Restaurant tables are an important component of any dining room. They contribute to aesthetics and functionality. Your tables can be the difference between a diner choosing your restaurant and a competitor's.
Business owners must consider several factors when purchasing a restaurant table for their business. They must think of their budget, aesthetics, durability, and functionality. The final decision should represent the best of all words ensuring they made the ideal choice for their establishment décor and layout.
Types of Restaurant Tables
There are various types of restaurant tables to choose from. They vary in material, height, style, and more. The following section will review your options.
Key Varieties of Restaurant Tables
Commercial Dining Tables
Commercial dining tables refer to dining tables found in a commercial space. They may have certain features that set them apart from a residential dining table. For example, many commercial tables are bolt-down rather than movable. This feature minimizes theft and prevents customers from moving tables to interfere with the restaurant design.
A dining table in a commercial space may also feature materials that don’t get damaged easily. For example, hardwood tables made of oak or maple are generally resistant to scratches. Ceramic and quartz table tops are also durable options.
Family Style
A family-style dining table is generally larger than other table types. It is made to accommodate entire families. It may also be suited to family-style dining in which several dishes are placed in the middle of the table so families can serve themselves.
Counter Height
Table heights can vary. Some establishments have lower tables (18 inches) that are ideal for lounge seating. Standard height tables are about 30 inches high allowing patrons to adopt a comfortable position and rest their feet on the ground.
Higher tables are often found in bars, casual restaurants, and nightclubs. Bar height tables create a trendy environment and maximize space.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is a popular tabletop option. Durable wood materials are damage-resistant and attractive. They provide a classic look that compliments most dining room settings.
Customizable Options
Some restaurant owners may choose customizable dining tables that feature a size and design perfectly suited to their business. Custom restaurant tables are often found in fine dining establishments. However, they may also be featured in casual venues, designed with colors and logos that fit the brand.
Factors Affecting Restaurant Table Prices
Several factors affect restaurant table prices. Material, size, and style are key considerations. Here’s how they factor into the total cost.
Material, Size, and Style
Material
Wood
Solid wood is a popular material for dining table tops. There are various wood choices available. Each offers different characteristics in terms of aesthetics and durability.
The most popular wood materials for dining tables include:
- Maple: This hardwood is smooth to the touch and has a great silky look. It works well with contemporary décor themes.
- Oak: Oak is hard and dense and offers a unique grain texture. It is resistant to dents and warping.
- Walnut: Walnut stands out for its exceptional strength. It is one of the most expensive wood choices and may not be suitable for restaurants on a budget.
- Beechwood: Beechwood is economically priced and therefore, a common restaurant option. It is durable and features an attractive uniform texture.
Laminate
Laminate tables are an affordable commercial dining table choice. They are made of synthetic materials that form a thin layer that can be customized to look like other materials. They can feature wood-like surfaces, colors, printed images, and other textures.
Restaurant owners like laminate because it is durable, easy to clean, and maintain. It is heat and scratch-resistant. The material is also a hygienic choice.
Granite
Granite is another popular choice for commercial dining tables. It is durable, resistant to heat, bacteria, and stains, scratches, and naturally waterproof. The material is a low-maintenance option.
The stone substance is also known for its exceptional aesthetics. Granite is available in various colors and patterns. It goes well with various décor options.
The material is also an eco-friendly choice. Its mining process involves minimal chemicals and energy, and it has a long lifespan. It will please environmental customers.
Size
Commercial dining tables vary in size. Generally, they are around 36 to 40 inches in width, length, or diameter. However, rectangular tables can be 78” long or more.
Restaurants typically want a variety of tables in their establishment to accommodate different-sized parties and various restaurant seating options. You must also consider the size of your restaurant. The bigger the table, the more expensive it will be.
Style
Most restaurant owners want to create an attractive dining room. They will add commercial restaurant tables suited to their décor. Here are some style options to consider.
- Modern: A modern dining room will feature sleek custom restaurant tables. It may include brightly colored tabletops to enhance the décor. The aim is to add sharp lines and curves.
- Rustic: Rustic restaurant furniture is generally made of wood and may have metal accents. It is ideal for a country-kitchen-style restaurant. It establishes a warm, cozy appeal.
- Industrial: Industrial restaurant tables have a raw modern look. They feature materials like metal and wood. They are ideal for breweries and casual dining spaces.
