How to Choose the Right Thickness for a Restaurant Tabletop

When selecting tables for your restaurant, one detail that often gets overlooked is tabletop thickness. While it may seem purely aesthetic at first, the thickness of your tabletop directly affects durability, stability, comfort, and overall visual appeal. Whether you’re choosing solid walnut, oak, beech, or premium veneer surfaces, understanding the right thickness ensures your investment stands up to daily use while complementing your restaurant’s design.

Why Tabletop Thickness Matters

A tabletop’s thickness determines both its strength and its presence in a space. Thicker tops generally provide more stability and are better at handling heavy use, making them ideal for high-traffic restaurants or communal dining tables. Thinner tops can give a sleek, modern look and are perfect for smaller, intimate spaces where minimalism is key. At TableCo, we offer tabletops ranging from 1.25 inches to 2 inches and above, giving restaurateurs flexibility in design and functionality.

Matching Thickness to Table Size and Shape

The size and shape of your table influence the ideal thickness. Large rectangular or live edge communal tables often benefit from thicker tops (1.75–2 inches) to prevent sagging and to provide a robust appearance. Smaller bistro or café tables can comfortably use thinner tops (1.25–1.5 inches) without compromising durability. TableCo’s custom options allow you to pair the right thickness with your chosen wood — whether it’s solid walnut for a statement piece or a high-quality veneer top for consistent colour and pattern across multiple tables.

Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality

Thicker tabletops convey solidity and craftsmanship, while thinner designs appear modern and refined. Your choice should align with your restaurant’s brand. For instance, rustic, farm-to-table concepts often feature chunky beech or oak tops that highlight natural grain and texture. Contemporary cafés may opt for sleeker veneer surfaces that maximize visual openness while maintaining durability. TableCo’s range ensures that no matter the thickness, every tabletop is crafted to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Durability Considerations

In high-traffic restaurants, tabletop thickness is not just about looks. A thicker solid wood top better withstands impacts, spills, and the daily wear and tear of service. Even our veneer tabletops, when paired with the proper thickness and high-quality core materials, resist warping and remain functional over time. TableCo ensures all surfaces are kiln-dried, professionally finished, and reinforced where needed, giving restaurateurs confidence in both performance and longevity.

Pairing Thickness with Table Bases

A tabletop’s thickness also affects the choice of table base. Heavier, thicker tops require sturdy metal or solid wood bases to ensure stability, while thinner tops may benefit from minimalist steel or trestle supports that complement a modern look. TableCo’s customizable base options allow you to match thickness with design, ensuring both balance and visual harmony.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tabletop thickness is about more than appearance — it’s about creating a table that is functional, durable, and visually aligned with your restaurant’s identity. From solid walnut, oak, and beech to premium veneer surfaces, TableCo offers a wide range of thicknesses to meet any design or operational need. By selecting the right thickness and pairing it with proper craftsmanship, you ensure your restaurant tables remain both beautiful and reliable for years to come.