The freight carrier just delivered to you a skid of table tops and a skid of bases, so now what do you do?  It looks like quite a bit of work and you don’t have a clue of how to set up your new restaurant tables efficiently. Continue reading and find out how to easily set up the tables and bases without hiring a contractor.

Step-by-Step Process to Attach Table Bases to Wood or Granite Table Top At Restaurant

Step 1 – Gather Materials

Before the truck line arrives and delivers your table tops and bases, have these tools ready:  extension cord, drill, extension bit (optional this is to hold Phillips bits), several

#2 Phillips bits, a couple of soft blankets, measuring tape, some small drill bits, masking tape, black marker, pencil, a long about 4 feet straight edge (a piece of wood or a yard stick) and a piece of string about 6 feet long.

These are common tools and with them you can assemble just about any table to its’ base.

At this point you may be asking why the manufacturer didn’t just ship my tables and bases already assembled.  The answer is simple: money and damages.

Money because assembled tables are more difficult to box and take up quite a bit more room in the truck, where the cost to ship goes way up.

Second, if tables are set up prior to shipping, the odds of your tables and bases arriving undamaged are small in a common carrier.  That’s a type of freight carrier where your tables and bases are mixed in with other people’s freight.

Other than hiring the assembly to a carpenter or handyman, the most cost efficient way to assemble tables and bases is do it yourself.  Now that you have accumulated the tools, and have accepted the freight, the first thing to do is be organized when opening the boxes, do not just scatter parts.

Step 2 – Prepare Installation Area

First, if you have the room, put all the granite or butcher block table tops near where they will end up, being careful not to scratch the tops, then assemble the bases per those instructions.

Then put the restaurant table bases with the table top they are assigned to and now the bases and table tops are matched correctly together.  You are now ready for the next step of putting the table tops together with the bases.

Put your soft blanket on the floor and put the finished side of the table down.  Now you will need to find out where the base should go on the bottom of the table.

Most all bases are going to have a 3” or 4” column and the center of that column matches is where the table bottom should be marked.

If you are using the cross style table bases, you can point the base legs to the corners or sides of the table.  Consider what position you think is more comfortable for your customers.

Step 3 – Prepare Tables and Bases

Square tables – Take your straight edge and marker, draw a line from one corner to the opposite corner and where they intersect is where the center of the column should be placed.

There is a plate that attaches to the table bottom called a spider, and the plate can be square plate or one with 4 or more arms.  Use the lines you made on the table bottom to get this plate centered.

Rectangular tables – Treat them like the square tables.  Sometimes you will have a rectangular table top that takes two bases.  Generally 12” to 15” from both edges of the table is where to center those columns.

Set the two bases on the table bottom and set the distance from the edge at 12” but adjust the distance slightly depending on how the base-table top relationship looks to you and the comfort you want for your customers.

You might be surprised at all the specific situations tables are used, so that is why there is a range of placing the bases rather than an exact measurement.

Round tables – Finding the center is a little more tricky on round tables, but not difficult.  This is where you use your string and pencil.  Tie the string around the pencil and the string’s length should be one half of the diameter.

For example, if your table is 36” in diameter mark the string, but don’t cut it at 18”. Hold the string with the 18” mark at the edge of the table and make a small arc about 6” long in the center of the table.

Pick several other random points at the edge of the table and make the same arc. Where all these arcs cross is the center of the table.  Draw a line about 15” or so through the center and make another line perpendicular (you can use the square edge of a piece of cardboard) to it also about 15” long.

Now you have the center of the table marked just like the square or rectangular table tops.  Fore more detailed information, read our instructions on finding the center of a round table.

Step 4 – Drill Tables and Attach Bases

Drilling the screws into the table top is final step.  With restaurant butcher block table, the holes will need to be pre-drilled, so if the bases are placed where you want them on the bottom of the table (remember the top of the table is still on the blanket facing the floor) mark the spots where the screws will attach and the base so it is put back in the same spot.

Remove the base or bases from the table bottom. The drill bit to pre-drill the holes should be smaller than the shaft of the Phillips screws you are using.

If the screws are 1” long and the table top is 1 ½” then put a piece of masking tape about 1” away from the tip of the drill bit.

