Informational
Layout
First and foremost, LAYOUT. Its very important to get the right layout that fits your establishment so you can maximize seating capacity and create the right feel for the restaurant or bar. Putting some thought into the layout will help with the flow of the restaurant, from seating to walk ways for servers and customers.
Lets start with a few points to guide us.
Layout II
Layout: Booths and Banquettes Shapes & Sizes
Booths or Banquettes?
The most typical configurations are booths, comprising of singles and doubles placed back to back creating a train, or banquettes, a long built in seating that wraps along one or more walls. However many restaurants and bars utilize both configurations to create a unique space.
Other Configurations
Booth | Banquette |
---|---|
✓ Great for privacy and intimate setting | ✓ Maximize seating capacity |
✓ Defined space and comfortable | ✓ Defined space and comfortable |
✓ Usually set up for parties of 2, 4 or 6 | ✓ Flexible – tables can be put together to accommodate different sized parties |
✗ Rigid, difficult to adjust for different party sizes |
The “L” – Simple wrap around banquette. Can be done standard or radius.
“U” shape. Can be done in square or radius styles.
¾ Corner Full Round – Full radius circle booth for the corner. Must use a round table.
¾ Corner Standard – ¾ corner booth made of right angles.
Custom – Most of the styles can be completely customized to fit any odd angle wall or space. Unique shapes can also be done.
See below for some sample diagrams of how the different configurations may be used together to form a defined but cohesive space.Seating Capacity & Layout
Selecting the right seating layout is a difficult task because the possibilities are endless. However, there are general guidelines you can adhere to which will help you in your endeavors.
The overall space of your restaurant should be divided as such:
Although booth seating can be a bit more expensive, it allows for a larger number of seats per square foot.
- Dining Room Area: 60%
- Kitchen, Cooking, Storage, Prep, etc: 40%
Type of Restaurant | Recommended Sq. Ft. Per Person |
---|---|
Fast Food | 11-14 |
Cafeteria | 9-12 |
Banquet | 10-11 |
Table Service, Hotel/Club | 15-18 |
Full Service Restaurant | 12-15 |
Fine Dining | 18-20 |
Other seating specific guidelines you should practice:
Allow 18” from edge of table to chair back, and 24-30” for lateral seating. Allow 42” between edges of square tables, This leaves 6“ of space for chairs to push out. Allow 24” between corners of diagonal tables. The standard table space per quest is 300 square inches, but because of the variety of restaurants out there, that number will vary as well if you want your guest to dine comfortably and have a great experience. For example, cafeterias employ trays which confine the meal to that space, whereas restaurants may need additional space for utensils and extra plates. Below we have mapped out the general seating accommodations of various table sizes.Diameter | Circumference | Guests Accommodated |
---|---|---|
24″ | 75″ | 1-4 |
30″ | 93″ | 2-4 |
36″ | 112″ | 3-4 |
36-51″ | 112-160″ | 3-6 |
42″ | 132″ | 4-5 |
48″ | 151″ | 5-6 |
60″ | 188″ | 6-9 |
72″ | 226″ | 8-12 |
Anatomy of a Booth
Taking the next step into booths/banquettes can be daunting when you aren’t aware of all the options available to you. In this section you will find information that will be the building blocks to your very own booth.
Preset booth styles can be found here, including some that utilize different materials. Materials will be covered in a later article.
Standardized Sizes
Although booths can be made in any number of sizes, industry standard has come down to the following: Standard Height Bar HeightDesign Options & Styles
Different styles can be applied to the various parts of a booth, making it highly customizable and great to achieve that unique look you strive for.I – Top & Side
Wrap Around (Standard) |
Top & Side Cap |
II – Rear Back
Cloth Cover |
Upholstered Cover |
Premium Upholstered Cover |
III – Base / Toe Kick
Box Base |
Legs |
IV – Back
Plain Back (Standard) |
Diamond Tufted |
Diamond Tufted (Alternate) |
|
Bun Tufted |
Horizontal Channels |
Vertical Channels |
|
Headroll |
Framed |
Curved Back |
|
Floating Buttons |
Retro V-Style |
V – Seat
Foam |
Spring |
VI – Apron / Mid Base
Upholstered (Standard) |
Veneer |
None (Extended Seat) |
VII – Material Application
Regular |
Railroaded |
Guide to Wood Slabs: A Great Choice for a Natural, Unique Look in any Restaurant! – Maxsun Group
Live Edge Wood Slabs are a beautiful and great way to add a more natural and original design to any environment. They make a statement and serve a variety of purposes including table tops, bar counters, benches, conference tables and dining tables. Each slab varies in color, character and wood grain. This means no two slabs are the same, making each slab one of a kind .
