Restaurant Table Tops Guide

Table tops in a restaurant are the most overlooked element from a patron’s perspective. Whereas, as a restaurant owner, the item is high on the priority list.

You may wonder why. Isn’t food not the only priority? Well, of course, food is most important – a nice table, mediocre food does no good to a restaurant. On the other hand, great food served on a wobbly table isn’t a great experience either.

Does it make sense now? Every restaurant table top has to meet these three criteria – style, durability, and functionality.

Isn’t it kind of a high-stakes situation from merely tabletop? It sure is, and with this guide, we will help you attain all these core qualities and help you find the best tabletops for your restaurant.         

What is a Good Restaurant Table Top?

You cannot segment a good table top in its entirety. It also has to meet the requirements of every restaurant’s design and theme.  

An ideal table top is a perfect balance between style and functionality with several ounces of practicality. If some drama is there, it adds some uniqueness to the overall design, and every restaurant owner takes it happily.

Hence you need to consider these factors when buying a restaurant tabletop:

• Style: The table tops should meet the theme of your restaurant. A sturdy and durable table top is gold, but it doesn’t have to appear alien in your restaurant space. Look for options that meet the theme and color of the restaurant setup. If you cannot find such a piece, pick a design that resonates with you and get it customized for your restaurant. Vogue Decor Montreal offers its clients the option to get table tops, chairs, bar stools, and tables.  
• Durability: No restaurant owner wants to redo the furniture every year. That would be a huge dent in the bank for the restaurant. Every restaurant owner prefers to buy furniture that would last them for years. If needed, a new splash of paint and we should be good to go for another couple of years. Durability is the most important factor when you are considering buying a restaurant table top. Also, this space on the table carries all the weight, maintains its balance on its leg, and manages it all while looking pretty.     
• Maintenance: Every table top in a restaurant must be easy to clean. A clean surface without crevices and cracks is perfect as a tabletop. During the restaurant rush, one quick sweep and it is clean and ready to entertain the next patrons. When buying a restaurant tabletop, always opt for clean and smooth designs.

Different Styles to Make Your Unique Statement

A restaurant could be any of these themes – rustic, chic, boho, elegant, or contemporary. To meet the design assignment, table tops have to look like they belong in the setting.

Tempered Porcelain – the porcelain is treated in a way that becomes resilient and durable. During the process, the surface is treated to look like certain finishes such as rustic, marble, or granite. Depending on the restaurant’s theme, you can get a finish that works best for your space.

HPL Laminated – these finished woods are treated in such high-pressure environments to mold into a homogenous and non-porous material. The top layer can then be finished to give a rustic or clean wooden look.   

Aluminum – these materials are best for outdoor patio, riverside, or balcony spaces. Aluminum is durable, easy to clean and convenient to move depending on the need.

Pro Tip: Always get the tabletop sealed to prevent scratches and stains. The wood and porcelain become easy to clean when the top coat is applied.

Shapes and Style Does Matter

If you may have observed, restaurant table tops hardly come in three shapes – circle, square and rectangle. Not that the creativity dies down when it comes to the table tops, actually these shapes are the most practical choices for a restaurant space.

Round table tops are restricted in a way. You can accommodate two to three people depending on the size. If you are using larger round table tops, you are taking up too much floor space.

When going for larger tables, squares and rectangles are smart options as they accommodate more people compared to the round ones. 

Diners and breakfast spaces often have rectangular and square tables as they expect larger groups in routine breakfast and dinner rush. That was all about the shapes, now let’s take a look at how you can pick a style of tabletop for your restaurant.   

Trendy ǀ Upscale

Now these restaurants are all about experiences. The moment you enter you are greeted by a welcoming and smiling individual. Then they seat you on clean and elegant looking chairs and a table with a gleaming table top. The person then takes you through the menu, and specials, and gives ideas depending on what you want to eat.

Nothing goes haywire in this space. Hence the tabletops also look upscale. Mostly these have wood, granite, or marble finish. Tempered porcelain is a great option since marble and granite are pretty heavy options.

Industrial Vibe

The industrial look is an everyday vibe. You do not feel intimidated by the space. The industrial vibe is a combination of metal, aluminum, or wood. 

The right combination of these elements is style meets useability. You cannot expect too much comfort here, it is an ideal space for quick hangouts and places that are often swarmed at meal times.

Communal Setting

There is no cafeteria from Ross’s Workplace (the museum where Ross worked). In these settings, anyone can sit anywhere. They can just get the food and sit at a large table with strangers.

These communal settings are great for making friends, talking to strangers, and enjoy the meal with company. Restaurants often have a mix of communal and private spaces to accommodate users from all walks of life.

Bar Height

This is a preferred setting for restaurants where patrons do not linger a lot. They may come for a quick lunch during work, drinks on Friday nights, or grab a quick coffee with a snack. These tabletops are ideal for spaces on a restaurant floor that cannot accommodate large tables yet have space to accommodate two people without making it crowded.

Hear it From the Expert ǀ Tips to Choose Perfect Restaurant Table Tops

Now that you know everything you need to know about shape, style and texture – time for some age-old wisdom.

Edgy Profiles Are Not Shady

It’s all in the details. The tabletops with edges add aesthetics and practicality. Square or rectangle offers a clean and modern look.

Mix and Match for an Eclectic Look

If we gave you the impression all tabletops have to be the same, we apologize. Table tops don’t have to be all the same. You can mix it a little with shapes and materials. It will help you curate your restaurant’s more personal and unique look.

Always Ready for Outdoors

Restaurants in Montreal do not get many sunny days. But when they do, patrons prefer to sit outdoors only. Look for tabletops with weather-resistant lamination such as HDL-laminate and porcelain finish. This way, your restaurant furniture in Montreal is ready for indoors and Al Fresco Dining any day.

Guide to Finding the Right Tabletop Size

Wrap-up: Enhancing the Experience with Right Table Tops

Investing your time and knowledge to find the right tabletop is a winning deal for restaurants.

Nowadays, every restaurant’s tabletop is photographed when the meal is served. The image will always remain on the patron’s Instagram feed. Having a clean, beautiful and aesthetically fit table top has become more vital than ever, and don’t forget the term, Instagrammable.   

When the patrons enjoy the meal without any glitches, it is a win for the restaurant. The right table top will elevate the experience for your patrons. As a result, people will keep coming back from the comfortable experience they had.