The table top is the surface guests touch the most, and it takes plates, glasses, cleaning chemicals and constant wiping. The right material depends on where the table sits, how the room looks, and how quickly you need it. This guide compares the stone, laminate, HPL and wood tops we carry, with their indoor and outdoor ratings and ship times.
At a glance
| Material | Example | Indoor/outdoor | Ships in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Glacier Quartz | Indoor and outdoor | 2–3 weeks |
| Granite | Pinnacle Granite | Indoor and outdoor | 2–3 weeks |
| Sintered stone | Vista Sintered Stone | Indoor and outdoor | 2–3 weeks |
| Standard laminate | Uptown 1.5″, Metro 2″ | Indoor only | 1–2 weeks |
| HPL (high-pressure laminate) | Terrace HPL | Indoor and outdoor | 1–2 weeks |
| Aluminum frame | Marina, Lido, Pacifica | Indoor and outdoor | 1–2 weeks |
| Solid wood (butcher block, live edge) | Meadowbrook, Canyon | Indoor only | 1–2 weeks |
Ship times are from order and payment. Tops are sold separately from bases.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone made mostly from ground quartz bound with resin. Because it is manufactured, color and pattern are consistent from top to top, which helps when a room has dozens of matching tables. It has a non-porous surface that resists staining and does not need sealing. As with any resin-bound surface, avoid placing very hot pans directly on it.
The Glacier Quartz Table Top has a 1-1/4″ eased edge and a plywood sub top with epoxy and fiberglass backing. It is offered in six colors, including Delicatto White, Crystal Gray and Blue Pearl, and in sizes from 24″ x 30″ to 30″ x 72″ plus rounds up to 54″.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone, so every top has its own variation in grain and color. It is hard and handles heat well. Because it is natural stone, periodic sealing is commonly recommended to help resist staining, especially in lighter colors.
The Pinnacle Granite Table Top has a 1-1/4″ bullnose edge and the same plywood sub top with epoxy and fiberglass backing. Colors include Uba Tuba, Black Galaxy, Kashmir White and Tan Brown, in squares, rectangles and rounds up to 54″.
Sintered stone
Sintered stone is made by compressing mineral materials under high heat and pressure into a dense slab. It is generally valued for resistance to heat, scratching and staining, and it can reproduce the look of marble without marble’s upkeep.
The Vista Sintered Stone Table Top comes in Calacatta White or Veined Italian Black with a 1-1/4″ eased edge, in sizes from 24″ x 30″ to 30″ x 72″ and 36″ x 36″.
All three stone tops are heavier than laminate, which adds stability but makes them harder to move. Pair them with a base sized for the top; see our table bases. Browse all stone table tops.
Laminate
Laminate tops bond a decorative surface to a core. They are lighter and lower in cost than stone, wipe clean easily and come in many sizes, which makes them a common choice for fast-casual rooms, breakfast rooms and cafés. Edges and seams are the parts to watch, and hot items should go on a trivet.
- The Uptown 1.5″ Laminate Table Top is 1.5″ thick in Espresso, Light Grey, Oak or Walnut.
- The Metro 2″ Laminate Table Top is 2″ thick in Black, Graphite, Sand, Oak or Montana Walnut, in sizes up to 36″ x 72″ and rounds up to 36″.
Standard laminate tops are not recommended for outdoor use. See laminate and HPL table tops.
HPL and aluminum-frame tops
HPL (high-pressure laminate) is a denser laminate made under high pressure, and our HPL tops are rated for outdoor use. The Terrace HPL Table Top is offered in Black Wood Grain, Soapstone or White Carrera. The Marina Aluminum Frame HPL Table Top combines an aluminum frame with an HPL top for patios and rooftops. See outdoor table tops.
Solid wood
Solid wood butcher block and live edge tops bring warmth to a dining room or taproom and come in long sizes for communal tables. The Canyon Walnut Live Edge Table Top is 2″ thick solid planked walnut, in sizes up to 36″ x 96″. Our wood tops carry a commercial-grade PU coating and are for indoor use only. See solid wood table tops.
How to choose
- Outdoors: quartz, granite, sintered stone, HPL or aluminum-frame.
- Consistent look across many tables: quartz, sintered stone or laminate.
- Natural variation: granite or solid wood.
- Shortest lead time and lowest weight: laminate or HPL, shipping in 1–2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Which restaurant table tops can be used outdoors?
Quartz, granite, sintered stone, HPL and aluminum-frame tops are rated for indoor and outdoor use. Standard laminate, butcher block and live edge tops are indoor only.
What is the difference between quartz and granite?
Quartz is an engineered stone with consistent color and a non-porous surface. Granite is natural stone with unique variation in each top, and periodic sealing is commonly recommended.
What is sintered stone?
A dense surface made by compressing mineral materials under high heat and pressure. It is generally valued for resistance to heat, scratching and staining.
How long do table tops take to ship?
Laminate, HPL, aluminum-frame and wood tops ship in 1–2 weeks from order and payment. Quartz, granite and sintered stone tops ship in 2–3 weeks.
Do table tops come with a base?
No. Tops and bases are sold separately, and each base lists the top sizes it supports.
Shop table tops with volume pricing at 10, 20 and 50 pieces, or contact us for a volume quote on 50+ tops or 100+ bases, chairs or stools.