How to attach legs to a table without apron

In woodworking, attaching legs with an apron to the tabletop is common, and without an apron, it seems more difficult to do. We all don't want the tabletop to be damaged after attaching. That’s why we’re here to help. If you are seeking the right and easiest way to attach furniture legs with basic tools and no apron, making sure to match rectangle or round table dimensions cm, this blog will be the right destination. We'll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to attach legs to a table without apron, ensuring a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing result. Let’s get started.

How to attach legs to a table without apron
How to attach legs to a table without apron
Credit: Flowyline Design

Attaching Wooden Table Legs with Threaded Inserts and Bolts

Coffee tables are often made of hardwood and go with wooden legs. Learning how to attach legs to a table is also a crucial key to owning a stunning and inviting corner for your every morning. One of the best ways to connect wooden table legs to tabletops without an apron while preserving their visual appeal is by using mounting blocks and bolts. Let’s see what you will need to gather before attaching wooden table legs.

You can watch this video for more specific steps and instructions to attach metal legs to a tabletop without apron:

Required Materials and Tools

  1. Mounting blocks
  2. Threaded inserts and bolts
  3. Wood screws
  4. Power drill
  5. Measuring tape
  6. Carpenter's square
how to attach legs to a table with apron
Required materials and tools to attach wooden legs to tabletop without an apron
Credit: Max Rahubovskiy; Flowyline Design; Karolina Grabowska; Tima Miroshnichenko

Easy Guide on How to Attach Wooden Table Legs

Step 1: Align Mounting Blocks With Carpenter’s Square and Measuring Tape

Position the mounting block, measure, and mark the location. Use carpenter square to ensure precise alignment.

how to attach table legs

Mounting blocks should be aligned with a carpenter's square and measuring tape
Credit: ©Branislav on Canva.com

Step 2: Pre-drill Screw Holes

Pre-drill holes through the tabletop at each mounting block position after the blocks are in place. To guarantee a tight fit, the drill bit's diameter should be slightly smaller than the wood screws'.
Install threaded inserts to the center of your mounting blocks.

Drill pilot holes in each mounting block position
Drill pilot holes in each mounting block position
Credit: ©Dvoinik on Canva.com

Step 3: Attach Mounting Blocks With Wood Screws

Secure the mounting block to the tabletop by driving wood screws through the pre-drilled holes.

Use wood screws to secure the mounting blocks
Use wood screws to secure the mounting blocks
Credit: ©claudiodivizia on Canva.com

Step 4: Attach Bolts to the Table Legs

Measure, mark at the center, and pre-drill a hole in the top of each table leg. Don't forget to keep your drill to make this step easy and produce results without distortion.

After pre-drilling holes, install the bolts on your wooden table legs.

how to attach legs to a table
Attach bolts to the table legs
Credit: ©mscanland66 on Canva.com

Step 5: Tighten the Legs Into the Threaded Inserts on the Mounting Blocks

Put the bolts on the wooden table legs to the existing threaded inserts and tighten them together. Now, you just need to check the stability of the entire project and enjoy the result.

Tighten the legs
Tighten the legs into the existing threaded inserts
Credit: ©milanvirijevic on Canva.com

    Attaching Metal Table Legs with Mounting Plates

    Materials and Tools You Will Need

    1. Table legs with mounting plates
    2. Threaded inserts and bolts
    3. Measuring tape
    4. Carpenter's square
    5. Brush pen
    6. Screwdriver or power drill
    7. Superglue
    Required tools and materials to attach metal legs to tabletops without an apron
    Required tools and materials to attach metal legs to tabletops without an apron
    Credit: Flowyline Design; olia danilevich; Ron Lach

    Shop now: 415 Botas Metal Table LegsThreaded inserts and bolts

      Best Way to Attach Metal Table Legs: Specific Instructions

      Step 1: Choose the Right Table Legs Design

      Before you begin, make sure you have chosen table legs that complement the style and size of your tabletop. The legs should be sturdy enough and of the appropriate height for your desired table dimensions.

      Please remember that mounting plates are required for the legs. It helps answer the question "How to attach table legs?" easier and significantly saves more time. Many online sellers have legs with mounting plates, and you can also find this type of product on our website. To save our clients time and money, mounting plates are included in every furniture legs and base design.

