How to attach table top to pedestal base properly is really important for making a table that's steady and will last a long time. You might be working with a solid wood top, need a good table top mounting solution, or want to secure a round table top.
Either way, picking the right way to attach table top to base makes a huge difference. You'll end up with either a solid table or one that wobbles and annoys you.
In this guide, Flowyline will show you the 4 most reliable methods on how to attach table top to pedestal base that real furniture makers use all the time. These ways of doing it take care of wood movement, provide great stability, and work whether you want to use screws or prefer not to drill holes at all. Read more!
Hardware to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base
For all methods:
- Drill with various bit sizes
- Screwdriver set
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Clamps
- Threaded inserts and bolts
- Threadlocker glue
4 Method-specific tools:
- Mounting plate: Mounting plate with pre-drilled holes, heavy-duty threaded inserts, and bolts
- Fasteners method: Z-clip, figure-8 fasteners, router or biscuit joiner, 5/8 inch drill bit (for figure-8 fasteners), chisel, wood screws
- Sub-top Mounting Method: 3/4" plywood or MDF for sub-top, heavy-duty bolts, construction adhesive (optional)
- Wooden Button Fasteners: Router, chisel, or drill press with mortising bit, hardwood strips for buttons, dado blade, spacer blocks
Read more: How To Add Metal Legs To Furniture: 4 Expert Tips
How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base: 4 Working Methods Every Time
If you're fixing up old furniture or building a new DIY table, attaching the table top to base might seem tricky and like something only professionals can do. But don't worry, we have up to 4 methods, and you can choose to use brackets and screws or prefer other methods.
Method 1: Using Pedestal Base's Mounting Plate (Simple for Beginners)
If your pedestal base has a metal mounting plate on top with holes already drilled, this method is perfect for you. That metal plate is designed to make connecting your table top easy and strong.
How to attach table top to pedestal base with screws
Credit: Flowyline
Shop now: 307 Tulipe 28" Industrial Metal Table Base
The best part of how to attach table top to pedestal base using mounting plate with thread inserts bolts is that you can take everything apart easily if you ever need to.
Just unscrew the bolts and everything comes apart cleanly without any damage. That's why Flowyline experts recommend this method as the simplest one that anyone can follow.
Here's how to attach table top to pedestal base:
Step 1: Mark Where the Holes Go
First, let's turn your table top upside down on a soft blanket so you don't scratch it. Look at your pedestal base and see where the holes are. Then, you mark those same spots on the bottom of your table with a pencil.
How to attach round table top to pedestal base
Photo: Flowyline
Step 2: Drill the Right Size Holes
To the important part of how to attach table top to base, your drill bit should be 1 — 2mm smaller than your threaded inserts. So if your insert is 10mm wide, use an 8mm or 9mm drill bit. Why? Because it makes the hole tight enough for the insert to grip well.
Use a brad point drill bit with a stop collar
Photo: Flowyline
Our advice is to use a brad point drill bit with a stop collar if you have one (for better control). You drill the exact depth needed for your threaded inserts. It's typically 3/4 the length of the insert to ensure proper grip without going through the table top.
Step 3: Put in the Threaded Inserts
Steel threaded inserts work better than brass or zinc ones because they're stronger. Now follow us:
- Put a small drop of threadlocker glue on each insert before screwing it in. If you have Allen-style inserts, use a hex key for better control. The glue keeps everything from coming loose over time.
- Screw each insert into the holes right away. You shouldn't wait for the glue to dry.
- Turn clockwise until they sit flat with the wood surface.
Screw each insert into the holes right away before the glue dries
Photo: Flowyline
Step 4: Check That Everything Lines Up
In step 4th, you place your pedestal base under the table and make sure its holes line up perfectly with the threaded inserts you just put in.
Step 5: Attach Pedestal Base to Table Top with Bolts
Next, you push your furniture bolts through the holes in the pedestal base and screw them into the threaded inserts.
