A conference table 72 inches or longer is usually the single most expensive piece of furniture in an office, and the most visible. It is also one of the best candidates for buying pre-owned. Large tables are built with heavy bases and thick tops, and a quality table from a corporate liquidation often looks the same across a boardroom as one straight off a production line, at a fraction of the cost.
The catch is that big tables bring big logistics. They have to fit the room, fit the elevator and arrive in one piece. This page covers how to size a used conference table, what to inspect, and how delivery works in multi-story buildings.
Room sizing for large conference tables
The working rule is simple: allow about 36 inches between the table edge and the wall on every side, and closer to 48 inches on sides where people will walk behind occupied chairs. Plan about 24 to 30 inches of table edge per seated person.
| Table size | Typical seating | Minimum room size | Comfortable room size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 by 36 inches (6 ft) | 6 | 12 by 9 ft | 13 by 10 ft |
| 96 by 42 inches (8 ft) | 8 | 14 by 10 ft | 15 by 11 ft |
| 120 by 48 inches (10 ft) | 10 | 16 by 11 ft | 17 by 12 ft |
| 144 by 48 to 54 inches (12 ft) | 12 | 18 by 11 ft | 19 by 12.5 ft |
| 168 to 192 inches (14 to 16 ft) | 14 to 16 | 20 to 22 by 12 ft | 22 to 24 by 13 ft |
If you will mount a display at one end, add space so the closest viewer is not craning their neck. Many rooms work better with a slightly shorter table and a clear presentation zone than with the longest table the walls allow.
Shapes and what they do
- Rectangular. The most efficient use of space and the easiest to find pre-owned in long lengths.
- Boat-shaped. Wider in the middle and narrower at the ends, so everyone can see each other and the screen.
- Racetrack. Rounded ends soften a long room and remove sharp corners.
- Modular. Separate tables that join into a long configuration and break apart for training or events.
Send your room dimensions for free space planning
Inspecting a used conference table
Large tables have more places to hide problems. Work through each item below:
- Section seams. On multi-piece tops, the joints should sit flush with no height difference. Check that the connector plates or cam hardware are all present.
- Veneer condition. Wood veneer can be refinished within limits, but deep gouges or sun fading along one side are hard to hide.
- Finish match across sections. Sections that sat in different light can age differently. Look at the whole table together.
- Base structure. Long tables rely on stretchers or beams between bases. They should be straight and firmly attached.
- Top flatness. Sight along the length for sag in the middle, especially on tops longer than 12 feet.
- Power and data modules. Test every outlet and port. Confirm flip lids close and cable management trays are intact.
- Edges and corners. Corners take hits when tables are moved. Chips here are common and worth noting on the grade.
Each table is graded A like new, B very good, or C good. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, and Office Station is an independent reseller rather than an authorized dealer, so the grade and a careful inspection matter.
Freight elevators, docks and delivery day
In most multi-tenant buildings, large furniture cannot ride in a passenger elevator and cannot come through the lobby during business hours. Office Station handles the coordination so delivery day goes smoothly:
- Freight elevator and dock reservations scheduled with your property manager.
- Certificates of insurance provided in the format your building requires.
- Night and weekend crews when the building restricts daytime moves or you do not want disruption during meetings.
Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 in the central zone and $295 across the metro. Outside Greater Phoenix, freight is quoted per project anywhere in the country. Assembly of multi-section tables is addressed in your project quote. Prices exclude electrical work, so if your table has power modules that need to connect to a floor box, plan for an electrician.
Lead times
Liquidation-grade tables in stock can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured pieces usually take 7 to 14 days, and new tables typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Long conference tables in a specific finish are less common pre-owned, so if you have a firm move-in date, start the search early.
What about your old conference table?
If you are upgrading or relocating, your current table may have resale value. Through office furniture liquidation, you receive a written net offer: resale value minus removal cost. When the number is positive, you are paid. Moving the whole office? Our corporate relocation service coordinates the move itself.
For smaller meeting rooms, training rooms and breakrooms, see the full range of used office tables.
Explore pre-owned office furniture
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How big a conference room do I need for a 10-foot table?
Plan on a room at least about 16 feet long and 11 feet wide for a 120 by 48 inch table. That leaves roughly 36 inches of clearance all around. If people will walk behind seated guests, add another foot on the busy sides.
Will a large conference table fit in my elevator?
Most tables over about 8 feet ship in two or more top sections, which usually fit in a freight elevator. One-piece tops are the problem, so measure the elevator cab diagonally and check the door opening height. We coordinate freight elevator and dock reservations with your building before delivery day.
Can a used conference table have working power modules?
Yes, many do. Power and data modules are one of the first things to test, since outlets, USB ports and cable pass-throughs can be damaged or missing on used tables. Confirm the modules match your building's electrical needs, and note that electrical work is not included in table pricing.
Do you provide a certificate of insurance for delivery?
Yes. Many office buildings require a certificate of insurance before any crew can use the dock or freight elevator. Tell us your property manager's requirements and we will provide the COI ahead of the delivery date.
Are used conference tables covered by a manufacturer warranty?
Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer. Each table is condition graded A, B or C so you know what you are getting.
