Traditionally, cast iron has been used in restaurants, bars, and pubs for centuries as a furniture material. In particular, cast iron table bases are affordable, hard-wearing, and elegant. On top of that, they hardly require any significant maintenance and work well with any restaurant table or chair style. The rough, textured look of the cast iron restaurant table base adds to the rustic appearance of any ambiance. Read on to know about cast iron table bases, their types, dimensions, and maintenance tips:
What are the types of Restaurant Table Bases?
1. X-Base
An X-shaped table base, also called the cross base, resembles an X at the bottom, where the table base meets the floor. Although X-bases are preferred with rectangular or square table tops, you can use them with round table tops as well. An X-shaped table base has four points of contact with the floor.
2. Round Table Base
Usually heavier than other table base types, a round table base consists of a solid, circular plate at the bottom. Round table bases, considered better than their counterpart styles, are often paired with round table tops and sometimes with square tops as well. Also, round bases offer a place for customers to rest their feet. However, make sure that the base size is smaller than the table top size; and edges of the base do not cross the table top to restrict your guest’s movement.
3. T-Base
T-shape table bases, also known as end table bases, are used to support long table tops, especially rectangular table tops. These bases use one support at each end of a large table top, and sometimes more than 2 for very large tables, to bear the load adequately and provide stability.
4. Ground Mount Base
Also known as bolt-down bases, ground mount table bases secure the column to the floor. Of all the other types of restaurant table bases, bolt-down bases offer maximum stability. Although you compromise on the flexibility in shifting the table bases, bolt-down table bases result in sturdy support and an appealing design.
5. Outdoor Table Base
Outdoor table bases, designed specially to withstand extreme weather conditions, are durable yet movable. They are normally made from stainless steel or other rust-resistant material. Cast iron table bases need to be coated with a waterproof sealer for outdoor use.
6. Square Table Base
Square table bases feature a sturdy, square base plate to support your restaurant table tops while minimizing wobbling.
7. Designer table Base
Designer cast iron table bases usually come with a decorative or intricate design on the bottom of the table base and sometimes on the columns too. Also, due to the shape of designer table bases, the bottom of the table base spreads out relatively narrower than the standard bases. Most restaurants where table bases are easily visible go for designer bases to highlight the stylish bottom or column.
Table Base Chart
The table below highlights how to pair the dimension of table bases with some of the most common table top shapes and sizes used in restaurants:
| Table Top Shape | Table Top Dimensions | Table Base Dimensions | |
| Rectangular | Round | ||
| Square | 24” x 24” | 22” x 22” | 17” |
| 30” x 30” | 22” x 22” | 17” | |
| 36” x 36” | 30” x 30” | 22” | |
| 42” x 42” | 36” x 36” | 30” | |
| Rectangular | 24” x 30” | 22” x 22” | 17” |
| 24” x 42” | 22” x 30” | 22” | |
| 24” x 48” | 22” x 30” | 22” | |
| 30” x 42” | 22” x 30” | 22” | |
| 30” x 48” | 22” x 30” | 22” | |
| 30” x 60” and larger | 2 bases of 22” x 22” | 2 bases of 17” diameter | |
| Round | 24” | 22” x 22” | 17” |
| 30” | 22” x 22” | 17” | |
| 36” | 30” x 30” | 22” | |
| 42” | 36” x 36” | 30” | |
| 48” or above | 30” | ||
What are the Pros and Cons of Cast Iron Table Base?
- Pros
- Durable, heavy-duty
- Cast iron restaurant table bases come in ornate designs
- Powder-coated cast iron table bases are rust-free
- Affordable
- Easy to install and maintain
- Available in various custom color options
- Cons
- Intricate designs might get difficult to clean.
- Bulky and difficult to move or shift around
How to Clean Cast Iron Table Base?
Cast iron table bases are durable and last longer than alternative materials. However, like any other furniture material, it requires proper care to retain its stunning look and work flawlessly for years. If overlooked, the rough surface of cast iron dining table bases can accumulate dust and rust over time. Follow this stepwise guide to clean and maintain your cast iron table bases:
A. Everyday Cleaning:
Fill a spray bottle with a mild soap solution in warm water. Spray the soap solution on the table base and scrub gently to remove any grime or dust from its surface. Rinse the table base with fresh water.
B. Deep Cleaning:
Irrespective of how frequently you clean your restaurant furniture, some stains accumulate and tend to become stubborn over time, especially for a busy restaurant. Therefore, you must have a deep cleaning schedule every week or at least once every month. You can either go for a commercially available cleaner or prepare a DIY cleaning solution yourself.
- Step 1: Prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing 1/4 cup (~60 ml) white vinegar in 1-liter water. Soak a soft cloth or sponge with this solution and apply the solution throughout the table base. Alternately, you can use a spray bottle but make sure you wet the entire table base.
- Step 2: Start rubbing with a sponge in a circular motion to take out the dirt from every nook and corner of the table base. Rather than scrubbing the entire table base, begin with smaller sections and areas.
- Step 3: Rinse the table base with fresh water. Allow the cast iron table base to dry completely. For indoor pieces, repeatedly wipe down the table bases with a dry cloth to ensure no leftover moisture. For outdoor table bases, you can let them dry under the sun. Whether indoors or outdoors, make sure your table bases are completely dry to prevent rusting.
Cast Iron Table Base Suppliers
At Missouri Table and Chair, our collection of cast iron restaurant table bases contains varieties that combine durability and functionality. Our products come with a commercial warranty and unbeatable after-sales support for your peace of mind. From minimalistic, elegant design to ornately finished style, from affordable T-2222 X-base to decorative Pitti Designer base, we have a solution to match any interior.
Whether you have round, rectangular, or square table tops in your restaurant, we can offer you a base that matches your requirements perfectly. Contact us to discuss your custom requirements, and our professionals will be happy to help you with all your queries.
Summing it up:
Cast iron table bases have been commercially used for decades. They are famous for being affordable, durable, and low on maintenance. On top of that, their rustic look offers unbeatable appeal to highlight any dining setup in your restaurant, indoors or outdoors.
This article highlights some of the characteristics of cast iron table bases, their types, pros, and cons, along with general maintenance tips. Hopefully, these points persuade you to consider cast iron table bases for your restaurants to create an unparalleled look to stand out of your competitors.
