Best Materials for a Restaurant Table Top

The interior design and layout of a restaurant are some of the important aspects of running a successful business. Furniture, especially tables, plays an important role in interior design. While finding an ideal location and developing a signature menu brings excitement and joy to most restaurant owners, an aesthetically pleasing and functional restaurant interior is what attracts clients. The current pandemic situation also calls for a focus on the exterior of a restaurant.

In terms of tabletops, attractiveness and functionality can be achieved with a consideration of the following points.

Theme

When selecting a table, you need to understand the ambiance you are trying to achieve or the brand you are trying to promote. Sometimes the material for the restaurant table tops can be custom designed to fit with the aesthetics of the restaurant.

Practicality

You can buy tabletops and bases separately. This is practical for restaurants that need to put away their tables at the end of the day. This also offers flexibility to create a custom look by mixing and matching them.

Budget

When you do not want to spend money every few years replacing table tops, go for tops that are easily refurbished. The price of tabletop material varies based on its type and finish. Ask yourself what you can afford and purchase within your budget.

Quality

Restaurant table deals go through constant wear and tear resulting in scratches, marks, and nicks. This is why many restaurants cover tables with linen. Presently, there are materials that resist wear and tear. Therefore, you need to be aware of the different materials available in the market. One thing that can ensure quality is a warranty.

Durability and Maintenance

You need to consider if the material is durable and easy to maintain. For example, a hardwood table is more durable than a softwood table. If you want a table that is resistant to scratches, you may not want to choose wood or wrought iron, especially as the iron will rust.

Best Materials

A wide range of tabletop materials is designed for use in restaurants. What you consider best depends on which of the above considerations are most important for your needs.

Wood Table Tops

Wood is the most popular and common tabletop option. It is durable, economical, and versatile. It can match practically any aesthetic. Wood has a warm, natural look with timeless appeal. It easily matches with other materials. If wood gets worn or damaged, it can be easily fixed by a woodworker with the requisite skills and tools. Wooden tabletops are made of hardwood like cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, and walnut. If you want your tables to last longer, real wood tables are your choice.

Molded Plywood

Molded plywood manufacturers make this type of wood by gluing multiple layers of veneer through heat and pressure. The veneer layers are arranged crosswise at a 90-degree angle. Depending on the veneer, they can be relatively strong and weather resistant. It can be flame resistant too.

Granite Table Tops

Granite table tops heighten the look of a restaurant. It makes everything look richer and more appealing. Granite is quarried and mostly features a deep black color. Granite can endure a lifetime without losing its quality. It is difficult to scratch, chip, or stain. It is virtually unaffected by heat and easy to clean. Granite can be used both indoors and outdoors. Prolonged exposure to moisture and oils can stain granite. It is cool to touch and can chip with heavy use.

Quartz Composite

A cheaper option for a natural stone look is quartz composite. It is made by mixing ground quartz with resin and pigments to form slabs of varying colors and patterns. The surface is polished to make it highly reflective and glossy. It can give a sleek and modern look to your restaurant tables. Quartz surfaces are exceptionally durable and require little or no maintenance. Quartz can be custom fabricated according to your needs (for example, different edges or a waterfall end). However, quartz can scratch or chip with heavy use. It can discolor when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat.

Laminate Table Tops

Laminated table tops are constructed from layers of PVC, high-impact melamine, and a wood grain finish. It is most familiar under the Formica brand name. Laminate is made to resist heat and scratches. Therefore, it requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. It is relatively durable and the least expensive tabletop material. Due to being synthetic, it offers great options for colors and appearances making it a bit easier to follow your chosen theme for the restaurant. Fixing screws necessary to connect the top with the base, susceptibility to moisture (if made with chipboard), no pattern variation, and shorter life are some of the negative sides of laminated tops.

Metal Tabletops

Metal tabletops make bold and elegant statements and go perfectly with a contemporary ambiance. They are considered rather trendy. The most popular metals for tabletops are copper, aluminum, brass, zinc, and stainless steel. Typically, tabletops are constructed by covering a metal sheet over a core of plywood, MDF,  or chipboard and gluing it together. Additionally, the tops may be modified. Metal is very sturdy and can be placed outside too. It is cool to the touch and does not require much maintenance. If you are on a tight budget, put metal tables in your restaurant as they can last a long time.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing tables for a restaurant, it is vital that they not only look great but that they withstand the demands of a busy commercial environment. The right choices can save you a lot of stress, money, and space. Use this article as a buying guide and let it point you in the right direction.