With a Live Edge Wood Slab, you can expect that the live edge design, it’s one of a kind nature and captivating shapes and textures will impress guests and frequent users alike.
Slabs are wood in its rawest form. With that raw form comes a uniqueness and beauty that other choices cannot match. Combined with a strong base the slab provides a great surface for meals, seating and meetings. The strength of wood slabs show the quality of a material that will last for years to come.
Each slab is unique and filled with character. Slabs most often contain wood defects such as checks, knots, and holes that contribute to the unique look in each slab. When treated skillfully, these flaws do not pose a problem but add to the overall beauty. The staff at Maxsun strive to find a great slab for your furnishing needs.
Ordering:
Slabs are usually custom ordered as the sizes are typically determined by what is available from mills. You usually first decide what the intended use is and then choose the type of wood species. For example, if what you are looking for is a large communal table you would want a slab approximately 30-36” in width and 72-96” in length, and perhaps you prefer the look of walnut. We would then search through our resources and see what fits your request. Typically the wider and larger the slabs are, the bigger, older and rarer the tree was – and thus more highly priced. The staff at Maxsun furnishings will help you choose the best wood type to meet your preferences.
Tree Species for Wood Slabs:
We work with a myriad of sources for our slabs to best suit your needs and specifications. Here are some species of trees native to North America and what the slabs look like before and after finishing.
Oak:
There are over 600 different species of trees of the oak family which makes oak one of the most prolific, cost effective yet durable types of wood. The most common species of oak is the red oak which is light brown in color with a shade of red in hue. Oaks are straight grained which makes it easy to cut along as well as being easy to glue, stain, and finish.This is a universally favored type of wood that can work well for any purpose
Pine:
Pine is the most abundant type of wood in North America which possesses a grain structure that is straight grained and shows growth rings in dark bands throughout the wood. The color of pine ranges from pale yellow to light reddish brown. Despite the pliability of pinewood, it is remarkably stable and resists general seasonal movement. Pine Wood Slabs can add a great deal of character and texture for any table, bench or counter-top.
Beech:
Beech is a type of wood that most woodworkers don’t appreciate, in spite of its strength and hardness while maintaining a great value. The color of beech wood is pale cream with a hint of pink or brown hue. The wood-grain of beech is straight grain with fine to medium texture and some medium sheen. Its utility, affordability and soft hue make it a prime choice for a wood slab for furnishings like tables and benches.
Maple:
Maple is a prime choice of wood for woodworkers and craftsman alike. The color of maple is a pale cream color but darkens when exposed to light, which can turn into a reddish brown with light exposure. The grain texture of maple is fine, even and straight but can be very wavy depending on a variety of factors. Maple can be a great choice as a slab as it adds a rich texture compared to more domestic wood types.
Cherry:
Cherry is a well-rounded tree species in that it is more workable than maple and oak, and show more vibrant colors and grain patterns than most domestic species. Black Cherry, the most common in North America has a pale pinkish yellow hue once cut, but the color changes rapidly into a reddish brown once exposed to sunlight. The grain for black cherry is normally straight and easy to work although there are figured pieces with grain patterns on occasion.The color, variety and texture of Cherry wood can make it exceptional for a table as you can see above.
Walnut:
The characteristics of walnut are its rich color but doesn’t provide much wood, making it rarer and more expensive. The most common species is black walnut which colors run from dark tan to deep chocolate brown and sometimes possesses purple and greenish hues. The grain texture for Black walnut is straight grained and can be irregular with a medium texture and moderate luster. Walnut is the darkest texture of domestic trees and its rich dark color helps it stand out significantly.
Concluded Projects: Ketch Brew House
The wood slab tables at The Ketch Brew House (located in the Financial District in New York City) were provided by Maxsun Furnishings. They were milled and flattened at our warehouse. The request was for several Beech wood tables with the dimensions of 20” and 72” inches. The results are shown above.
