Add power and data to your conference table or buy a new one?

Here’s how we help our clients weigh the big question:  retrofit or purchase a new tech-ready conference table?

When to retrofit your table

• Your table is new and expensive
• It was custom crafted by a carpenter or made of a long-wearing material such as granite
• It's a vintage table made from solid planks of beautiful maple or oak

If you’re afraid to cut into your table to embed the power and data modules, we understand. It can be tricky. One option is the low-profile outlets we can provide. They install under the edge of table with no cutouts required. You can still keep wires underneath, out of sight.

Retrofitting cost, risk & process 

Before you move ahead, take a moment to consider the time and money required to retrofit your table:

• Substantial expense – you may not want to invest in updating an
  older, inexpensive or low quality conference table
• Module & installation costs – good quality modules can start
  at $450, and you’ll need to hire a professional to create the cut-outs
  and install the modules
• Risks of cutting into the table – with very little room for error,  precision work is critical. Will the material hold up to the installation process? Veneer could split, etc.
• Suitability of the table – are there brackets under the table that will obstruct the power modules? Is there a center stability support that will prevent you from cutting a hole in the middle? Consider the thickness and material of table in making your decision.
• Mess, noise and time lost – the retrofitting process is not a pretty one, and not necessarily quick

When to consider a new conference table

If you're willing to compromise, you may be able to get a few more years from your old table. Here are some indications that purchasing a new table would suit you better:

• It has to be right –  when you need a table to fit your space, design preferences and technology requirements, consider having it custom  produced
• To make an impression – choose a design that reflects your company’s image and culture
• Your company is tech savvy – you're already using today’s technology in the conference room, and will continue to upgrade and add new capabilities as technology evolves
• Your table is biting the dust – if it's wobbly or showing wear, is a starter piece you’ve outgrown, or the design stands out – in a bad way – then you're on the path to a new table

We’d be happy to answer your questions or walk you through the decision-making process. Get in touch with a Franz design professional.

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Design ideas
Power / data accessories

Conference Table Design – Choosing a Finish

Our VP and head designer Bob Franz shares some tips for helping you select the best finish for your conference table.

Where do I start in choosing a finish?
It all depends on how you expect to use the table. In a high-use area – for constant meetings, demos and working lunches – then we recommend laminate. It looks nearly identical to veneer but is a more durable choice.
       
When the table is meant to impress, or for light usage in client and board meetings, then a wood veneer is a better option.

Which finishes are best for a modern, yet traditional look?
A sophisticated traditional conference table, such as for a bank or law firm, I would suggest a finish like mahogany or a Wenge veneer. Not too ostentatious, but elegant.

To really wow your clients, consider a premium veneer, like a carmine birds eye or maple birds eye. They’re more highly figured woods, with a higher-end look.

How about a modern design?
If you’re in a cutting edge industry and want to reflect that, we’ll help you choose a contemporary laminate. Maybe a color or wood grain table top, with a metal or another color for accent. And you can highlight your branding by having us inlay your logo.

Madagascar laminate

What finishes are popular now?
Each client gets exactly what they want, a fully customized table, so there is no overwhelming favorite. We help them choose among the hundreds of veneers, wood grain laminates with visual dimension and even laminates that look like metal.

Lately, we’ve seen a lot of interest in these materials:

• Black Madagascar laminate
• Ribbon mahogany laminate and classic mahogany veneer
• Brushed aluminum accents
• “Green” materials
• Glass

  

  Ribbon mahogany laminate

We’re excited about every project, because each one is different. Let me know your design ideas or we can start from a blank slate.
 
Find out more
See sample finishes
Tables featuring client logos
Ask questions

Conference Table Design – Choosing a Shape

Choosing a conference table shape is the first step in designing the right piece for your office.

Racetrack

Here are some major factors to consider:

• the functions you need to accommodate
• how many people you'll seat
• room size and shape
• preference for conventional or show-stopping design

V-shaped

Some of our most popular conference table shapes

Rectangle - a time-honored shape, suited to businesses that want to convey solidity and engender trust
Round – a sociable setting that stimulates lively interaction
Boat – a modern take on the typical rectangular table
Racetrack – rounded table ends create extra seats, compared to the same size table with square ends
V-shaped – great for video conferencing and seating a large group so everyone can make eye contact
Custom – inventing a custom shape helps you take advantage of an unusually configured room, meet specific functional requirements or create a table that makes a statement. We’ve designed everything from boomerang to arrowhead shapes.

