Laminate and resin table tops

Laminate and resin are the two surfaces in this range, 12 tops of each, with one melamine top beside them. The 25 tops come in four shapes, and every one lists indoor use. Pick a size for your most frequent party, then look at the face and the thickness.

Two surfaces, one extra

Laminate accounts for 12 tops and resin for 12, and 1 more is melamine. Each is a top without a base, so read the product page for size, thickness and the finish names rather than relying on the thumbnail.

A resin tabletop in black marble finish shows the kind of detail to expect: 1 1/8" thick, available in rectangular, square and round shapes, and offered in 13 sizes. A photograph of a marble finish cannot tell you how it looks in the light of your own room. Ask for a surface sample first.

Shapes and sizes

Square tops are offered on 18, rectangular and round on 17 each, and drop leaf on 5. Match the shape to the room. Squares push together for a larger party. Rounds suit a corner, because no edge points into an aisle. Rectangles suit a wall, and one of 30 by 48 inches serves four, two to a side. Drop leaf tops fold down when the room needs the floor.

A 24 by 24 inch top seats two, and 30 by 30 gives them room for plates. A 36 by 36 inch top or a 42 inch round seats four. Keep a service aisle near 36 inches, and 18 to 24 inches clear behind every seat.

Indoors, and the six listed for patio

Indoor use is listed on every one of the 25 tops, and 6 also carry a patio listing. Only those six belong outside, and they still want rinsing, drainage and a cover or storage place when the season ends. The resin table tops page holds the larger resin group.

Prices range from $38 to $240.

Base, then sample

The base sets the height and the footprint, so browse the table bases before you settle the size. Samples of table top materials are free and ship by UPS Ground, and a confirming email follows within one business day. Request them at the samples page, set one on the table you own, and look at it as the room will look at 8 PM.