diff --git a/ibis/backends/base/__init__.py b/ibis/backends/base/__init__.py
index 8b5fc07692df..7c98b3269334 100644
--- a/ibis/backends/base/__init__.py
+++ b/ibis/backends/base/__init__.py
@@ -510,6 +510,23 @@ def list_tables(
             The list of the table names that match the pattern `like`.
         """
 
+    @abc.abstractmethod
+    def table(self, name: str, database: str | None = None) -> ir.Table:
+        """Construct a table expression.
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        name
+            Table name
+        database
+            Database name
+
+        Returns
+        -------
+        Table
+            Table expression
+        """
+
     @functools.cached_property
     def tables(self):
         """An accessor for tables in the database.
diff --git a/ibis/py.typed b/ibis/py.typed
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..e69de29bb2d1