Selecting a table foundation from a variety of choices available can be quite difficult enough, and with stone tabletops involved, the process becomes even more challenging. Due to their tremendous weight, additional care must be taken into account while selecting the most appropriate table base for any tabletops. On a positive note, selecting a base for tabletops can be fun as you can customize and select the design for the base. Also, in choosing the foundation, the size, weight, and height of the tabletops shall be considered.
Here are some helpful tips on how to pair marble or granite tabletops with the most appropriate base:
Take Note of the Dimensions
The first tip to remember when choosing a base for a marble or granite tabletop is its size and thickness. Basically, the greater the size of the tabletop, the larger the size of the foundation. Most table bases like steel tubing and cast iron can support a significant amount of weight. A tremendous amount of weight would be required to crush a table’s foundation. The main problem, though, is the sturdiness of the table base; a weighty tabletop combined with a lightweight table base generates a high center of gravity, which might lead the table to topple.
In terms of thickness, marble and granite tabletops can range from 2cm to 3cm. The thinner versions weigh around 13 pounds per square foot, whereas the larger stones weigh about 20 pounds per square foot. It is highly recommended for customers to choose the thinner variant as it still captures the aesthetic and usefulness of a thicker tabletop while adding less weight.
Height
The taller the table, the higher the probability that it will topple over. Elevating the tabletop will boost the center of gravity, thus, requiring the base for additional stability. It is typically recommended to go for a bigger and heavier table foundation for tabletops that are taller than the usual ones as this will ensure the security of the granite marble top.
Overall Aesthetic of the Base
The aesthetic of the base is crucial for any tabletops. For those who enjoy customizing their home decors, they can do the same with the base of their tabletops. Rustic table foundations such as a custom steel table base offer an edge over the modern ones since they have a cast-iron bottom and column. The first reason why it is essential to choose a foundation with a cast iron column is that it is typically heavier compared to a modern base of the same size. The second reason is that excessively heavy tabletops might cause some table bases to bend, and that can be avoided by choosing a base made of cast iron.
Total Number of Columns
The main importance of columns is that it allows for the equal distribution of the weight load of a tabletop over a wider area which eliminates the bending problem. Placing several table foundations beneath a tabletop can be an alternative to a single base with various columns. Three tiny bases grouped beneath a big granite table can achieve the same aim of ensuring adequate weight distribution under the table.
Connecting the Table Base and the Tabletop
Granite fabricators often recommend that a sub-top be attached to the underside of the granite with the use of glue. Attaching a wooden sub-top to the bottom of the granite or marble tabletop using epoxy or industrial glue can certainly attach the base firmly into the top without piercing the stone. Avoid screwing into granite as this would establish a weak spot in the stone, potentially causing it to become weak, and worse, break. Also, using sub-top permits the tabletop and the foundation to be detached if necessary. Sub-tops can be created smaller compared to stone tabletops so that they would not be visible when you look down at the table. Some manufacturers may subtly chamfer the edges of the sub-top and coat it with black paint to make it visibly disappear so that it does not detract from the appearance of your magnificent stone stop.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that the aforementioned suggestions, as well as the recommended tabletop foundations, are based solely on the rule of thumb as well as other customers’ long-term experiences and perspectives. Take note that a basis that works well in one scenario may not work well in another. An unstable table is seldom caused by a faulty table foundation; rather, it is caused by the table foundation being too tiny, too lightweight, unbalanced distribution of weight on columns, uneven floor, and other variables beyond anyone’s control. Before buying numerous amounts of table bases, it is recommended to obtain one sample foundation to try with the tabletop. Select the table base with utter care; it should be big and heavy enough to ensure the security and stability of the tabletop.
