Hosting a dinner party can be a stressful situation. But nothing adds to the frustration more than having your pedestal table fall over during the event!
Is this a common issue with a pedestal table?
Can Pedestal Tables Really Tip Over That Easily?
The greatest design flaw of some pedestal tables is their unbalanced structure. Since the tabletop is supported by a single pedestal in the center, the whole table weight is concentrated in the center, it can easily be pushed over. However, there are ways to improve this design and decrease your table’s susceptibility to toppling.
There are several aspects to remember before purchasing your first pedestal table. How can you get the best pedestal table and avoid toppling?
Keep reading to learn how!
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How Can You Make Pedestal Tables Stable?
The best way to stabilize a pedestal table is first to identify the cause of the destabilization. Since the most common cause is an uneven surface, the easiest solution is to move the table. However, the best solution is to place support under the table.
Pedestal tables may seem like an unusual design for a table.
These tables don’t have the usual four legs of a traditional table. Instead, they have a singular leg, or pedestal, in the center.
These tables originated as pedestal candle holders in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The French used them to light larger spaces more effectively. The raised position also made it simpler for people to extinguish the lights while in bed.
The pedestal was originally a carved statuette known as a gueridon.
Over the centuries, it’s transformed into a table with a large, stump-like leg in the center.
To fix an unbalanced pedestal table, you should first identify the cause of the issue.
Some common causes of an unbalanced pedestal table include:
- Uneven ground
- Broken leg base
- Loose bolts or screws
- Uneven distribution of weight on the tabletop
- Damaged bottom of the pedestal
Some of these errors are easier to fix than others.
If your pedestal table is unbalanced because of an uneven floor, you can do one of the following:
- Move the table
- Repair the floor
- Put something beneath the pedestal
The most complicated fix is repairing the floor.
However, if you have a damaged or loose floorboard, it’s a good idea to get this corrected.
You can watch The Home Improvements Channel, U.K., to find out how to repair a floorboard yourself. Just make sure you don’t just carelessly screw in or nail in a wobbly floorboard.
The 21st Century Caveman Channel explains that multiple pipes and possible wires are under floorboards. You could puncture or break the pipes if you carelessly hammer into the floor.
Once you’ve identified the source of the wobbly floorboard, you can fix it by nailing or drilling it in place. If it’s a tiled floor, you might have to purchase a replacement tile.
Moving the table is a quick fix, but it may not be an option for everyone. Perhaps you don’t have space in the room, or it doesn’t look good elsewhere.
Sometimes there’s a manufacturer mistake, or the table got damaged at some point. Slipping a thin piece of wood underneath can fix this quickly! Alternatively, you can slip a small piece of wood under an uneven pedestal branch.
You can easily repair bolts and screws which might come loose over time or from use. The location of these screws varies based on the style of pedestal your table has.
There should only be one or two screws at the top for metal base pedestals. This is usually there to hold the tabletop in place.
Wooden pedestal tables might have several screws at the top, base, and extensions. Some wooden pedestals have extensions off of the pedestal base to increase balance. These extensions usually have a screw as well to improve balance.
How Far Should the Tabletop Overhang on a Pedestal Table?
The size of the tabletop you choose varies depending on the size of the base. However, the general rule of thumb is the base should be in a two-thirds ratio with the tabletop. These dimensions can vary based on the style of the pedestal and built-in supports.
You should not choose a tabletop that is excessively outstretched from the base of the pedestal. If you purchase your customized table, you need to know the dimensions of the base before choosing your top.
Some standard dimensions include the following:
- 20-inch base for a 33-inch top
- 36-inch base for a 60-inch top
- 40-inch base for a 66-inch top
However, these dimensions can change if there’s another support system in the table.
Some pedestal tables have a cross beam or extensions on the bottom of the pedestal that improves balance.
Most pre-assembled tables will have the proper dimensions. However, knowing the measurements will help you ensure you select a sturdy table no matter what!
How Much Weight Can a Pedestal Table Hold?
The amount of weight a pedestal table can hold varies depending on its size and material. Generally, wooden pedestal tables can hold between 200-300 pounds. A metal table with a glass top can only hold up to 100 pounds.
Pedestal tables are made with wood, Formica, metal, and glass.
Wood and Formica tables are the most robust variety. They have the highest level of PSI or pound per square inch. This means they can support more weight across their surface than other materials, such as glass.
They can hold more weight if they have feet or extensions at the base. A simple straight base holds less weight than a broad base with extensions.
You should avoid overloading a slim table with a small metal pedestal. These wobble a lot and may break under pressure.
Can Too Much Weight Cause a Pedestal Table to Fall Over?
Unlike a table with four legs, a pedestal table can bend or topple due to pressure or weight on one end. If someone leans on a pedestal table or you unevenly place decorations on the end, it can knock the table over. The best solutions are to reinforce the table and avoid overcrowding.
Unlike four-legged tables, pedestal tables can fall over due to pressure or excessive weight.
The best to prevent knocking over your table is:
- Evenly distribute food or decorations
- Keep displays centered on the table
- Don’t allow people to lean on the table
- Purchase a pedestal with supports
If you put your pedestal table is not well balanced, you can improve its weight balance with the following methods:
- Add feet or extensions to the base
- Add rubber adhesions to the bottom
- Install pillars on the edges
Although a popular solution online, adding pillars to your pedestal table isn’t always the best option.
The downsides of adding pillars to your pedestal table are they ruin the aesthetic and space under the table. One of the major selling points of a pedestal table is its vast space beneath the tabletop.
Adding pillars or four legs disrupts the space under the table and looks awkward. However, you can add braces to the top of the pedestal, which connects to the tabletop.
We recommend adding four braces to maximize the balance support.
What are the pros and cons of a pedestal table?
The primary benefit of a pedestal table is also its most significant downside. The pedestal portion of the table creates more space underneath, making it more spacious. However, the pedestal can make this table unbalanced and more susceptible to toppling.
Pedestal tables can make a lovely centerpiece for a dining room. They’re elegant and are especially convenient for large gatherings since you can fit more chairs around the circumference.
Round pedestal tables are the best option if space is what you desire. Most circular tables have a large center pedestal, creating an appealing look and a relatively stable position.
Smaller tables are suitable if you’re seeking a small end table to place a decorative item on and liven up a room. These can be made of wood but are also available in Formica or glass.
Glass tables are fine if you don’t plan on keeping many heavy objects on top.
The major downsides of these tables are their stability and strength. If you don’t have children and host quiet gatherings, these tables make for the perfect hosting table.
However, they might not be the best choice for a normal family dinner table.
Price is another negative aspect of pedestal tables.
The average dinner table for four costs between $120-$300.00. However, a pedestal table can cost anywhere between $450-$700.00.
The lovely designs and intricately carved pedestal base can make this justified for many buyers. However, this is a personal choice and is best made by evaluating your situation and what best meets your needs.
Conclusion
Pedestal tables are a beautiful addition to home decor. They make for excellent display tables or dining tables for those hoping to host a high-class party.
Although they come with their downsides, they make up for this through their lovely appearance and spacious designs. We hope this article offered you some reasonable solutions to your unbalanced pedestal tables.
You can fix most of the issues with your pedestal tables with a simple hammer or rubber foot! So, don’t throw it out before giving this a shot.
Sources
The Amish Showroom: LEGS VS. PEDESTAL TABLE
Encyclopedia Britannica: gueridon
YouTube: 21st Century Caveman: DIY: CAUTION – Fixing loose floorboards
Industrial Handcraft: How To Choose The Right Table Size
Oklahoma State University: Strength Properties of Wood for Practical Applications