Restaurant Table Prices
So how much are restaurant tables? Prices vary wildly depending on the style, material, customization options, and so on. Tables may start around $100 and go well into the thousands.
It’s a difficult question to answer, but in this section, we will provide a table guide reviewing various price points.
Pricing Spectrum from Basic to Custom Tables
Basic
Basic tables are generally made of resin or laminate. In most instances, you must buy the table top and base separately. However, you may purchase a fully assembled table as well.
Prices for resin and laminate table tops typically range from $75 to $150. However, there are more expensive options available.
The most affordable table base is the cast iron base. These start at around $40 and work their way up to $150.
Mid-Range
Wood tables are more expensive and may be considered in the mid-range category. They generally range from $130 to $250.
Unlike less expensive counterparts, it is more common to find fully assembled wood tables that include a base. They usually range from $200 to $400, but the sky’s the limit.
Like laminate and resin table tops, wood table tops are often paired with cast iron bases. You may also choose an outdoor table base that is suited for all elements. They range from $100 to $300.
High End
A high-end dining table may be made of reclaimed wood, marble, or even leather. Reclaimed wood tables, and others made of high-end materials, can cost several thousands of dollars. They may come fully assembled, or they may be paired with designer bases that range from $60 to $200 or more.
Custom
Customized tabletop prices vary depending on the materials used, the design features, and more. An example of an upscale customized table may feature a durable wood material, hand-crafted metals, and detailed carvings. A fast-food restaurant may request a table that features its logo, its brand colors, and other customized details.
Prices can range wildly, but any type of customization will add to costs. Expect to pay at least a few hundred above retail prices for special features.
Table Sets and Packages
Since restaurant owners tend to shop in bulk, with furnishings for their entire dining room, they may get discounts on their purchases. This is especially true if they choose options like table sets, booths, etc. However, these can also be all over the map in terms of price depending on the construction, materials, and customizable options.
Where to Buy Restaurant Tables
There are several options for buying restaurant tables. Here are a few to choose from.
Sourcing Options
Direct Factory Manufacturer
A direct factory manufacturer is typically the best source for restaurant tables. They offer the widest selection. These companies often have online catalogs you can shop from and provide shipping to your destination.
However, these companies typically have minimum purchase requirements to justify the shipping. They often only sell for 60+ seating provisions.
Local Vendor or Carpenter
If you’re lucky, you have a local vendor in your area that sells restaurant furniture. This option may help you avoid minimum shipping and will cut down on shipping costs. You may even be able to pick up the furniture and deliver it yourself.
You may also hire a local carpenter to customize your furniture. While expensive, this option will help you create your ideal dining room aesthetic.
Used Restaurant Furniture
Used restaurant furniture is ideal for restaurants on a budget. You may find a seller that specializes in used restaurant furniture, or you may pick up pieces at a thrift shop. The furniture won’t be perfect, but it’s a great way to produce a shabby chic look in your establishment.
Additional Costs to Consider
Commercial restaurant tables aren’t cheap. If you thought it was expensive to buy them, just wait until you find out about the other costs involved.
Hidden Expenses
Shipping & Delivery
Because furniture sets are so large, many companies offer private delivery options. However, some may ship furniture via traditional carriers like UPS and FedEx. Either way, shipping and delivery will increase costs, often by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Assembly
A restaurant table may not come fully assembled. You may have to attach the table tops to the bases and so on. You may be able to DIY the task, but it will be a timely endeavor. Likely, you will be better off hiring a professional. Cha-ching!
Maintenance
Place a table in a restaurant and it’s likely to see its share of wear and tear. You may have to completely replace the top of the base. In other instances, you may be able to sand out the damage, tighten screws, or refinish the surface. Either way, maintenance will lead to added expenses.
Potential Replacement
In a worst-case scenario, you may need to replace the table completely. Unexpected accidents and time will take their toll. You may find yourself back at square one.
Conclusion
Restaurant furnishings are one of the biggest costs when you are opening a new restaurant. So how much will they run you? It depends on the material, size, and style. Additional expenses will be involved. However, no matter what option you choose, commercial dining tables aren’t cheap.
Considering the expense, it’s essential to make a wise choice. Think about the aesthetics, durability, and type of venue to find the restaurant furniture best suited to your needs. We wish you luck making the right decision.
