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WHY WE SHOULDN’T SCREW LEGS TO OUR TABLE TOPS?
Live edge wood is very sensitive to changes in humidity. With natural wood, if exposed to extreme temperature changes, they can potentially warp and/or split. Thus, all the woodworkers need to be very careful to install hardware to the wood tabletop such as screws.
For that reason, we only can recommend to all customers to use "thread nut and bolt", it would be a safer way to hold the table. In case of timber table top, lumber table top, oval table top, it will be no problem to use screws for fitting
HOW TALL SHOULD MY TABLE BE AND WHERE DO I MOUNT MY TABLE LEGS?
A dining table should be 30” tall. Make sure you order the correct legs based on your particular top. There is a big difference in a 1.5” top and 3” top when the same legs are attached. Many steel bases come with adjustable feet to give you a 1/2” or so of wiggle room.
Most people want the option to seat someone at the ends of the table as well as the sides. So I recommend a minimum of 16” from the end of the table to the front of the table leg to allow for a chair to be pulled up. If your table is over 96” you can push that back to 18-20”.
HOW TO ATTACH METAL LEGS TO WOOD TABLE?
Step 1:
Set the metal legs in place. Take a brad point bit and hammer/mallet and just tap the bit in the middle of each hole. The brad point bit is nice because it fits tight in your slotted hole. So you know the center of the bit will be in the exact center of the hole.
Step 2:
Drill your hole straight up and down. You don’t want your insert going in at a 30-degree angle. If you don’t have a stop collar, a piece of tape works as a good depth reference. Just drill all your holes at once.
Step 3:
You would want to do the threaded insert by hand with a T-wrench. Put a dab of wood glue or CA glue on the insert to help it slide in, and give a little more staying power. Do several back-and-forth twists while inserting. Remember to go slow.
Step 4:
You only want to get your bolts snug to your base plate. Go all the way tight, then back it off about a quarter turn. This allows the top to remain secure, but still move seasonally.
If you want to go a step further, you can add blue threadlock to your bolts to make sure they don’t wiggle loose. Paste wax or nylon washers can also assist in letting your bolts glide across the base plate.
How to Attach Table Legs to Butcher Block?
Attaching table legs to a butcher block is a relatively straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it:
Materials you'll need:
- Butcher block tabletop
- Table legs (4 for a standard table)
- Mounting brackets or metal corner brackets
- Screws (appropriate length for your table legs)
- Drill
- Screwdriver or drill bit
Step-by-step process:
Step 1 Choose the Position of the Legs:
Decide where you want to place the table legs on the butcher block. Typically, the legs are positioned in each corner of the tabletop for stability.
Step 2 Prepare the Legs:
If your table legs have mounting plates or brackets, attach them to the top of the legs according to the manufacturer's instructions. If not, you can use metal corner brackets to secure the legs.
Step 3 Measure and Mark:
Measure the placement for each leg to ensure they are evenly spaced from the edges of the butcher block. Use a pencil or marker to mark the locations where you will attach the legs.
Step 4 Pre-drill Holes:
Place the mounting brackets (or metal corner brackets) on the marks you made in the previous step. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your screws, pre-drill pilot holes through the mounting holes on the brackets and into the butcher block. This step helps prevent the wood from splitting when you attach the screws.
Step 5 Attach the Legs:
Position the legs back onto the pre-drilled holes, aligning the brackets with the holes. If you have someone to help you, they can hold the legs in place while you secure them. Otherwise, you can prop the legs up temporarily.
Step 6 Screw the Legs in Place:
Insert the screws through the mounting holes and into the pre-drilled pilot holes in the butcher block. Use a screwdriver or a drill to drive the screws in until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten, as it may cause damage to the wood.
Step 7 Check for Stability:
Once all the legs are attached, flip the table over and check for stability. Make sure it sits evenly on a flat surface and doesn't wobble. If any legs are uneven, you can adjust them slightly by loosening or tightening the screws.
Step 8 Finishing Touches (Optional):
If desired, you can sand the edges of the butcher block and apply a finish or stain to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
And that's it! You now have a butcher block table with securely attached legs. Enjoy your new piece of furniture!
