X-prong table bases

An X-prong base carries a top on four points and leaves the center of the table open. 20 are listed here, made of cast iron, steel, aluminum or chrome, in dining and bar heights. Match the span to the top, and keep the prongs clear of the place where the chairs will sit.

Span, height and the top it carries

Base height is listed at 28 inches for standard and 41 for bar height, with the top adding its thickness to reach the table height you want. Footprints in the listings run from 20 by 20 inches to 33 by 33, and several offer a two-prong double base.

The span has to suit the top. On a round top, let the base span two thirds of the width, at the least. On a square or rectangular top, a base that stops well short of the corners leaves the edge unsupported when a guest leans on it. Check the base size against the size of the top before the two go into one order, and use table tops to see the surfaces that fit.

Metal and finish

Aluminum has six listings, cast iron five, steel five and chrome two. Prices range from $50 to $222. Ten of the 20 are listed at standard height, six at bar height, and two list both. Finishes include black, silver, and a wood-look in three tones on the metal. Where a page lists weight, the aluminum bases show 20, 25 and 36 pounds, a figure worth reading if the tables are moved to clean the floor. The standard-height X-prong chrome table base is one of the two chrome listings.

One bar-height cast iron base offers a footrest and a choice of glides. The other bar-height bases here list neither, so ask a specialist if the stools at your table need a place for feet.

Inside and out

Seven of the 20 carry a patio listing, and the other 11 are for the dining room. A patio base still needs a rinse and drainage, and it should be covered or put away when the season closes. An indoor base left outside can rust.

For a base chosen to be looked at, see statement table bases. Round columns are in round table bases. The taller versions are gathered in bar-height table bases, and the dining-height ones in standard table bases. A room can be drawn in seating plans.