The best high top tables need to be balanced, since taller tables can be more prone to tipping. Bar height table bases should be rigid, since the taller column can lead to wiggling if it’s overloaded. You’ll also want to make sure your tables are leveled, as any unevenness in your floor will be exacerbated with taller tables. With those priorities in mind, there are a few rules of thumb to follow when creating bar and counter tables, especially for commercial use. We’ll go over everything you need to know in the guide below. As always, feel free to reach out to our customer service team if you have specific questions about your project!
Balance: The Size and Weight of the Table Base
Since bar tables are tall and have a higher center of gravity, the table base needs to be large enough and heavy enough to keep the table top upright. If you have light weight table tops, such as our durable Werzalit line of restaurant tables, then the base does not need to be excessively large or heavy. If you have heavier table tops, such as those made from thick hardwood, or really heavy table tops like those made from marble or cement, then you’ll probably need to go for an oversized or extra heavy table base model that can counteract the weight of the table top. Especially in hotels and restaurants, you want to make sure your tables are stable.
The rule of thumb when creating bar height (also known as pub height) tables is to make the base about two thirds the size of the table top. That means for a 36” diameter table at bar height, you’ll want at least a 22” to 24” diameter table base, something like our Ravello-22, or the extra heavy K24 model. If you’re using a lighter weight base, such as an X style model, you’ll want to go even larger, to about a 30” base. If you’re torn between two different base sizes, a good rule of thumb is to pick the larger model. Also note that if you have a heavy table top material such as marble, solid disc or square bases are better than X style models, because the solid base adds a lot of weight down low.
It’s much easier to work with smaller table tops at bar height, even if they are made from heavier materials. Bar tables tend to be used more for drinks and appetizers, not full meals, so you don’t necessarily need as large of a table top. A good rule of thumb is to stick with smaller 24”, 30” or 36” tables at bar height, and save anything large for your dining height sections.
Rigidity: The Strength of the Table Base & Column
Taller tables can also be prone to wiggling, especially if your table base column is too small or if it is not strong enough for your heavier table top material. Most of our bases use 3” diameter, 16 gauge steel columns that are very rigid, but some models have 14 gauge columns or 4” diameter columns that add a lot of strength to the whole unit. A step up from there are cast iron bases, mostly our vintage style models. These have extremely thick, heavy columns made from cast iron. These vintage style models are the best option for heavier table top materials, especially at bar height.
You’ll also want to make sure your table bases are properly assembled, and periodically check them for rigidity and stability. Standard table base models use a long assembly rod that runs through the length of the base. These rods can come loose over time if your tables are moved frequently or abused by customers, so it’s a good idea to check the hardware from time to time and make sure everything is still tightly assembled. For high traffic environments, you can also use a little bit of non-permanent epoxy on the assembly hardware, which will help keep it in place.
Stability: Keeping Your Tables Level
The last important consideration for bar height tables actually applies to all dining tables, and that’s leveling. Almost all of our table bases include adjustable leveling glides, those are the little plastic feet in the bottom of the base that can be raised or lowered. You’ll want to make sure all the feet are in contact with the floor to prevent any wobbling.
The No-Rock line of table bases takes the guesswork out of leveling, with a built in stabilizing mechanism that automatically adjusts to your floors. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these tables can save restaurant staff a lot of time and headache. You can learn more about how the No-Rock bases work here: No-Rock.
There are also optional glides available to make leveling easier. You can opt for hydraulic glides like the Lev-X models that are much easier to adjust without bending down to fiddle with standard glides, or you can opt for models like the Pron-Toe glides that are made to be durable and functional for outdoor use.
Ask the Trusted Experts
When in doubt, call Tablebases.com! Our customer service team can walk you through all the available options, consult with you on the pros and cons of different table bases or configurations, and help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise after you receive your order. Our team of experts is always happy to help, so please don’t hesitate to send us an email or give us a call.