In conclusion, a wood slab is a great piece to have at your home, office or restaurant. It comes in various types of woods and textures and adds a rustic yet modern style that will impress users and guests alike. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email us. Our phone number is 718-418-6800 or email us at sales@maxsungroup.com.
What type of Restaurant are You? A Comprehensive Guide to Restaurant Types
Whether you’re designing a restaurant or just refurnishing one, the theme and type of restaurant should be coherent and consistent to attract your preferred clientele. The etymology of “Restaurant” has changed from meaning “a sit down eatery where you are served” to “any place where food is provided”. Wherever you fit on that spectrum, the term restaurant can mean anything from the most prestigious restaurant to your favorite take-out spot. The term “Restaurant” encapsulates almost every meal outside of your residence and it’s hard to distinguish what makes the style of one differ from the next. This article is to better discern one restaurant type from another and determine which profile of restaurant yours fits in best.
Fast-Service Restaurants:
The most universal and affordable is the Fast-Service Restaurant. These are the well-known fast-service chains which prioritize speed and familiar food and drink. There is no wait service, although some chains deliver the food to your vehicle. Most fast service eateries emphasize bright colors in their décor (although many chains are using more neutral tones to appear more “fast-casual” in atmosphere). The best way to determine if your restaurant is fast-service is your price range for a full meal (~$5-10/person), type of food you serve (familiar meals, ex. burgers, tacos, pizza, etc.), and the type of orders you receive(take out or no service). The fast service restaurant lives off being familiar to their customers, abundancy, cost and quick service. Examples: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Subway and Pizza Hut
Fast-Casual Restaurants:
Fast-Casual Restaurants are becoming one of the fastest growing trends in the restaurant industry. The crucial differences between fast-casual and fast-service are its diverse take on fast-service food and its emphasis on higher quality ingredients. Fast-casual restaurants are more moderately priced (~$8-16/person), but more affordable than casual dining. These restaurants tend to have limited to no table service and the atmosphere varies from place to place. Very recently some fast-casual restaurants have become national successes such as Chipotle and Panera Bread. The way to determine if your restaurant is fast-casual is your price range for a full meal (~$8-16/person), and your restaurants emphasis on quality of the meal (familiar meals with a twist, ex. non-GMO burgers, Mission-style Burritos, artisanal pizzas, etc.). Targeting mostly towards a younger clientele, it doesn’t look like this trend is ending any time soon. Examples: Shake Shack, Five Guys, Panera Bread and Chipotle.
Casual-Dining Restaurants:
Casual-Dining encapsulates a plethora of genres of eateries, but in general, most serve alcohol (more beer, less wine) and/or are aimed towards families. From High End Brasseries to the local café or pub, they all can be defined as casual dining. It’s also the most affordable full-service style restaurant and a great middle ground between fast-service/fast-casual and fine dining. Some casual dining types don’t offer service such as cafes or buffets, but most do. They are also associated with chains such as an Applebee’s or a Ruby Tuesdays. To determine if your restaurant is casual dining, you can see if it either offers full-service dining, serves alcohol with meals or is categorically casual dining like a buffet or café. Whether you want dinner with the full family or a place for drinks with friends, casual dining can meet the need, at a reasonable price (~$12-20). Examples: TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesdays
Fine-Dining Restaurants:
The peak of the mountain of restaurant service and quality is Fine-Dining. With great value added by distinguished chefs, exceptional meals and great atmosphere a fine dining establishment can not only be a boon to the owner, but to the owner’s patrons and community. Fine dining establishments are known for not just full service, but great service with wait staff and hosts dressed formally and actively create a great atmosphere. The liquor section is higher end than casual dining and shifts away from lower cost alcohols like beer. Most fine-dining restaurants are small businesses with a single location. With meals, visual appeal and food layout becomes more important as most places focus on creative and exclusive dishes. To determine if a restaurant is considered fine dining, you can look at the décor, staffing, and cuisine. If each meet a high standard of great atmosphere, formal/professional service and visually appealing meals, it can be considered fine dining. Fine dining can be pricey (~$20 or more) but with the high quality in service, food and atmosphere it can be a memorable experience for your patrons. Examples: (Eleven Madison Park, NYC; Alinea, Chicago; The French Laundry, Napa Valley; Noma, Copenhagen;)
Your restaurant theme is crucial to attracting your preferred clientele. Whether you’re a fast-service locale looking to target your customers better, or a fine dining establishment looking to scale upward, its valuable to understand your restaurant type and adjust it accordingly. The line between restaurant types can seem nebulous and hard to define but certain characteristics, such as service, décor and cuisine can make all the difference. But what ultimately defines the restaurant is the restaurateur themselves. Through knowledge on the advancements in the food industry, food trends and ultimately the clientele themselves, the restaurateur will navigate their profession gracefully. What lies ahead on the frontier of restaurants? Time may only tell. Au Revoir, Restaurateurs!