This will let you know where to stop drilling because you don’t want to drill through the table top.  Once the holes have been pre-drilled in the table, you can return the bases to the position where you marked the holes and use the drill, extension and Phillips bits to secure the bases to the tops.

Putting screws into granite tables in a restaurant is the same as the butcher block tables, except the bottom is typically plywood, so after marking where the column goes, place the bases on the table, then you can then just use the drill to screw in the Phillips screws.

Now simply have two people turn the tables upright on the installed bases. Take a minute to adjust the levelers and wipe the table top down.

You are now ready to serve your customers on your restaurant’s brand new tables and bases.

Restaurant owners like restaurant granite table tops because they are gorgeous, easy to clean and low maintenance.  However, there are some factors that need to be considered before purchasing.

Here are 4 tips restaurant owners need to know when considering purchasing restaurant granite table tops.

1. Outdoor Use

Granite tables can be used outdoors, because granite is a common rock that is found outdoors all the time. That being said, when granite is manufactured for use as a table top, normally there is a plywood base on the bottom of the table for attaching the table base.

If the granite table top is going to be used outdoors, it is important that the plywood that is glued to the table bottom, or under the veneered granite, is protected from the weather. Marine grade plywood works well, but should be protected from moisture.

What many people do not know is that granite gets very hot in the sun, especially darker granite colors.  Granite can even get hot enough to burn skin.  Consider using an umbrella, lighter colored granite, or a mesh net to block out some of the sun to prevent the granite becoming extremely hot.

Consider putting the tables under some type of overhang where they are protected from the sun.  If the granite tables will be in an extremely sunny or warm climate all year round, switching to another table top material such as resin may be a better alternative.

One final tip about using granite table tops outdoors is they are polished and reflect the sun like a mirror, which can be annoying, even blinding to customers if no protection from the sun is used.

2. Matching Granite Tops with Bases

Solid granite table tops need to be supported with a quality base to prevent wobbling or even tipping over.  There are four components of a quality base that need to be considered.  First is the thickness of the metal which is better at 18 gauge or less.  Second is the size of the base bottom.

The third consideration is the diameter of the column.  Fourth is the size of the top plate.  The rule of thumb with matching table tops and bases is to purchase larger, heavier base, which will add to the security of the base. The cost to purchase a restaurant table base that is one size larger is relatively inexpensive.

3. Granite Table Top Assembly

It is important to know how the granite table top is manufactured before purchasing.  Does the granite table top have plywood attached to the granite for attaching the table base?

If not, someone will have to cut and attach the plywood.  Applying the glue to attach plywood to granite can be messy and difficult.  Before purchasing granite tables, ask the vendor how the table and base will be assembled. Check out granite table top buying guide before making a purchase decision. It will help you make a right choice.

4. Maintenance

Granite table tops are generally very low maintenance.  Occasionally, though, issues may arise like cracks or chips that will need to be addressed.  Filling in these cracks or chips with a colored epoxy glue that matches the table top color will usually solve these two issues.

Bases should also be inspected at the start of every shift to ensure the levelers are in place and the tables are level, which will increase the table base and table top durability.

In summary, knowledge is the key to purchasing granite table tops.  Knowing these 4 tips about restaurant granite table tops when purchasing will make the process much easier.

When thinking about what table top material to use in any food service business from restaurants to churches to casinos, granite should be considered.

While you might think there is not a lot to know about granite as it’s just a rock that does not move, there is quite a bit to be learned. Granite table tops aren’t just heavy slabs of rock. They’re a design choice that affects how customers see your space, how much maintenance you’ll do, and whether your investment pays off over time. Here’s what you need to know before making this decision.

Read the 6 tips below about granite to find out why restaurant granite table tops might be just the right option for you.

1. Cost and Target Customer

Before you look at any granite samples, think about who walks through your door. This matters more than the price tag.

The first question that usually arises about granite is the price of each table top.  Of course a customer needs to know the price, but considering the return on investment (ROI) probably should be investigated  first.

How do you determine the return on investment?

Ask the question,

What materials will help make the most sales by attracting repeat customers?

Obviously, laminate will cost less than granite, and if your customer is a fast food demographic who may not appreciate granite over laminate, then laminate table tops may be your best, most cost effective choice.

A fast-casual spot where people grab lunch in fifteen minutes probably doesn’t need granite tables. Your customers won’t notice the difference between laminate and stone when they’re eating quickly and moving on. In that case, laminate makes sense. It costs less and does the job.

