Specifying a custom conference table can be a detailed task. There are so many styles, leg options and finishes to choose from that designing a solution can often lead to spending more than you originally anticipated.

At Marshall Furniture, we offer customers an immeasurable amount of ways to personalize their pieces. However, our mission is to ease the design and order process as much as possible. To help do that, we’ve broken down many of our popular table styles to show what elements contribute to their price. We also explore several popular options within each style and what they do impact the overall cost.

High End

The foundation of custom conference tables postulates that the more ornate or uniquely shaped a table, the higher the cost. While that is true, adding options like monitor mounts, solid moldings or matching table bases also inflate the cost. Why? Well, because of the table’s unorthodox shape, several options are restricted to a particular size or need to be restructured to fit. This increases labor and time, contributing to a higher overall price point. Here are some examples of high-end conference table styles that we offer:

U-Shape (UST), V-Shape (VST), Y-Shape (YST) and CTR Modi

Our U-Shape, V-Shape and Y-Shape conference tables come in an open center or closed center format. Forgoing a hole in the center does tend to lower the cost. However, there is still the matter of options, especially below the surface. There are a plethora of table legs to choose from such as box legs, barrel legs or a cabinet base, to name a few. Aesthetically, however, designing something to match the top often involves some type of curved structure. Without adding access doors in each leg, this is a relatively cost-effective choice and would look something like this:

From there, an even more simplistic approach is panel legs. This design acts as support as well as blocking between sections but does not require as much material as a barrel or box leg. Modesty panels and cable troughs can be added between for cable management but will add to the price. Even lower in cost are metal tube legs. Without any added modesty panels or cable chases, this leaves the bottom open for cabling, which may be ideal for spaces where little to no technology will be needed.

At the top of the line would be embellished legs or an enclosed cabinet base. For obvious reasons, these contribute heavily to the cost based on both time and material. Nonetheless, they do create an ornate and highly stylized look that would elevate any conference space. Our CTR Modi table is a perfect example of the modern and sophisticated effect options such as this have. 

Above the surface, dressing up the edges with solid wood profiles not only adds a touch of flair and individuality but also protects the surface from scratches caused by chair arms or writing utensils. This does contribute to overall cost however, especially on unique top shapes that require more material to travel around each curve.

In addition, anything larger and more obtrusive than simple cut outs, such as a microphone, tends to require a bit more time and money. For example, mounting a dedicated monitor, especially for multiple users, can get tricky, although it is possible. At the higher end would be a hidden, flip-open panel while a fixed set-up would keep the cost lower. Here are a few examples of some possibilities:

Mid Range

Although heavily customized set-ups are perfect for high-end executive boardrooms, the majority of spaces require a more simplistic design. A streamlined and traditional shape doesn’t take up as much space and the customization options are more varied.

Rectangular Shape (CTR), Boat Shape (CTB) & Racetrack Shape (CTRT)

In the mid range of cost are our most basic shapes. At the lowest end of the spectrum, and the most versatile of the three, is our Rectangular Shape table. This can accommodate almost any type of leg or base and surface equipment can be integrated a variety of ways.

Across the board, most basic table legs will be fairly cost effective. A fully enclosed base on any table style will be slightly more expensive. However, designing a base to match the Boat or Racetrack table’s unique shapes will amplify the cost more substantially.

As mentioned previously, specifying a closed center style table will decrease cost. However, depending on the options coupled with the table shape, pricing can increase exponentially. For example, options such as a solid wood edge, monitor well or height adjust are just several of the higher cost additions that we offer. Your quote can be adjusted by choosing to do a self-edge, monitor arm or a dedicated sit/stand height.

Budget-Conscious

Of course not everyone can afford to spend a large sum of money on one table, and we get that. That’s why we also offer furniture stylized in several set sizes, shapes and with specific options at a lower price point. Customization of our budget-conscious tables is more limited but there are still several features that can be added to individualize each piece.

ELCO™ Rectangular (ELCO™-8R, 10R & 12R) & Racetrack (ELCO™-8RT, 10RT 12RT)

Within our Quick Ship line are basic conference table styles that users can customize with popular options at a low cost. In addition, these tables ship much faster than our custom pieces – 30 days for a quantity of up to five compared to 4-6+ weeks. As a standard, both the ELCO™ Rectangular and Racetrack tables come with a laminate top, black PVC self-edge, surface grommets and a cabinet base with leveling feet and one locking access panel.

Although our ELCO™ tables are, by design, more simplistic and restricted in shape, size and design, they are still able to be customized. Popular options include swapping the base for box legs (with access panel), adding cable reservoirs or small cable box cut outs for power and data, microphone cut outs, cable troughs, cooling fans and choosing from our standard veneers or specifying the laminate of your choice for the table surface.

In its basic form, the ELCO™ tables are at their most cost-effective. With each additional non-standard option that is added, cost does increase. However, even with several add-ons, these Quick Ship tables still provide significant cost savings over a highly customized set-up and are perfect for clients that need a simple piece without a handful of bells and whistles.

Although the aesthetic expectations for your next conference table are important and essential to maintaining a cohesive integration with the space, it’s imperative that you are aware of each aspect that will ultimately impact cost. At Marshall Furniture, we know that even though every project is different, adhering to a strict budget is a universal concern and one that we are sensitive to. That is why our team is dedicated to explaining details of the design and what aspects impact cost to ensure you are making an informed purchase. If you have questions about any of our custom or Quick Ship conference tables, please contact us directly to speak with one of our knowledgeable designers.