Learning how to attach legs to a table without apron is easier than you might think. You don’t need years of carpentry experience to do this right. If you can handle a screwdriver and measure accurately, you’re ready to tackle this project in just 1 hour.
No matter with wooden legs or metal ones, we’ll walk you through everything. From picking the right materials to final checks that ensure your table is sturdy and ready for daily use. At the end, you’ll have a good table and the satisfaction of building it yourself. Ready to get started? Below are 5 easy steps on how to attach legs to your table without an apron.
Key Takeaways to Attach Legs to a Table without Apron
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know before starting this DIY project.
- What You’ll Need Most people already have these tools at home. You just need to prepare everyday items around your home like a drill, some screws, and a measuring tape.
- Why Skip the Apron? Tables without that apron look cleaner and give you more leg room. More so, they’re actually easier to build. So, you can attach the legs straight to the tabletop without any apron.
- How Long Does This Take? From start to finish, you’ll spend about an hour. Start on a Saturday morning, and you’ll have a stable table ready by noon.
- What We’ll Show You We’ll walk you through each step, one at a time. No confusing technical terms or complicated instructions. We’ve made these steps in simple, clear directions that anyone can follow. You’ll also discover tips to avoid common mistakes, which help you ensure your table is both sturdy and stylish.
2 Easy Ways for How To Attach Legs to a Table without Apron
You have two good options for attaching table legs without the wooden frame underneath. Both are easy for beginners and take less than an hour with tools you already own.
Method 1: Attach Wooden Table Legs with Threaded Inserts and Bolts (Easier for Beginners)
Threaded inserts and bolts work great for wooden legs and solid wood tabletops. You attach small wooden blocks underneath your tabletop, then bolt the legs to these blocks. The connection stays hidden, and you get a strong, stable table. This table leg attachment method is perfect if you want that classic wooden furniture look or need to match other wood pieces in your room.
Method 2: Attach Metal Table Legs with Mounting Plates
The second method that Flowyline experts recommend is to use metal legs that already have flat plates attached to the table top. You simply screw these plates directly to your tabletop. It’s faster to set up and gives you that modern, clean look. The plates spread the weight evenly, so your table can handle both light daily use and heavier items.
Why Should You Choose Table Leg Attachment Methods?
Without an apron around the edges, your table looks cleaner and more modern. You also get more leg room when sitting at the table. If you ever need to move or store your table, both methods let you take the legs off easily. Best of all, you don’t need complicated tools or years of woodworking experience to get professional results.
Your choice between wooden or metal legs usually comes down to what style fits your space better. Now let’s walk through exactly how to do each method.
How to Attach Wooden Legs to a Table with Threaded Inserts and Bolts
Coffee tables are often made of hardwood and have wooden legs. Learning how to attach legs to a table is also a crucial key to owning a stunning and inviting corner for your 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.
6 Required Materials and Tools
- 4 threaded inserts and 4 bolts
- Hex keys (same size as your threaded inserts)
- Ratchet wrench (same size as bolts)
- Power drill with bits
- Measuring tape
- Pencil for marking
Required materials and tools to attach wooden legs to tabletop without an apron
Credit: Max Rahubovskiy; Flowyline Design; Karolina Grabowska; Tima Miroshnichenko
4 Steps to Attach Wooden Table Legs with Threaded Inserts and Bolts
Follow these steps to securely attach wooden legs to your table:
Step 1: Mark Where Your Threaded Inserts Will Go in Table Top
First, you turn your table upside down so you can see the bottom. Decide where each leg should sit — usually near the corners, but not right at the edge. The most important thing is to keep each threaded insert nut the same distance from the table edges. You need to use your measuring tape and mark these spots with a pencil.
Use measuring tape to mark threaded insert locations
Credit: ©Branislav on Canva.com
Step 2: Drill 4 Holes in Table Top and Install Threaded Inserts into It
Now, you drill 4 small holes where you marked each threaded insert nut position. Make sure your drill bit is slightly smaller than the diameter of your threaded inserts, as this prevents the wood from splitting.
Be careful not to drill all the way through your tabletop, you just want to go partway through. Obviously, this is difficult to eyeball, so we highly recommend you use tape to mark off the depth directly on the drill bit. When you’re done drilling, put the threaded inserts into the center of each hole and tighten them to table top with a hex key.
Drill pilot holes where each threaded insert will go
Credit: ©Dvoinik on Canva.com
Step 3: Drill a Pilot Hole Through the Center of Each Table Leg
If your table legs don’t already have bolts attached, you’ll need to add them. Find the center of the top of each leg and mark it with a pencil.
After that, you drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than your hanger bolt, then screw the bolt in by hand. Use a ratchet wrench to tighten it securely.
Attach bolts to the table legs
Credit: ©mscanland66 on Canva.com
Step 4: Attach Legs to Table Top
Finally, you simply twist each table leg into the threaded insert by turning clockwise. Keep turning until the legs sit tight against the table bottom and feel solid. Turn your table right-side up and check that everything looks level and sturdy.
Tighten the legs into the existing threaded inserts
Credit: ©milanvirijevic on Canva.com
How to Attach Metal Legs to a Table with Mounting Plates
Mounting plates are one of the best ways to attach legs to a table without aprons. Below, we’ve embedded a video to show how to attach legs to a table without an apron. This way, you will have more visuals to understand each step clearly. Don’t forget to check more ways to attach legs to a table without an apron below if you don’t prefer mounting plates.
