Tables bases rarely get any of the credit. Most fanfare is put squarely on the table tops. But let’s think about this. Table bases play a vital role in the overall design and durability of a restaurant. A table base—rather 20 bases—can make or break the success of a busy dining space.
At Grand Rapids Chair, we offer many different base styles in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. All of our table bases are made of either high-strength structural steel or heavy-duty cast iron.
With a plethora of options, which table base do you choose? No sweat. Let’s start from the basics and compare and contrast cast iron vs steel bases. Below, we created a simple list of the pros and cons of each.
Long the QSR mainstay, cast iron is strong, heavy, and durable. It has a rough, textured finish that offers a rustic quality. We offer cast iron in five different styles.
Pros
Our Favorite Cast Iron Looks
Cast Iron base, Spartan
Cast iron base, Kalypso
A little more sleek and sophisticated, steel bases offer more flexibility in design and finish. This collection is a little more expansive, offering six styles and a communal table.
Pros
Our Favorite Steel Looks
Steel base, Brady Pedestal
Steel base, Somerset
Steel base, Brady Communal
We build our table tops and bases in our Grand Rapids, Michigan, facility. Our tables are known for quality and superior strength and durability.
The columns used on on our bases are made of ultra-tough 14-gauge steel. All connections are hard welded using state-of-the-art machinery and a deep-penetration welding process that maximizes strength. Bases are cleaned and primed before paint is applied via our powder coat system, ensuring a consistent, durable, and color-rich finish every time.
All columnar bases come with our Labor Saver attachment for easy assembly. The Labor Saver uses a fixed, hardened 1/2” bolt that is hard welded into a heavy plate inside the bottom of the column. The bolt simply attaches to the base and is tightened by a nut and washer. Compared to a complicated thru-rod and bolt assembly mechanisms, this unique attachment can save you hours on large installations. All other table bases are just as easily assembled on site using a 5/16” nut driver and a wrench. Top mounting plates, made of stamped, high-strength 12-gauge steel are hard welded to the top of the column for easy attachment to our pre-drilled tops.