Custom - T-shaped

Need help deciding on the best shaped table for your conference room? We’re always happy to answer your questions or walk you through the decision process.

Get in touch with Bob Franz, our head designer: (877) 594.9160 or bfranz@franzgroup.com .

Learn more
About Franz Design Group
Steps from design to delivery
Our materials & technology

Wire Management for California Client's Video Conferencing Table

Wire management is a priority for almost all our clients, since everyone needs power and data ports in their conference tables these days. We're experts at incorporating technology, while keeping the cables hidden.

In this case, we designed sleek removable access panels for wire management into this custom table for Travis Air Force Base in Northern California.

We consulted with Travis AFB on technologies needed to make their board room table most efficient. Among those included are phone, video conferencing and a security strobe light.

Dimensions: 72” x 19”

Table finish: Oak laminate

Table edge: Reverse Styledge with a 2" black border

Table shape: Rectangular

Technology: Video conferencing, toggle switches for security strobe, 12 tilt-up power & data grommets

Special features: Custom unit to seat 12, with a drawer for each user. Turret has lip to support phone system.

Let us know about your requirements for technology and wire management. We'll custom-configure a solution for your conference room. Contact us for details.

Learn more
Installing conference table technology
Selected finishes & design choices

Rounded Custom Reception Desk with Glass Top

Franz Design Group has been designing and making reception stations throughout our 25-year existence. 

We start with client ideas on materials, images, logos, etc. and work together to reach a design.

We actually got into this aspect of business by clients who returned, after we designed and built their conference room furniture. One thing we learned through that first experience,was that it was just plain "fun." As they say, if you like what you do....you do good at it!

Check out more of our custom reception furniture.

Video Conferencing Table Sets the Curve

This recent boardroom project is a good example of our infinite design possibilities. Of course, conference tables serve a host of uses, in this case, video conferencing was key. We installed  power and data modules that can remain hidden and out of the way for a company lunch meeting.

See our gallery for more custom table designs.

Glass Conference Table Goes Hi-Tech

Recently, we were asked to design something different for a very modern, sleek, hi-tech conference room.

The room was glass-glass-glass. So we thought, why not keep it in the family.

This unique design doesn't fit into a traditional category. We didn't want to just put a slab of glass on a boring base structure, plus we wanted to incorporate the power and data requirements with some style.

As you can see from the original concept, aluminum has an equal presence in this table. The design lends itself to many possibilities with regard to finishes and also structural integrity can be maintained even with this simplified base design. Pretty cool!

For tech companies that want to do their "thinking outside the box" in style, why not do it around a Franz custom conference table? And, your logo can be inset too.

We love to collaborate . . . Find out how we work with clients on the custom design  process.

Black is Back for Conference Tables

Lockheed Martin, a government contractor, wanted a custom black conference table,  something interesting. They also needed to have video conferencing accessories incorporated.

We have done many projects for Lockheed, from very custom conference tables to reception furniture and private offices. They like our styles and also have had the opportunity to experience how our furniture holds up over time.

This conference table has our signature Reverse Styledge and black border design with a contrasting black pattern inlay. Within the inlay, another solid black inlay hides the power and data modules.

See a sampling of our conference table finishes and design elements.

Our Unique Boardroom Table Edges Withstand the Test of Time

 

Does your boardroom furniture take a beating and still look fresh and new?

The table and other accessory tables and cabinets can be a sizable part of a boardroom remodel budget and we know they need to last.

That's why Franz developed a proprietary edge detail for our custom tables in our early years in business -- the Reverse Styledge. It's designed to look modern and beautiful, yet hold up to heavy use. No peeling, chipping or gaping.

The Reverse Styledge is our most popular edge design. And we're so sure of its endurance, we've backed it with a 10-year warranty.

Give us a call and we'll tell you the story of why this edge is so durable.

See samples of all of our custom table edge designs.

Large Custom Boardroom Tables With Microphones

When you have a very large table, it's often a challenge for the person at one end to hear someone speaking at the other end.

Now you can have microphones strategically placed in the conference table so one can speak at a normal tone and everyone can hear.

This is one of the many video conferencing accessories Franz can design into your custom conference table. Is there a conference room inefficiency that's bothering you? Troubleshooting and problem solving is our specialty.


Get in touch . . . we're happy to help.

Learn more about conference table accessories.

Cable Management for Conference Tables

Technology options

Franz-designed conference tables are built to house the latest in technology. This includes various types of of video conferencing accessories and power and data modules that can be equipped  with the specific ports required.