Tighten them snug, then back them off about a quarter turn. This technique keeps you from stripping the threads or cracking your table while still letting the wood move naturally.
Attach pedestal base to table top with bolts
Photo: Flowyline
Step 6: Test Your DIY Table Top Attachment
Lastly, let's flip the table right-side up and give it a gentle shake. Does it feel solid? If it wobbles, you can use an adjustable leveler to check that the base is even. That's it, you've made a strong connection that will last for years.
We flip the table right-side up and give it a gentle shake to check the wobble
Photo: Flowyline
Below, we’ve embedded a video to show how to attach round table top to pedestal base. This way, you will have more visuals to understand each step clearly.
Install Threaded Inserts Like a Pro | Your Ultimate Guide | DIY Tutorial 💯
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Method 2: Using Z-Clip or Figure-8 Fasteners for Solid Wood Tops
The second method of how to attach table top to pedestal base is what most professional furniture makers choose. Just like the 1st method, it's well-known for stopping wood movement problems that can cause your table to crack or warp over time.
Step 1: Create Slots/Grooves in Base
First, you need to cut shallow grooves along the top edge of your pedestal base. These grooves should be about 1/8" wide × 3/8" deep. You can use a router or biscuit joiner to make these cuts. Make sure the grooves run across the wood grain, not with it. This lets the wood expand and shrink naturally with the seasons.
Step 2: Install Metal Fasteners
Now you'll attach the metal pieces that hold everything together. There are two types you can use:
1. For Z-clips: We attach the Z-clip fasteners to the table top first. Position them so they'll slide right into those grooves you just made. You leave about 1/32 inch of space so the clip can pull the top snugly against the base.
How to attach table top with Z-clips
Photo: Youtube | Osborne
2. For figure-8 fasteners: Use a 5/8 inch drill bit to create shallow bores on the top edge of your base. The fastener needs to be flush with the hole.
With a chisel, we then shape the sides of each hole so that the fastener can pivot freely. This is really important because it lets the wood move without breaking anything.
How to install figure 8 table top fasteners
Photo: Youtube | Gerber Design Co
Step 3: Position and Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base
Next, you center the base on the bottom of your tabletop. We drive screws through the fasteners into the table top, but don't make them too tight. The screws should be snug enough to hold securely but loose enough to allow slight wood movement within the fastener slots.
Step 4: Test Movement and Stability
Finally, we give the connection a gentle test to make sure it's secure but not too stiff. In here, the fasteners hold everything firmly and let the wood move just a tiny bit.
Pro tip: This method works great for attaching table top to pedestal base without drilling into the actual tabletop surface from above, since most attachment points are made from underneath.
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Method 3: Using Table Top Mounting Plate (Sub-top)
The 3rd method works really well when you need how to attach table top to pedestal base without brackets showing on your finished table.
Step 1: Make Your Sub-top
You cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood or MDF to about 12 inches by 12 inches. You can make it bigger or smaller depending on your base size. The sub-top is good at spreading the weight around evenly and giving you several places to attach things.
Step 2: Attach the Sub-top to Your Base
We bolt this sub-top piece to the center top of your pedestal base using 3 or 4 heavy-duty bolts. It's going to become your main mounting platform to which everything else connects.
How to attach table top to pedestal base with table top mounting
Photo: Youtube | Unfinished Furniture of Wilmington
Step 3: Attach Your Main Tabletop
Now, you have a few different ways of how to attach table top to base without screws showing on top:
- Use screws from underneath through the sub-top
- Put construction adhesive between the sub-top and main top
- Use both methods together for the strongest hold
Step 4: Final Check Your Table
Finally, please make sure your tabletop is perfectly centered and level. The nice thing about the sub-top system is that you can adjust things before you make the final attachment.
Read more: How to Attach Metal Legs To A Wood Table
Method 4: Using Wooden Button Fasteners (Ideal for Round Tops)
There is another method if you're wondering how to attach table top to pedestal base without screws. Wooden buttons are L-shaped wooden blocks that slide in grooves or mortises cut into the table's apron. The "tongue" portion fits into the slot while the "body" is screwed to the underside of the tabletop.
