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 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

Other Ways to Attach Wooden Table Legs Without Apron

  • 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.

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
    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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