      Select a table leg style that suits the style and size of your tabletop
      Select a table leg style that suits the style and size of your tabletop
      Credit: Flowyline Design

      Step 2: Align Legs With Carpenter’s Square

      Use a carpenter's square to align each table leg exactly at its designated mark. This will ensure that your table remains stable and is assembled in the correct position.

      To precisely position each leg, use a carpenter's square
      To precisely position each leg, use a carpenter's square
      Credit: ©rostislavsedlacek on Canva.com

      Step 3: Measure and Mark the Leg’s Placement

      Place your tabletop upside down on a flat, stable surface. Measure and mark the positions for each table leg with the measuring tape and brush pen. Ensure the marks are consistent and create a square or rectangle, depending on the shape of your table.

      With the measuring tape and brush pen, indicate the placements of each table leg.
      With the measuring tape and brush pen, indicate the placements of each table leg.
      Credit: ©rostislavsedlacek on Canva.com

      Step 4: Pre-drill Screw Holes

      At the marks, pre-drill straight holes through the tabletop at each leg location. Make sure the drill bit is slightly smaller in diameter than your wood screws to ensure a secure fit.

      You can also flush mount a jig before installing table legs to increase the stability of the entire project.

      how to put legs on a table
      Drill straight holes through the tabletop at each leg site beforehand
      Credit: ©Giselleflissak on Canva.com

      Step 5: Apply Super Glue

      Before attaching threaded inserts, add super glue to the holes on the tabletop. This extra step will enhance the overall stability of your table.

      Apply super glue to the holes on the tabletop
      Apply super glue to the holes on the tabletop
      Credit: Flowyline Design

      Step 6: Screw in the Threaded Inserts

      To finish this step, the threaded insert must be attached quickly before the super glue fully cures.

      Install the threaded inserts
      Install the threaded inserts
      Credit: Flowyline Design

      Step 7: Reinforce With the Bolts

      Place the legs back in their marked positions and use the bolt to attach them to the tabletop through the pre-drilled holes. Tighten the bolts gradually and vertically to ensure even pressure distribution. Using threaded inserts and bolts is especially crucial for large and heavy tables that may experience more stress.

      To achieve even pressure distribution, tighten the bolts gradually
      To achieve even pressure distribution, tighten the bolts gradually
      Credit: Blacktail Studio

      Step 8: Check and Finish the Project

      Once the legs are securely attached, flip the table right-side up and check the whole thing again to see if there are any missing spots or wobbles, Ensure ensuring the table is stable enough for everyday use.

      Turn the table over and double-check your work
      Turn the table over and double-check your work
      Credit: Flowyline Design

      Other Ways to Attach Wooden Table Legs Without Apron

      Straight or Angled Metal Plates

      This installation method is considered easy and fast, does not require much skill, and helps save a lot of money. Choose straight metal plates for a simple and flexible look. Choose angled plates for more modern and stable designs.

      Using mounting plates for attaching table legs is suitable for small tables, especially the Mid-Century Modern style. Besides, it is not recommended for heavy loads or furniture that moves frequently.

      Direct Attachment

      The direct table leg attachment method is easy to implement and does not require additional hardware, such as plates or brackets. The table legs can be attached to the tabletop easily and do not require much effort. However, it will limit the disassembly and reassembly many times because it will cause a loss of seamless aesthetics.

      Creating Sliding Dovetails

      This method allows you to build a beautiful and hardware-free wooden table. You can start by shaping one end of each table leg into a dovetail. Next, prepare the tabletop by trimming it to ensure a seamless fit. Once done, simply slide the table legs into the trimmed slots on the tabletop and ẹnoy your beautifully crafted table.

      Creating Waterfall Table Legs

      Why confine our creativity to traditional four-legged tables? The waterfall table with its unique shape and high aesthetic value is becoming increasingly popular. This method will also let you create a stunning piece of furniture without an apron, showcasing clean lines and a fluid design on just one piece of art.

      Using Eight Clips

      This method is suitable for smaller projects such as coffee tables. However, for larger ones like a big dining table or heavy duty furniture, eight clips may not provide stable support. In some cases, they might not sufficiently secure the tabletop to the table legs.

      Should read:

      By following these simple steps, you can confidently know how to attach legs to a table without apron. This DIY project can be done easily and neatly, without the need for bulky tools and materials. Now, you can absolutely have fun doing it and quickly get the results you want right at your own home. In case you want to save time and prefer metal table legs with mounting plates, you can visit our top-selling products to see more unique options.

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