Stone mounted on a metal base is a more modern approach that emphasizes the contrast between organic natural material and industrial geometric support. The metal base should be quality steel or iron that looks intentional rather than like the stone just happened to land on something structural. This combination works in contemporary and minimalist kitchens and reads as professionally designed. The metal does not compete with the stone for visual attention which means the tabletop gets to be the star. These are the stone and metal tables that prove base design matters as much as surface material.