Install Threaded Inserts Like a Pro | Your Ultimate Guide | DIY Tutorial 💯
7 Materials and Tools You Will Need
- Metal table legs with mounting plates (pre-drilled holes)
- 8 threaded inserts and 8 bolts
- Measuring tape and square
- Pencil
- Screwdriver or power drill
- Epoxy glue or threadlocker glueundefined
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 Legs
6 Steps to Attach Metal Table Legs with Mounting Plates
Follow these steps to attach metal legs using mounting plates:
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?" more easily 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 leg and base design.
Most importantly, your metal legs should come with mounting plates already attached. They are the flat metal pieces at the top of each leg. These plates make the whole job much easier and faster.
That’s why our wood experts have included a mounting plate with every set of table legs we sell. This saves you time and money since you won’t need to buy separate hardware.
Select a table leg style that suits the style and size of your tabletop
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 125 Kheops Metal Bench Legs
However, if your legs don’t have mounting plates, you’ll need to get some separately or choose a different attachment method. The mounting plates are what make this method so straightforward. They spread the weight evenly and give you a solid connection point.
Step 2: Position the Legs on Table Top and Mark Drill Holes with a Pencil
Just like method 1, you also need to turn your table upside down on a flat surface. Use your measuring tape to find where each leg should go, which is usually about 2 inches in from each edge. Next, mark these spots with a pencil. Make sure the distances are even on all sides so your table looks balanced.
Measure and mark where each metal leg will attach to table top
Credit: ©rostislavsedlacek on Canva.com
Step 3: Drill 8 Pilot Holes
Choose a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than your threaded insert nuts (about 1-2mm smaller). Drill pilot holes at each mark you made.
Once again, we will continue to put our notes in here. Same as method 1:
“Be careful not to drill all the way through your tabletop, you just want to go partway through. Obviously, this is difficult to eyeball, so we highly recommend you use tape to mark off the depth directly on the drill bit.”
Step 4: Add Threadlocker Glue to Nuts Before Tightening Them to Pilot Holes
When you’re done drilling, you need to add threadlocker glue to the holes on the tabletop before attaching threaded inserts. This extra step will enhance the overall stability of your table.
While you’re at it, you can put the threaded inserts into the center of each hole. Turn them slowly and steadily — don’t rush this step. Keep turning until these nuts sit flush with the wood surface.
Apply threadlocker glue to the holes on the tabletop
Credit: Flowyline Design
Step 5: Attach Your Metal Legs to Table Top
Lastly, you line up each metal leg with its threaded insert and screw them in. Tighten them snugly, but don’t overtighten or you might strip the threads. If your tabletop is thicker than 18mm, standard wood screws will work perfectly.
To achieve even pressure distribution, tighten the bolts gradually
Credit: Blacktail Studio
Shop now: 402 Wineglass Metal Table Legs
Step 6: Test for Wobbles (What to Do if the Table Wobbles After Attaching Legs)
Once all legs are attached exactly, you need to flip your table right-side up. Press down on each corner to check if it wobbles or rocks. If the table is unsteady, you should check that all loose screws (tighten or replace if necessary), or adjust the leg levelers if your metal legs have them.
Turn the table over and double-check your work
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 201 Alva Coffee Table Base
6 Alternative Ways to Attach Wooden Table Legs Without Apron
If the above methods don’t suit your needs, here are some alternative approaches to attach table legs without an apron:
1. Straight or Angled Metal Plates
The 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.
2. Direct Attachment Legs to a Table without Apron
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.
3. 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 enjoy your beautifully crafted table.
4. 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.
5. Using Eight Clips
The fifth leg attachment 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:
- How To Add Metal Legs To Furniture: 4 Professional Tips For Homeowners
- How to Attach Table Legs to Epoxy Table: A Guide for Beginners
- How to Attach Metal Legs to Marble Top?
FAQs
1. How to Attach Table Legs without Apron?
You have two of the best options to attach table legs without apron. The first is using threaded inserts and hanger bolts. You drill holes in the bottom of your table, install nuts, then screw hanger bolts into your legs and twist them into the nuts. The second method uses metal legs with mounting plates that screw directly to the tabletop.
2. How Do You Brace Your Legs on a Table?
Without an apron, your legs get their strength from proper attachment hardware. Threaded inserts and bolts create solid anchor points. On the other hand, mounting plates on metal legs distribute weight evenly across the tabletop.
The key is using the right size hardware and positioning the legs about 2 inches in from the table edges. Some people add cross-braces between legs for extra stability, but it’s usually not needed with proper attachment.
3. How Do You Secure Furniture Legs?
For wooden legs, you can use threaded inserts in the tabletop with matching hanger bolts in the legs. For metal legs, you should buy the mounting plates that come attached to the legs and screw them directly to your table surface. Always use pilot holes to prevent wood splitting, and make sure your screws or bolts are the right length. They need to be long enough to bite securely, but not so long that they poke through the tabletop.
4. Is a Table Apron Necessary?
No, a table apron isn’t necessary if you use proper leg attachment methods. Aprons do add strength and prevent wobbling, but modern attachment hardware like threaded inserts and mounting plates can provide the same stability. Tables without aprons actually look cleaner and give you more leg room. The choice comes down to your style preference and how you plan to use the table.
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.
