Restaurant booth buying guide
Sizes, materials, real prices, and lead times — what actually matters when you buy booths.
Updated July 2, 2026 · Written by the Restaurant Furniture .ORG team, Phoenix, AZ
We build and sell restaurant booths every week, and we see the same expensive mistakes: booths that don't fit the aisle plan, vinyl that cracks in a year, and lead times that blow past opening day. This guide covers what actually matters when you buy — sizes, materials, real prices, and timing.
What size is a standard restaurant booth?
A standard restaurant booth is 48″ long with a 36″ back height and a 17.5″–18″ seat height; plan roughly 66″ center-to-center between facing booths sharing a 30″ table.
| Measurement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Booth length (single/double) | 48″ | Seats two adults comfortably; 60″ and 72″ for larger parties |
| Back height — standard | 36″ | Open sightlines, easier service |
| Back height — privacy | 42″–48″ | Divides the room, quieter tables |
| Seat height | 17.5″–18″ | Pairs with a 29″–30″ table height |
| Seat depth | 16″–18″ | Deeper reads as lounge seating |
| Booth-to-booth spacing (shared table) | ~66″ center to center | For a 30″ table between facing 48″ booths |
| Aisle clearance | 24″ minimum; 36″ for accessible routes | Accessible routes require 36″ clear width per the 2010 ADA Standards (§403.5.1); many local codes require 44″ for main egress aisles |
Materials: what separates a 10-year booth from a 2-year booth
Upholstery
Commercial vinyl is graded by double-rub count — abrasion cycles before visible wear. For restaurant duty, spec 100,000+ double rubs, with antimicrobial and UV treatment for patio or window seating. Residential vinyl (15,000–30,000 double rubs) will crack and split within a couple of years of daily turns.
Frames
Kiln-dried hardwood frames are the commercial standard — they hold fasteners through years of flexing. Commercial plywood substrates are fine for panels and seat decks. Be wary of stapled softwood or particle-board frames in budget imports; they loosen fast under real traffic.
Foam
High-resilience (HR) foam with a firm base layer keeps the seat from bottoming out. Cheap foam feels great for six months, then hammocks.
How much do restaurant booths cost in 2026?
Expect $950–$1,400 per stock commercial booth, $1,300–$2,000 for semi-custom, and $1,500–$3,500+ for full custom in 2026.
| Tier | Price per unit | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Stock commercial booths | $950–$1,400 | Standard sizes, popular vinyls, ships in days — see in-stock booths |
| Semi-custom | $1,300–$2,000 | Standard frames, your choice of vinyl/fabric and back height |
| Full custom | $1,500–$3,500+ | Any size and shape (L, U, corner, circular), any material, built to your floor plan |
| Banquette walls | Priced per linear foot | Continuous bench runs with millwork; quoted from drawings |
Rules of thumb: volume drops per-unit cost meaningfully past ~10 units; fabric choice can swing a custom booth price by 20%+; and reupholstering sound frames costs a fraction of replacement.
How long do restaurant booths take?
In-stock booths ship in 2–5 business days; semi-custom takes 3–4 weeks and full custom 4–6 weeks from approved drawings — so order custom booths 8–10 weeks before opening.
| Option | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Stock booths | In stock — ships in 2–5 business days |
| Semi-custom | 3–4 weeks |
| Full custom | 4–6 weeks from approved drawings |
| Reupholstery | Overnight — single-night, per-seat service |
Work backward from opening day and add buffer: custom booths should be ordered 8–10 weeks before opening.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Measure the room — walls, columns, window sills, and outlet locations
- Confirm aisle widths and accessible routes on your seating plan
- Match table heights to seat heights (29″–30″ tables with 17.5″–18″ seats)
- Spec 100k+ double-rub commercial vinyl (ask for the spec sheet)
- Ask what the frame is made of — accept kiln-dried hardwood, question anything else
- Get lead time in writing, with your opening date on the order
- Confirm delivery includes installation and leveling, not curbside drop
- Ask about warranty on frames and upholstery separately
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard restaurant booth?
48 inches long with a 36-inch back height and 17.5–18 inch seat height. Privacy backs run 42–48 inches; 60- and 72-inch booths seat larger parties.
How much does a restaurant booth cost?
Stock commercial booths cost $950–$1,400 per unit. Semi-custom runs $1,300–$2,000, and full custom booths run $1,500–$3,500+ depending on size, shape, and fabric.
What vinyl should restaurant booths use?
Commercial-grade vinyl rated for at least 100,000 double rubs, with antimicrobial and UV treatment where needed. Residential vinyl cracks within a couple of years of commercial use.
How far in advance should I order booths for a new restaurant?
Order custom booths 8–10 weeks before opening: 4–6 weeks of build time from approved drawings plus delivery, installation, and buffer. Stock booths ship in days.
Is it cheaper to reupholster restaurant booths or replace them?
If the frames are structurally sound, reupholstery costs a fraction of replacement — and overnight service means no lost nights of business.
Where to buy
Standard sizes on a timeline: shop our in-stock commercial booths — over 150 booth options shipping from Phoenix, with financing available.
Custom sizes, shapes, or banquettes: start with our custom vs. stock breakdown, or go straight to Custom Built Booths, the custom division of the Lion Craft family, for a free consultation and fabric samples.
Ready to talk booths?
Wholesale commercial restaurant furniture, shipped nationwide from Phoenix, AZ.