How to attach legs to a table without apron

When it comes to crafting your own furniture, there's a unique satisfaction that comes with creating a piece that is not only functional but also a reflection of your creativity. In woodworking, attaching legs with an apron on the tabletop may be more common. If you're in the process of building a table and have chosen to forgo the traditional apron, attaching the legs might seem like a daunting task. We usually don't want the tabletop to be damaged after attaching Don't worry! In this blog, 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.

How to attach legs to a table without apron
How to attach legs to a table without apron
Credit: Flowyline Design
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Guide for Metal Table Legs

Required Materials and Tools

  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

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Specific Instructions

Step 1: Choose the right table leg 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. This will enable us to quickly and easily attach the legs, saving us extra time. Many online sellers have legs with mounting plates. This is Flowyline Design's strongest point. To save our clients time and money, mounting plates are included in every leg 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

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Step 2: Align legs with carpenter's square

Use a carpenter's square to align each leg precisely at its designated mark. This will ensure that your table remains level and stable once assembled. If you are working with a round table top, the base needs to be placed at the center of the table.

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.

Drill straight holes through the tabletop at each leg site beforehand.
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 stage, 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 in a diagonal pattern 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
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Step 8: Check and finish the project

Once the legs are securely attached, flip the table right-side up and inspect your work. Ensure 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

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

    Guide for Wooden Table Legs

    Coffee tables are often made of hardwood and go with wooden legs. Learning how to attach legs to a coffee table without apron 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 while preserving their visual appeal is by utilizing mounting blocks.

    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
    Required materials and tools to attach wooden legs to tabletop without an apron
    Required materials and tools to attach wooden legs to tabletop without an apron
    Credit: Max Rahubovskiy; Flowyline Design; Karolina Grabowska; Tima Miroshnichenko

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    Specific Instructions

    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. 

    Mounting blocks should be aligned with a carpenter's square and measuring tape
    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 bit as straight as possible. This will ensure the aesthetic value of the entire project. 

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

    Attach bolts to the table legs
    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 into the existing threaded inserts
    Tighten the legs into the existing threaded inserts
    Credit: ©milanvirijevic on Canva.com

    You can watch the video below for further information and images on how to connect wooden legs to tabletops without an apron:

    By following these simple steps, you can confidently know how to attach legs to a table without apron. This DIY approach not only allows for a clean and modern design but also showcases your woodworking skills. Embrace the process and soon you'll have a custom-made table that's both functional and a testament to your craftmanship.

    Flowyline Design - Metal Table Leg and Base Designs
    How- to

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