DIY Adjustable Table Legs: Easy 6 Steps

Feeling inconvenient when the table only has one level of height? DIY adjustable table legs are the solution for you! This article shows you the benefits, classifications, and step-by-step instructions on how to make adjustable table legs.

In recent years, there have been numberless groups in communities that love to use wood and epoxy resin to create their own tabletops because DIY tables not only have high artistic value but are also cost-saving.

What Are the Advantages of DIY Adjustable Table Legs?

A lot of people choose DIY adjustable table legs because of the below advantages:

• Convenience: You can easily find adjustable table legs in nearby stores or order them online via E-Commerce platforms.
• Simple operation: You just need to prepare some basic tools to complete the adjusting process. This process may take you 20 - 30 minutes to finish and you can even do it at home.
• Space optimization: Adjustable table legs DIY help optimize space significantly. You can fold, lift, and disassemble freely according to your needs. In addition, it also helps avoid clutter and saves more space.
• Save budget: You can take advantage of this flexibility to turn it into a multi-purpose table, used for many different purposes, such as a coffee table, dining table, decorative table,...

Exploring Different Types of Adjustable Table Legs DIY

Before using the methods below you will need to prepare some tools:

• A proper type of adjustable leg;
• A hand screw;
• A hammer;
• Threaded inserts and bolts.

Threaded inserts and bolts

Credit: Flowyline Design

Telescoping legs

Telescoping legs' design is simple to use

Credit: ©NUKUL2533 on Canva.com

This kind of leg usually has a knob that you can turn to adjust the height of each table leg. The disadvantage of telescoping legs is that you need to attach them directly to your tabletop by using screws and a hand screw. The telescoping legs' design is quite simple and more functional than attractive. If you already own your gorgeous table legs, this is not a suitable choice. Here are the following steps to insert telescoping legs into your table:

1. Measuring and cutting the leg sections.
2. Creating interlocking mechanisms for telescoping legs.
3. Securing the legs with locking pins or adjustable clamps.
4. Testing the adjustability and stability of the legs.

Screw-adjustable legs

Attach screw-adjustable legs to table

Credit: ©AlesVeluscek on Canva.com

If a table already has table legs, you can use this style of leg by simply adjusting the height of the existing legs. To make the necessary diameter and depth holes in the furniture legs, use an electric drill. Then, insert the T-nuts, tighten them with a hammer, and screw in the screw-adjustable legs. Before installing the leveling feet, you must first weld a threaded insert into a metal leg. To attach screw-adjustable legs to your table, follow these steps:

1. Selecting appropriate screw mechanisms (such as threaded rods or acme screws).
2. Designing and fabricating mounting brackets for the screws.
3. Assembling and attaching the screw mechanism to the table legs.
4. Testing the screw adjustment functionality and stability.

Folding or collapsible legs

Folding is a popular adjustable table leg

Credit: ©venusphoto on Canva.com

This is one of the most popular choices because the design of these legs make them convenient to be put away in a corner of the room to save space for our houses.

You must first determine the height of the finished table before selecting the appropriate DIY adjustable folding table legs. Users of this approach must be able to select the type of material the folding legs are made of and an appropriate color so that they will blend in nicely with your tabletop. Here are the next steps you must follow after completing previous guidance:

1. Fabricating and attaching the folding hinges to the legs and table.
2. Testing the folding and unfolding functionality.
3. Ensuring the stability and strength of the folding legs.

How to Make Adjustable Table Legs at Home

Creating adjustable table legs at home is a great way to make it adaptable for all uses in a cost-effective manner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you DIY adjustable table legs:

Step 1: Tools and materials

Choose sturdy material legs like metal or wood that can be adjusted. Next, gather a drill or screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, wood glue (optional), and adjustable leg levelers.

Step 2: Prepare the tabletop

Lay your tabletop upside down on a flat surface. If it's an existing table, remove any old legs or hardware first.

Step 3: Measure and mark positions

Measure about 1-2 inches up from the bottom of each table leg. Mark this point with a pencil or marker. This is where your adjustable levelers are installed.

Step 4: Drill holes

Drill straight into the bottom of each leg where you made your mark. Let go deep enough so the leveler screws can fit securely, but not so deep that you weaken the leg structure.

Step 5: Install adjustable levelers on the legs

Screw the adjustable leg levelers into the drilled holes. Turn them until they're snug, using a wrench or screwdriver as needed. Make sure they're secure, but don't over-tighten them, which could strip the threads or damage the leg. Furthermore, leave room for mistakes! You can adjust many times after that.

Step 6: Adjust and test

After attaching the legs to your tabletop, place the legs upright on a flat surface. Adjust each leveler by turning it to lift and lower. Check if it is stable by shaking it gently. Remember to pay attention to whether your floor is flat. If not, adjust levelers accordingly.

You can attentively view the video below and follow the instructions for further details:

Tips for Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Nothing natural is beautiful and durable! You need to protect them against environmental factors by applying protective coatings to enhance durability. How to be beautiful? Sanding, staining, or painting are things to consider.
• If you have small children, safety is key! Think about incorporating locking mechanisms or leg braces to protect them in unforeseen cases.
• DIY table legs metal adjustable are made of aluminum, iron or alloy, so keeping the table legs clear and dry is an effective way for long-term use.
• Check the screw adjustment functionality and stability every 2 to 3 months and replace them if necessary.
• In some cases, the adjustable table legs may be bent or broken under a huge weight. That's when you need to replace them with the same type of legs to assure the safety during usage time.
• Consider the table leg versions from Flowyline Design if your tabletops are larger.  Flowyline Design table legs are super sturdy, strong, and easy to assemble and they can hold up to 1,000lbs tabletops. We provide a custom-order service that enables you to adjust the height of every table leg to suit your requirements.

In addition, Flowyline Design fastens rubber adjustable levelers to every metal table legs, these levelers can help table users to avoid scratches on the floor. To transport your table conveniently to required locations, the adjustment levelers can also be swapped out for little wheels.

Adjustable levelers are equipped below the table leg

Credit: Flowyline Design