Choosing the right Table Base.
The question:
What can I use as a base for this table top?
We get this question here all the time because of
wide variety of pieces in the Arkahdia Arts line
which are perfect bases, columns, and pedestals.
Once you know the right underlying information,
answering this question is alot easier than one
might think.
As with most projects you already know how big
a table you are dealing with.
Such as: a 24in diameter glass end table or an 8x4 foot
wood conference table.
For table tops with separate bases there are only
two things to concerned about when supporting the
top when choosing the base (1) support enough weight and (2) prevent tippage.
Now for the lowdown on each:
Overall weight support:
To support enough weight on a table does not mean
only being able to hold up the table top. But
also to support the things being put on the table
top. Which in most cases are heavier than the top
itself. (just think of the weight of a thanksgiving
feast)
When calculating weight support take the total
weight supportable by each base being used and
add them together and then divide by four. This
gives you the maximum weight of the top you
will be able to support.
Let's try an example: Say you have a 200lb granite
slab you would love to use as a table top.
And you would love to use four simple ionic 30 inch
columns each rated for 250 lbs.
Would the 4 bases suffice?
OK...
time for some simple math....
4 bases * 250 lbs = 1000 lbs
1000 lbs / 4 = 250lbs supportable top
Since the top weighs 200 lbs this setup
can safely handle it.
Prevent tippage
Everyone has sat at a table with a missing leg,
pushed down and seen the see saw affect.
In addition you may see a table with a single
base which was not wide enough, leaned on
one end only to find the other end going up and
your end going down.
This is know as the "The fulcrum affect" it's
when your base with top act like a see saw.
The thinner the base gets in relation to the width
of top the more the effect comes into play.
This is a direct affect of position of the bases
and the diameter of the support in relation to
the top.
The problems seem to arise when the size of the
centered base needs to support a distance greater
than itself on the top. This simply means if the
width of the base (or diameter if round) is less
than 1/3 the length it is supporting it will be
prone to tip.
Here are some simple examples.
W stands for width
C stands for Diameter
D must always be less than W or C to prevent tippage!
So the rule to prevent tipping is that the total length of the bases centered can not be less then the total length of top.
This rule applies to both the width and length (as illustrated in the next image)
Should you be interested in learning more about the table bases we provide feel free to check out
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