Table Bases: A How-to Guide to find your Ideal Table Base for Your Restaurant !
Finding the perfect tables for your restaurant can be an ordeal of epic proportions. Even after you find the table top of your dreams. How do you determine which bases to use for your table? Should I buy t-style bases, or one x-style base? What material should my base be made of? What’s a base spread? What type of height should I have for my base? This guide is here to provide information on how to best select the table bases for your restaurant.
Plan it out:
The process isn’t as complicated as it seems. Start by looking at your restaurant dining space and determining which tables would be best placed where. Map it out on paper and see if your design is suitable for your space. Would a round table be better in that corner? Would a row of rectangular tables work better? (Please check out our Seating Capacity and Layout Guide for more info) Once that is plotted out, plan for table flow, meaning the flow from customers or servers to their tables. This is all so that chairs aren’t brushing up against anything and that servers and customers can reasonably stride to their seats. After all that is planned out, you can start buying table tops, suitable to the designs of your restaurant. But as restaurateurs know, restaurant tables come in parts to allow for customization for restaurant needs.The Right Fit:
Next step is to start shopping for the table tops but try to keep in mind your restaurant’s theme and what table bases you’d like to use. Keep in mind that not all Table Bases works with EVERY Table Top. For example, let’s say you have a circular bar height table and a rather thick table base. Chances are your patrons will have little leg room under their table. Another example, let’s suppose you buy a wide rectangular dining table but decide to go with a narrow table base at the center of the table. If someone leans heavily on that table, their food and drinks would go everywhere, leaving you some very dissatisfied patrons. Neither situation is ideal for a dining experience, so we bring up the importance of the correct table bases for your table tops.Type of Bases:
There are various factors to consider when selecting a table base for your desired table tops. To start with the type of table base is crucial to how the table is supported. Round bases are great for Round table tops, square tables of moderate size are great for x-shaped bases and tripod bases, for tables with very long lengths of 72” inches or more (e.g. conference room, dining tables), its recommended to use t-shape bases (also known as end-bases, ADA bases or 5” x 22” bases) because they have 2 prongs each but are set at each end of the table. This provides support for the entire table and seating room for patrons and cleaner storage of chairs when not in use. Cantilever bases are bracketed to the walls. These types of bases aren’t seen as often as the others at a restaurant, but if you attend a diner, that is how the tables are mounted to the walls!Base Height:
The height of your table bases can make all the difference in the atmosphere of your patrons dining experience. Taller table bases at the edges of a large restaurant can add scope to a dining ambiance and dining height table bases are a classic standard that makes for a comfortable dining atmosphere. Neither is better or worse but is rather contextual. Dining Table Height (29-31” Inches) is best for environments with a more formal vibe, such as fine dining establishments or high end bistros. Counter-top heighted tables are about 34” to 36” Inches and offer a more casual feel that can provide a more relaxed atmosphere for casual seating. Bar Table Height which is 40” to 42” Inches and is possibly the most casual. This type of table height can be seen in bars, fast-service restaurants and casual eateries.Spread of the Base:
Base Spread to put it simply is where the table base meets the table top. Normally the base spread should be at least 1/3 of the table for singular bases. So the larger the table, the base spread must reach at least 1/3 of the table when one base is used. This is also why for longer tables it is recommended to use with T-style table bases, to provide the most support over the larger surface. This doesn’t factor in weight capacity of the table base, nor the weight of the table itself. But in general, the table base spread and the table width should go hand in hand.Material:
The most important factor structurally in table bases is the material they’re made from. The materials can be anything from wood, iron, steel, aluminum and up to stainless steel. The most universal and popular type of material is stainless steel, due to its durability and easy to clean nature. But within stainless steel there is a special type that is preferred, the stainless steel grade 304. This steel is preferred by restaurateurs from food trucks to fine dining due to its property of not corroding under food and meat acidity. Cast iron is also a great choice due to its heavy weight and is the most durable of the table base materials. Cast Iron pieces can be difficult to move and are powder paint coated to prevent chipping and the iron’s rough texture. But cast iron bases have a longer longevity and durability than any other table base. Aluminum can also be a good choice for smaller appliances but and can make a viable support. It won’t last as long as stainless steel or cast iron but it is easy to clean and maintains a great finish.A Table’s Like a Good Dog:
