How to Assemble a Straight Leg to a Table

Table legs are as varied as the tables they're attached to. Among the most simple table leg designs are straight legs. The minimal design of such table legs makes them easy to construct, but that can make attaching them to the table a bit trickier. The design of the table itself also plays a roll in how the table leg is attached. How a leg is attached to the underside of the tabletop differs greatly from how a straight leg would be attached to the top rails on the underside of a tabletop.

Instructions

Attaching Straight Legs Directly to the Tabletop

1

Mark the location where the straight table legs will be attached to the underside of the tabletop. Measure the distances between the legs to ensure they're evenly spaced.

2

Drill a pocket hole into the inside edge of the table leg near the top. Pocket holes are angled holes that the screws are inserted into. Drill the holes all the way through to the top of the table leg.

3

Apply a coating of wood glue to the end of the table leg. Place it onto the tabletop, pressing down firmly. Make sure that the pocket hole is facing inward. Predrill the hole for the screw through the pocket hole into the tabletop.

4

Screw the table legs into place. Tighten the screws so that the joint is as secure as possible.

Attaching Straight Legs to a Top Rail

5

Cut four corner supports from spare lumber. The corner supports are triangular in shape (minus the top point) and fit snuggly into each of the rail's inside corners. At the widest point, the corner support only needs to be 6 inches long and slops inward at a 45-degree angle.

6

Secure the corner support to the rail using screws and wood glue. The screws should be inserted through the corner support and into the rail.

7

Chisel the outer edge off the top of each table leg. This will make it easier to tighten the bolt that will fasten the leg to the tabletop. Start roughly 2.5 inches from the top of the table leg and cut away a three-eighths inch section of the corner, making the surface flat.

8

Clamp the table leg to the rail. Apply wood glue to the inside of the table leg before inserting it in place.

9

Drill a hole that extends through the table leg, into the rail and out the back of the corner support. The hole should be slightly larger than the bolt being used. Slide the bolt through the hole, fastening it behind the corner support. Tighten the bolt as much as possible.