Quick Sizing Guide for Metal Table Legs and Bases
Width
A quick, general rule of thumb is to take the overall width of your tabletop and subtract 24″ to get the width of your table base. Make sure the legs do not go below these minimum widths:
- Dining heightย – 20″ width minimum
- Counter heightย – 24″ width minimum
- Bar heightย – 28″ width minimum
For any metal table base designs that taper in at the floor, add 6-8″ to the above minimums for the minimum base width since the width is measured at the widest point of the base, at the top, and they taper in 6″ to 8″ at the floor.
Length (if applicable)
Some of our metal trestle bases are intended for use with square or round tops, so the “width” of the base is a measure of the overall diameter of the base and length is not an option. For base styles that specify both width and length, the length of the base will depend on how much overhang your tabletop can support. As a general rule of thumb, follow the below max overhang recommendations for the below top materials:
- Wood Topย – Top length minus 36″
- Stone Topย – Top length minus 24″
- Glass Topย – Top length minus 24″
Top thicknesses and strengths vary, so it is ALWAYS best to get a recommendation from the fabricator of your tabletop for overhang allowances. Also make sure the length of the base does not drop below the above width minimums for stability.
Height
- Dining heightย is finished at 30″, so subtract the thickness of your tabletop from 30″ to get the height of the table base. Round down to the nearest inch to account for the included leveling feet.
- For counter height, subtract the thickness of the tabletop from 36″.
- For bar height, subtract the thickness of the top from 42″.
Coffee tables, side tables, and bench bases
- You typically want the width of the base for smaller sized builds to be just a couple inches smaller than the top.
- Benches typically have a finished height that is 12″ less than the table height. So subtract the thickness of the top from this measurement to get the height of the base.
- Coffee tables typically have a finished height equal to, or a couple inches below the surrounding seating height. Usually around 18″ to 20″ tall.
- Side tables typically have a finished height equal to, or slightly below the surrounding arm rest height of nearby seating.
Tubing Size
- 1″ tubeย – Reserved for small, lightweight tables, such as side tables or coffee tables
- 1.5″ or 1×2 rectangular tubeย – Suitable for smaller tables, dining tables with a minimalistic style, or bench bases
- 2″ or 1×3 rectangular tubeย – Most common size material, suitable for most applications
- 3″ or 2×3 rectangular tubeย – Suitable for heavier or larger tabletops, or where a more prominent look is desired for the metal table base
- 4″ or 2×4 rectangular tubeย – Gives a massive look to the table base, suitable for the heaviest and largest of tabletops.
For a more complete guide, see ourย Base Sizing Guideย for more information or feel free toย Contact Usย for more our recommendation.
Rectangular Style Metal Pedestal Base
This custom-made metal pedestal base is an excellent choice for cafe tables, pub tables, and even small kitchen tables. This base works best for round or square tops, and can be made to work with wood, stone, or glass tabletops. Using traditional shapes and pattern, combined with a contemporary metal build, this base offers a unique distinction from the traditional mass-manufactured metal pedestal bases you see in almost every restaurant and coffee shop.
For an added design twist on this pedestal base, see our Beacon Style Metal Pedestal Base
The base is made from grade A500 structural 1×3 rectangular steel tubing with a 1/4″ thick steel top plate. The steel top plate is typically about 6″ smaller than the base width. The metal plate comes with slotted mounting holes for wood or stone top applications, and for glass tops comes with a smaller profile top plate with no holes and includes clear rubber bumpers for the glass to rest on. Felt tipped leveling feet are also included.
Please note, we do not recommend this base design for tops exceeding 42″ in width at dining height, or tops exceeding 36″ in width at taller heights. The base width should be anywhere from 0″ to 6″ narrower than the tabletop depending on how much overhang you want. Keep in mind the larger the base width, the more stable the stand will be.
All products undergo extensive quality control checks to ensure your products are made as specified and come free of any defects or sharp edges. Pleaseย Contact Usย if you have any questions about the sizing, details, or applications of these legs or see ourย Base Sizing Guideย for more information.
Donโt see what youโre looking for?ย Contact Usย if the size you are looking for is not shown, or if you would like to discuss making something custom.