The importance of finding the correct table base is to make sure that your table doesn’t discomfort your customers. Ideally at a restaurant, you would never notice the table. You would notice your meal, your company, your service, your atmosphere. But if something were wrong with the table, you patrons would notice immediately. “Oh this table is too thick” or “This table is unsteady, I can’t eat at this table!” A good table is like a good dog; reliable, quiet and provides great support. Whatever restaurant you have, you want your tables to be unnoticeable (except for the occasional decoration), so your patrons can appreciate your meals, décor, and have a good experience at your restaurant. Table bases can appear to be a vast hassle when purchasing new restaurant tables, but they’re easier to select once you know the details. You first must look at your restaurant and understand the table flow then purchase the table tops of your choice. From there you can determine which table base type to use (t-style for long tops, circular for round tops, x-style for square/rectangular tops). Next you should find the best height for your tables (dining height for more fine dining, countertop height for more casual dining, and bar height for the most casual dining). Then you should consider the base spread (1/3 for singular bases, may vary by table top weight) and material (most preferred is stainless steel, but cast iron is great in durability). Purchasing for your restaurant can seem daunting, but the information provided can make your table base shopping experience easier. Happy shopping from your friends at Maxsun Furnishings!A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Upholstery
When shopping for the right fabric to upholster your furniture, you’re bombarded with a large variety of different fabrics that are available. Before you make a purchase, you should have an idea of what use the furniture is for. Is it for home or is it for a restaurant? Having an understanding of the nature of the furniture’s use will make the fabric selection simpler. Other things that may be considered when purchasing fabric are: color, environmental-friendliness, price, and durability.
Fabric vs. Leather vs. Vinyl
Fabric:
Because fabrics are able to dye easily, fabrics can come in a broad palette of colors and exciting patterns. You can decide to use just solid colors or choose a fabric with multiple colors and intricate designs. Because fabrics come in a myriad of designs, fabric upholstery can be suitable for any type of establishment. Many designers choose to use fabrics because it brings uniqueness to an environment that is not easily duplicated. Fabrics come in a plethora of materials from cottons and wools to polyesters and nylons. We can distinguish all fabrics into two categories, natural and synthetic. Natural fabrics include the above mentioned cotton and wools as well as silks and other naturally occurring fibers. Synthetic Fabrics are materials like nylons and polyesters that are man-made and easy to dye. There are pros and cons to each fabric type. Natural Fibers are soft, comfortable and breathable (allows air through, i.e. cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter). But natural fibers colors fade quickly and stain easily. Synthetic Fibers are great in that they are easy to dye and resistant to stains and fading. But synthetic fibers are not as breathable as natural fibers and are prone to static electricity for users.Leather:
Leather is one of the most durable materials used for upholstery and is very easy to clean. It can be lightly vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth. It comes in a variety of colors and is able to withstand wear. Leather products also age very well, creating distinct characteristics that cannot be replicated by any other material. However, leather is extremely pricey as good quality leather can be very expensive. Leather is also made from animal hides, which may make some people uncomfortable. It is highly recommended to use leather for a restaurant. Restaurants going for a robust look should highly consider leather as upholstery for booths and seats as it will create an atmosphere that is similar to those of classic parlors and pubs. Because leather products provide such a luxurious yet rustic look, leather products are also the perfect accents to any surrounding. Most real leathers come in a sheet of roughly 20 sqft . And because the materials do not come in large rolls like vinyl and fabric, it becomes harder to use for upholstery and some of the material will be wasted.Vinyl:
Vinyl is a faux leather fabric that is made from plastic. Like leather, it is extremely durable and is easy to care for. Vinyl also comes in a wide color range, which can suit any of your needs. It is also less expensive than leather, but the pricing of vinyl is dependent on its quality. Because vinyl comes in a large variety of colors, vinyl products can be used anywhere. Brighter vinyl products can be used for kid’s rooms and schools, while darker products can be used for cafés and restaurants. Vinyl can be considered superior to leather for restaurants and bars because it is cheaper and compliments the décor of any room. The choices for vinyls have become virtually endless. Because of the versatile nature of the material, there is an endless amount of choices of its colors, patterns and textures. There are even vinyls that are made to look similar to fabrics and exotic leathers.Combinations:
When upholstering a product, multiple types of materials can be used to upholster the product. For example, if you like the pattern of a certain fabric, but are worried about the durability of the material, you can decide to use a material like vinyl to complement it. For example, if you like a particular fabric but are worried about wear and tear, you can use fabric for the backing of the chair where it would not be as worn and then use vinyl for the seat since vinyl is more durable than fabric. This way, you can still show off the design of the fabric while ensuring that the chair or banquette will stand up to prolonged use.Thank you, from your friends at Maxsun Furnishings!
