Table Base, Four Legs or a Frame? How to Decide

Short answer: a pedestal base puts a single column in the middle, which frees up the corners for chairs. It is the standard answer for round café and restaurant tables. Four legs cost less, suit long or rectangular tops better than a single pedestal does, but they put a leg where a knee wants to be. A frame is what you choose when the table has to fold flat or move, for events, conference rooms or education. Legroom, cost, top length or storage usually decides it.

When a pedestal base is the right answer

A pedestal base carries the top from one central point, so nothing obstructs the space around the edge. That is why almost every round café table you sit at is on a pedestal: chairs can be pushed in anywhere around it.

Our pedestal range covers round bases (Golden Gate, Bayside, Sydney), a trumpet profile (Vancouver), a square base (Sotra) plus a rectangular twin-column base (Mega). Bases and columns are ordered separately, so you can match or contrast finishes. All carry a 5-year structural warranty for commercial contract use.

The limit is top size. A single pedestal has a maximum top it will hold securely, from 800mm round on the smallest base up to 1400mm on the largest. Beyond that you need a twin-column base like the Mega, which takes 1500 x 900mm at dining height.

When four legs make more sense

Four legs spread the load to the corners, which suits a long rectangular top far better than a central pedestal. They are also the cheaper option and the simpler one to fit.

Our tubular legs come in 60mm diameter for standard duty plus 80mm for heavy duty, with 30mm of threaded height adjustment on every leg for levelling. Heights run from 350mm coffee through 690mm and 710mm dining or desk, 870mm breakfast bar up to 1100mm poseur. A protective floor glide is included.

Hairpin legs are the design-led alternative, sold as a set of four with screws included. Seven heights run from 100mm cabinet feet up to 860mm breakfast bar.

The trade-off is legroom. A leg at each corner means someone always ends up with a leg between their knees, which matters more on a small table than a large one.

When you want a frame

A frame is the choice when the table has to change. Two options, for two different jobs:

• Folding table frames fold flat for storage, sold as a pair with one set fitting one table. Frame heights of 690mm and 710mm, straight or curved foot, four finishes, rated to 150kg. Adjustable feet plus plastic stacking blocks are included, so frames stack safely when they come off. Suitable for light commercial and institutional use.
• Flip top frames tilt the top vertically through 90 degrees so tables wheel together into a stack. Four lockable swivel castors, brushed nickel feet against a black textured powder coat, rated to 100kg. Medium suits tops from 1200mm to 1600mm long, Large from 1600mm to 2000mm, both 600mm to 800mm deep.

Note the difference in what each is rated for. Folding frames carry more weight at 150kg but are specified for light commercial and institutional use. Flip top frames take 100kg and are built around daily movement.

How to choose

Browse the range

Table bases, round table legs, hairpin legs, folding table frames, desk frames and castors.

Fitting out a venue and weighing up the options? Call 01482 714488.

Load ratings, heights plus maximum top sizes on this page are Eurofit figures from our 2026 catalogue. Other manufacturers rate their products differently, so use the specification for the product you are buying.