But if you’re running an upscale bistro or a steakhouse where people come for special occasions, granite changes the atmosphere. It signals quality. People notice it, and they remember it. That memory brings them back.

2. Mixing Materials

A very effective use of granite tables is to mix the table materials.

What does mixing materials mean?

Here’s how this works. Put granite tables near windows or in prominent spots where people see them first. Use laminate or wood for the rest. When you pick materials in similar colors, the granite makes the other tables look better than they would on their own. The whole room feels more polished.

You can also go the opposite direction and create contrast. Black granite with warm solid wood table tops makes both materials stand out.

This is an effective way to keep the cost overall for the restaurant tables, while still using the desired granite tables look for the target customer.

3. The color of granite

Granite comes in more colors than most people expect. It may be surprising to those unfamiliar with granite that the colors range from white to black to gray, beige, brown, and even stones with hints of blue, green, or red.

Many pieces have veining where different minerals create patterns through the stone. Others have a speckled appearance that looks almost like concrete but with more depth.

Granite is found around the world as it was formed from magma and cooled with various chemical compositions giving different colors and hardnesses. If you want to see your options, visit a granite supplier’s warehouse. Walking through rows of massive slabs gives you a much better sense of what’s available than looking at small samples.

4. Using Granite Outdoors

Granite table tops can most certainly be used outside, but there are a few things you need to know before placing them outside. Selecting the right granite color to use outdoors is very important, as dark colors can get hot enough in the sun to burn skin.

Lighter colors are not affected quite as much by the sun. The other problem is glare. Granite gets polished to a mirror finish, and that shine can reflect sunlight directly into people’s eyes. This bothers not just the person at the table but also nearby diners. Umbrellas solve both problems. They provide shade that keeps the granite cool and blocks the glare.

Both of these concerns, hot granite table tops and glare can be solved by using umbrellas, or possibly a mesh material that covers a patio.

Also, be aware that some granite table tops are made of veneer granite with a core of wood.  Before this type of granite table top is used outdoors, make sure the wood is sealed with some type of moisture barrier like paint or epoxy glue.

5. Assembly and Maintenance

When you buy granite table tops, make sure you’re also getting the right bases. Granite is heavy. A standard restaurant table base might not support the weight properly, and if the base doesn’t match the top’s mounting system, you’ll have problems during setup.

Read more buying tips for Granite table top on our guide to granite table top.

It is a good idea to purchase the granite table top and restaurant table base from the same vendor, who can assist you with ensuring the bases will support the table tops.

We at Missouri Table & Chair offers granite tables matching with table bases on a wholesale price.

Granite tables need a minimal maintenance, but you should still check your tables regularly. Look for cracks along any veins in the stone. These are natural weak points where damage might start, such as a crack along vein lines, or screws or glue not holding the base and top together correctly.

Chips in the granite can happen when something hard bangs into the granite table top, like another granite table when they are moved around.

Although these problems are not very common, and like any table top routine inspection and prompt repairs are needed to keep the table tops in good condition.

6. WOW experience

Most restaurants pick safe options for furniture. They go with what everyone else uses. If you choose granite thoughtfully, you create something people notice and talk about.

Match the granite to your overall design. If your walls are warm-toned, pick granite with brown or beige hues. If you’re going for a modern look with cool colors, gray or black granite fits better. The goal is making everything feel intentional, not random.

Separating your food service operation from the competition or just making your staff in a non-retail setting can be done with granite table tops.  Investigate colors, blend in with your décor and wow your target audience.  When others go for the routine materials for table tops, you can be different and get people talking about your facility.

This doesn’t mean granite works for every business. A college campus dining hall probably doesn’t need it. A children’s play café definitely doesn’t. But if you’re trying to create an atmosphere that feels substantial and well-crafted, granite helps you do that.

Conclusion

Granite table tops cost more upfront than other options. That’s true. But the question isn’t just about initial price. It’s about whether they help you attract the customers you want and whether they last long enough to justify the expense.

If your business depends on creating a certain impression, granite might be worth it. If your customers care more about speed and convenience than ambiance, it probably isn’t.

Think about your space, your budget, and who you’re serving. That tells you whether granite makes sense for your tables.