Future upgrades

We keep the future in mind for you, so you'll be able to retrofit your existing power and data modules with updated ports as technology and your needs change.

Get rid of the ugly wires

Cable management and wire organization can be a bear. That's why it's a top priority, which we design into all Franz tables.

Look at our sleek conference table designs in the gallery.

Hi-Tech Reception..Boardroom Table..Executive Office Furniture

San Jose Tech Museum wanted their furniture to set the tone . . . from the entrance of the museum, to their conference rooms to their executive's office. So we ended up designing a hi-tech reception desk, boardroom table and the executive's office furniture.

To reflect their modern, edgy style, we sat down with the powers that be, including their architect, and came up with some concepts. These project photos show the results of our collaboration.

Although, our main focus is on custom conference tables, we're often asked to design other creative furniture pieces. As you can see, we're happy to stretch our design wings.

Check out more of our custom table designs.

Our New Conference Table Edge Design...Bevel-Line

We designed a new conference table edge detail, with the sole purpose of being able to produce them here in the US at a lower cost that will give clients more options. A budget-friendly design, but still a very nice new look for the office.

Take a look!

Learn more about Franz Design Group, and how we blend Italian design and California technology to create stylish, contemporary conference tables.

Convex Board Room Table With Power & Data Ports

We gave this custom high-tech board room table a contemporary edge, with rounded convex ends and a sleek black border.

Black borders are very popular with our clients as they tie the table design nicely to the black chairs most companies opt for.

Another nice detail is that the pop-up power and data ports disappear into the table top when not needed.

Find out more
Contemporary board room table designs
Designing power and data into your table

Special Shape Custom Boardroom Table

Now here's a different take on a boardroom table  -- an arrowhead shape custom conference table. This design came about after working closely with the client that clearly wanted something different. The small black designs that are inlaid mimic their own company logo features.

See more unusual boardroom table shapes in our gallery.

Custom Credenza to Match Conference Room Table

This credenza was created with the same design details, to accompany the large conference room table. The client liked the modern look -- light wood finish with dark accents.

While our main business is conference table design, clients often ask us to create a suite of matching furniture. We can provide credenzas, file cabinets, podiums, media cabinets and more.

Get more info:
Our approach modern office furniture
Gallery of contemporary custom pieces

California Company Makes Green Conference Table with Logo

Our latest project was a real one-of-a-kind conferencing table. The finishes that are being designed in today's market are a never ending marvel.

The woods can look like plastic and the plastics can look like wood. All in all, they are being made with renewable resources or can be recycled. Franz Design Group has been making conference tables that are green for many years now. Being a California company, where the environment is very close to the top of the priority list, has moved us in this direction.

This particular table was shaped for video conferencing and is equipped with video conferencing accessories and a company logo. Feedback from clients on our quality of work with inlays has been nothing but stellar.

More examples of our custom conference tables with logos.

A Philosophy of Great Service & Design Collaboration

Getting the right conference room furniture is not always that simple. We help with a different requirement every time the phone rings. Everything from the need to seat a certain number of people or advise on a conference room layout that both works and is pleasing to the eye.

Franz Design Group has always taken a holistic approach -- meaning the little things truly count and add up to a larger whole. When we start asking questions about electrical layouts in the room or how does one enter the room, people start thinking, hey, these guys know what they are doing.

We cover all the bases with our clients -- providing information and asking the questions that make a difference between an OK solution and a really great one.

As you can see in this video conferencing table, we customized it completely for how the people will work and will share power and data, as well as concern for how the people view and interact with one another at the far ends of the table.

Find out how we work with clients on conference table design.

New Design Option for Conference Room Furniture

We love to constantly refine our production methods and styles, and our latest has resulted in lower costs.

This new ribbed edge detail is extremely durable (as are all of our custom edge designs) and cuts production time.

This conference table is ready for installation of power and data modules, which will disappear into the island inlay design. Nice! A conference room credenza (seen in the background) compliments the conference table.

Find out about our design approach -- melding beauty and function.

Creative, Contemporary Inlay Design for Board Room Table

Here's an eye-dazzling table for a board room. 

This custom design fit perfectly into the client's board room layout along with other complementary  furniture.

No power and data!  Wow, that's a twist in itself. These days, we rarely do board room furniture without videoconferencing accessories of some kind. Even so, this custom table is an investment in style, uniqueness and enduring beauty.


Each of our projects is completely customized, but you can get some starter ideas by visiting our design customizations page and project gallery.