A conference table is often the largest single piece of furniture in an office and one of the first things visitors see. It is also a piece that holds up very well over time. A solid table from a corporate meeting room usually has years of life left when the company that bought it moves out. That is why used conference tables are one of the best values in pre-owned office furniture.
Office Station handles corporate office furniture liquidation and decommissioning across the Southwest, and we resell quality pieces that come out of those projects. Below you will find how to size a table, what the condition grades mean and what to check before you buy.
How to size a conference table
Start with the room, not the table. Measure wall to wall, then note doors, windows, columns, credenzas and any display wall. The two numbers that matter most are space per person and clearance around the table.
- Space per person: plan on 24 to 30 inches of table edge for each seated person. Use 30 inches if people will spread out laptops and papers.
- Clearance: leave about 42 to 48 inches from the table edge to the wall so chairs can pull out and someone can walk behind them. Tighter than 36 inches feels cramped.
- Width: 36 to 42 inches works for smaller tables. Tables 10 feet and longer usually run 42 to 48 inches wide so people across from each other have room.
| Table size (L x W) | Comfortable seating | Suggested room size |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 3 ft | 4 to 6 | About 14 x 11 ft |
| 8 x 4 ft | 6 to 8 | About 16 x 12 ft |
| 10 x 4 ft | 8 to 10 | About 18 x 12 ft |
| 12 x 4 ft | 10 to 12 | About 20 x 12 ft |
| 16 x 4.5 ft | 14 to 16 | About 24 x 13 ft |
| 20 x 5 ft | 18 to 20 | About 28 x 13 ft |
These are starting points. A boat-shaped table seats a few more people at the widest point and improves sight lines. A round table of 48 inches seats four; 60 inches seats five or six.
Shapes, bases and tops
Shapes
- Rectangular: the most seats per foot and the easiest to find in pre-owned inventory.
- Boat or racetrack: wider in the middle so everyone can see each other and the screen.
- Round and square: good for small huddle rooms of four to six.
- Modular or flip-top: separate tables that join into one, useful for training rooms that change setup often.
Bases
Pedestal and panel bases look clean but can knock into knees if placed poorly. Leg and trestle bases give more legroom. On long tables, check where the bases sit so chairs at the ends are not blocked.
Tops
High-pressure laminate is the most durable and forgiving of scratches. Wood veneer looks warmer but shows wear and cannot be refinished forever. Glass and stone tops are heavy, so confirm delivery access and floor loading.
Condition grades explained
Every pre-owned piece we sell carries a condition grade so you know what to expect before it arrives.
| Grade | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A, like new | Minimal or no visible wear | Boardrooms and client-facing rooms |
| B, very good | Light wear such as minor scuffs on edges or bases | Everyday meeting rooms |
| C, good | Noticeable cosmetic wear, fully functional | Training rooms, break areas, tight budgets |
Brands and what to expect
We sell pre-owned designer furniture from manufacturers such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant when those pieces come out of our projects. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Inventory rotates, so tell us the size and finish you want and we will let you know what is available.
What to check before you buy
- Confirm the overall dimensions and whether the top ships in one piece or several.
- Look at photos of the top in raking light to see scratches, water rings and edge chips.
- Check that all connecting hardware, brackets and leveling glides are included.
- Ask whether the power and data module works and what outlet and port types it has.
- Confirm cable management parts such as grommet lids and wire troughs.
- Match the finish to any credenza or chairs you plan to reuse.
- Confirm delivery access and who will assemble a multi-section table.
Pair the table with the right chairs
Conference chairs see less daily use than task chairs, so pre-owned models are a strong fit. Choose chairs with a narrow enough footprint to fit your seat count, and consider whether you want swivel and tilt for long meetings or simpler side chairs for short ones. Browse our pre-owned office chairs, or read our guide to building a conference room on a budget.
Delivery and space planning
Space planning is free. Send your room dimensions, door locations and target seat count, and we will recommend table sizes and a layout. Delivery in Greater Phoenix is zone priced at $195 central and $295 metro. Freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project, and large or multi-section tables may need assembly quoted with it.
If your company is on the other side of the equation and needs to clear out meeting rooms, see our office furniture liquidation service, which gives you a written net offer based on resale value minus removal cost.
Browse pre-owned office furniture
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Where do your used conference tables come from?
Pre-owned tables come out of corporate office decommissions and liquidations, where companies are closing, downsizing or relocating. Each table carries a condition grade of A, B or C. Availability changes as projects come in, so ask about current sizes and finishes.
Are used conference tables covered by a manufacturer warranty?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer for any manufacturer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. That is one reason the condition grade and a close look at photos or the table itself matter before you buy.
How big a room do I need for a conference table?
A practical rule is to add about 8 feet to both the length and the width of the table. That leaves roughly 4 feet on every side for chairs to pull out and people to walk behind them. A 10 by 4 foot table, for example, fits comfortably in a room around 18 by 12 feet.
Do used conference tables still have working power and data?
Many do, but you should confirm it. Ask whether the power module, grommets and cable troughs are included, whether all outlets work, and whether the module uses a plug type compatible with your building. Older data ports may need a newer insert.
Can you help me lay out the conference room?
Yes. Space planning is free. Send your room dimensions, door and window locations and how many people you need to seat, and we will suggest table sizes and a layout that leaves proper clearance.
