How Can I choose the right table tops?
It’s important to choose the right table tops when purchasing your tables, this means not only the right finish and style but the right size too.
If you aren’t sure what table tops you should be buying then this handy guide is a great starting point for discovering the answer to ‘ Which table tops are right for me?’
So what should you be considering when buying table tops? Read on for our top advice for choosing table tops...
SIZE
Arguably, one of the most important things to consider is the size of your table tops and before you even look at materials, finishes, colours you should be asking yourself the question: what size tops do I need? This will depend on not only your target customers but how many covers you want to fit into the space and also what sort of menu you will be serving. Depending on the style of food and drinks, you may have multiple dishes, cutlery baskets, condiments and glassware that need to be accommodated when people are dining. Make sure you allow adequate room for all this as well as for the customer to dine sit comfortably. Choosing a top in a square size can be a great way to ensure you can cater for different group sizes and events as they take up minimum space, can accommodate two people if need be but can equally seat 4 or 6 when pushed together to create a larger table.
MATERIAL
Solid, veneered, melamine, laminate, plywood- the options are endless so how do you know which table top is right for you?
Firstly, the type of finish is less important than making sure that your tops are described as suitable for commercial environments. Table tops that you would buy for domestic use simply won’t withstand the demands of a busy contract environment, you need something much more hardwearing and durable.
So what is the different between the different types of table tops? The main difference between a solid finish and the others on offer is that the solid is a hardwood whereas the veneers and melamine are typically an MDF or other particleboard surrounded by either a melamine face or another form of protective coating such as polyurethane lacquer. Some people hear the phrase particleboard or MDF and have misconceptions about their suitability or durability but they are in fact an excellent choice because they offer the look of a wooden top, but with an extremely durable finish and all at a fraction of the price of solid oak or pine tops.
Take a look at more detailed descriptions of table finishes here
COLOUR
Once you know what size and finish table tops you want, you might begin to ask yourself ‘How do I choose the right colour table top’? This is a tricky question to as this really is down to the décor and other furnishings that you have. Some customers like to match up the table top colours with the flooring and permanent fixtures such as the bar panelling and bench seating whereas others prefer a complete contrast or varied wood colours in a more of a ‘mix and match’ theme. Our wood tops come in three standard colours; dark oak, light oak and walnut. The darker woods are perfect for creating depth and character, whereas the light oak can open up an area and brighten up a space with limited natural light or small spaces. Perhaps consider a lighter wood for your table tops if this is the case so as not to enclose the space further.
HEAT RESISTANCE
Do I need heat resistant table tops?
We get asked lots of questions about the heat resistance of table tops and the answer is generally always the same whatever the finish and whatever the environment they are going to be used in.
When it comes to wooden table tops, whether they be solid hardwood, veneer, melamine or laminate, although they will be able to withstand warm plates and hot drinks to a certain extent, the bottom line is if it’s too hot to hold in your hands then it’s too hot for the table surface. Wooden tops are hardwearing and durable but they are wooden none the less and will mark if something too hot is put on them. If you don’t want to use table cloths with your tables its worth using place settings to protect the tops from marks and scuffs.
MAINTENANCE
Another consideration is the maintenance and cleaning of your table tops. Solid oak table tops may require more maintenance as they will need to be treated to make them suitable for commercial use and avoid marks or stains from regular use. You may need to do this every couple of years depending on the wear and tear they experience. Something like a hardwood with a polyurethane coating, veneer, melamine or laminate finish require much less maintenance as well as being easy to clean and available in a choice of sizes and colours. Table tops with a clear lacquer give a perfectly flat and smooth surface that is easy to wipe and will remain looking its best for years to come if looked after correctly.
Most people want to know which table tops are easiest to clean as well as the time old questions ‘How do I clean my table tops’ and ‘What should I use to clean my table tops?’
The first thing to know is DO NOT use antibacterial sprays and standard kitchen surface cleaners on your tables. There is a tendency for the ingredients in these to react with the lacquered wood and you may even find that over time a sticky residue builds up causing the table top to feel tacky to the touch, a patchy appearance as a result. You wouldn’t use anti-bacterial on a polished wood surface elsewhere and wooden table tops for contract use are no different. The best way to clean table tops between customers, during service or at the end of service is using warm soapy water or a specialised cleaner such as ‘Relay Spray’. This is cleaning solution available in easy to use spray bottled and has been specifically developed with anti-bacterial properties that won’t react with the lacquers and are designed for use in the hospitality industry.
Buy Table Tops Online Today
If you are ready to make a table top purchase, view our range of table tops now for top-quality furniture at competitive prices.