– Jason Lin
Photos Courtesy of: Douglass Fabrics United Fabrics Concertex® TigerleatherTable Base Maintenance
It is often the case that restaurant owners grapple with concerns of loose table bases. Part of the solution is proper maintenance and care for the product. Bases come in a variety of styles but certain careful instructions could help prevent any instability.
The most common concern brought to my attention is the wobble from loosened or lost glides. As a solution for lost glides, as well as a solution for many other table base woes, it is advisable to pick up and carry tables rather than slide them. If a glide is lost, they are replaceable. Like other parts on a base, they are threaded and can loosen or tighten depending on the direction it is turned. Sliding the glides against the floor may cause them to turn completely off of the base.
The threaded mechanisms of the base include the center rod which keeps the base parts together. The three parts of almost every base includes the base bottom, column and spider. The center rod begins at the base bottom that rests on the floor, through the column in the middle, and is tightened on the other side of the spider, the part which attaches to the table tops. As with the glides, constant rigorous movement against the floor may loosen this bolt and cause a wobbly base. A preventative measure is to pick up the tables to move them, but the base can be fixed if necessary.
To tighten the loosened base, the base will have to be flipped upside down, which will bring the end of the center rod and the nut into view. Before tightening the nut, the bolt head must be secured within the indentions on the bottom side of the bottom base. Also, the column should line up within the indentions on the base and spider wherein the base fits securely. At this point, the nut can be tightened. The simplest method is to prop up the bolt from the floor with a wedge and often you’ll find you can use a tire iron to tighten the nut effectively.
Not all bases are created equally, and neither are they connected to table tops the same way. For stone table tops, it is necessary to adhere a wood block with industrial adhesive to the underside of the stone and then attach the table base to the block with screws. Here, the weight of the table may create a situation where it is difficult to lift the table with ease. Unfortunately, if the table screws rip from the block, there will a more complicated fix that perhaps will not yield the best results. If the screws rip from the wood block, the block may be left unusable. The block will then have to be removed and another one will have to be adhered. This may cause problems as the block is already at the center of the weight distribution. The industrial adhesive may make it too difficult to remove the old block entirely.
In the interest of maintaining a long lasting table, it is very important to always lift tables before moving them. Sliding them may cause problems down the road that taking the time to lift the heavy table can prevent easily. The best solutions are preventative, and certainly lifting tables to move them is a solution to preventing problems down the road.
Drop Leaf Tables
Drop Leaf tables are designed to create flexibility in the seating capacity in a restaurant. A table that seats 4, may open up to a table that seats 5 or 6. There are several options to consider when investing in a drop leaf table. You can find more information about seating capacity here.
Sizing matters in terms of the size of the original table and the extended table. A 30” x 30” may open to a 42” round. A 36” x 36” may open to a 51” round. Another option to consider is the mechanisms in which the drop leaf is propped up.
There are two types of common mechanisms to compare. One is the spring hinge, and the other is a bolt hinge. At Maxsun we focus on the ability for the mechanism to withstand commercial grade use and so highly advise the bolt hinge, as it lasts longer and is the most durable for commercial use. The spring hinge is used in some residential grade drop leaf table tops, but is not recommended for a longer lasting table.
Please note that some applications may not be suitable for the bolt system because it may get in the way of the table base (example: 24″ x 24″ – 36″R)