A dining table is an essential part of many businesses. Whether you need one table for an employee break room or dozens of tables to open a new restaurant, it is important to find a well-built product that will last you for years to come.

An Internet search to find a dining table will give you thousands of results. So before you begin your search for a dining table directory, dining table list or even dining table information, determine your budget, then ask yourself the following questions:

1. Can I afford to purchase new dining tables?

2. Would I prefer to save money by purchasing from a used dining table provider?

3. Do I only need dining tables temporarily?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a new dining table

If you have the budget, your best bet is to purchase new dining tables. Buying from a supplier of new dining tables will give you the most options when it comes to size and style and make it easy to find the exact dining room table you want.

I recommend: Budget Restaurant Supply has a good inventory of dining table tops and bases, as well as folding tables. The company serves the entire continental United States and runs monthly specials. Restaurant-Services.com has an excellent selection of dining tables for indoor or outdoor use. The company's tables are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and finishes.

Purchase a used dining table

If you only need a few tables and you are not particular about size or style, you may find it more cost effective to purchase a used dining table. Liquidation firms and surplus stores are good sources of used tables.

I recommend: Hotel Surplus Outlet has a variety of dining tables, restaurant tables and side tables in its inventory. The company gets its products from hotels that have upgraded their furnishings. ACityDiscount Restaurant Equipment & Restaurant Supply has a good stock of used dining tables for sale immediately or through auction. Quantity pricing is available.

Rent a dining table

If you only need a dining table temporarily, it doesn't make sense to buy one. Instead, you would be better off renting. Renting a table can also help your business get a large number of tables without having to invest a large amount of capital in a purchase.

I recommend: Cort is a national furniture rental company that boasts the world's largest inventory of commercial furnishings. The company offers credit and discounts on some rentals. On a smaller scale, Barron's Rental Center carries a variety of dining tables for parties, restaurants and businesses. The company is based in Athens, Georgia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you purchase or rent a dining table, make sure it is sturdy enough for commercial use.
• •  When determining how many dining tables you need, be sure to leave enough space to pull out chairs at all the tables at the same time.