

Step 4: Attach the Table Base

Now comes the fun part! The final step is to assemble and attach your table base. We have video assembly instructions on our website (TableBases.com). Just find your base on the website, and scroll to the bottom of the product page to locate the video instructions for your specific model. 

Once the base is assembled, place your table top upside down (sub-top facing up) on a blanket or other soft, non-abrasive surface. Mark the center of the sub-top

With care, flip the assembled table base upside down, so that the mounting plate rests on the sub-top. Please be careful, as the table base will be top heavy in this orientation and can easily tip before it's secured to the table top. 

Center the table base mounting plate, and make sure the table base bottom lines up with the edges of your table (for round tables, the table base mounting plate just needs to be centered). Once you’ve made sure the table base is in the correct position, secure the mounting plate to the table top using wood screws. Make sure to use all the available mounting holes.

Once the base has been screwed in, carefully flip over the table and table base, and you are all done! 

(Shown Above) Banquette table with Savile Series Table Base by Craftsman Design & Renovation