Fine furniture makers still prefer this base attachment today because it works so well. Moreover, the wooden buttons let your table move naturally. They allow movement in two directions. Your table can expand along the apron and also move perpendicular to it.
Standard dimensions specifications
When you're making wooden buttons, you need to get the dimensions right. Here are the standard measurements that work for most tables.
| Component | Dimension Type | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button Body | Size (Standard) |
1-3/8" square × 3/4" thick (minimum) | Works for most tables |
| Size (Alternative) | 1-2" wide × 3/4" to 1" thick | Common alternative sizing | |
| Material | Dense hardwood | Maple, ash, and birch are recommended | |
| Tongue/Tenon | Thickness | 1/4" | Standard dimension |
| Length | 5/8" to 1" | Varies based on apron thickness | |
| Width | 1" to 1-3/8" | Matches button width | |
| Mortise/Slot | Width | Slightly wider than button | Allows for wood movement |
| Depth | Variable | Deep enough for secure engagement | |
| Position | 1/16" to 1/8" below tongue | Ensures tight tabletop contact |
So, no more waiting, here is how to attach table top to pedestal base with wooden button fasteners:
Step 1: Plan Where to Put Your Buttons
- Side rails: The wood moves more along the sides, so you'll want to make longer slots here.
- End rails: There's less wood movement at the ends, which means you can make the slots closer to your button size.
- How many: Small tables need 2 buttons on each end, bigger tables might need 4 or more.
Step 2: Cut the Slots in Your Apron
- Mark where you want the slots on the inside edge of your apron pieces
- Position the slots 1/16 to 1/8 inch below where the button tongue will sit for a tight fit
- Make the slots a little wider than your buttons to allow for wood movement
- Best time to do this: Before you assemble the apron, it's much easier to work on separate pieces.
Step 3: Make Your Buttons
- Old-school way: You use short pieces of leftover wood, cut them to the right thickness, remove the rabbet section, then saw off each button
- Easier modern way: Make long strips first, cut slots for the tongues, drill screw holes, then cut individual buttons.
Step 4: Put the Buttons In
- Test first: We check that the buttons slide smoothly in the slots with just a little resistance.
- Screw to the top: Use one wood screw that's long enough for a solid hold but won't break through the tabletop
- Position right: Center each button in its slot width, leaving a small gap between the button shoulder and apron for wood movement.
- Final test: When you pull a button out quickly, it should snap back down tight against the tabletop like a clamp.
5 Must-Know Mistakes When Attaching Table Top to Pedestal Base
Don't worry if you make mistakes while fixing old furniture or building your own table. We've all been there, and once you know what to watch out for, you can easily avoid these problems.
1. Ignoring wood movement: Wood is always moving. So, if you attach pedestal base to table top too rigidly, it can't move naturally. Eventually, your beautiful table might crack or warp. That's why we recommend using methods that give the wood room to breathe and move with the seasons.
2. Over-tightening fasteners: You want everything secure, but if you overtighten your screws or bolts, you might actually crack the wood. Our advice is always to tighten until it feels firm, then stop.
3. Applying too much glue or adhesive: When you use too much glue, it can weaken over time instead of making things stronger. Plus, all that extra glue will squeeze out and make a mess on your nice tabletop. Hence, just use enough to do the job, as a thin, even layer usually does the trick.
4. Skipping Pilot Holes: This happens a lot when people are learning how to attach table top to pedestal base. Many folks skip the pilot holes since they're already using glue to hold things together. But if you don't drill those small holes first, you could crack the wood or make the whole connection weaker.
5. Poor center alignment: Instead of just eyeballing the exact center of table top, you should take the time to use a measuring tape to find the exact center and mark where your pilot holes should go.
FAQs
1. How to Attach a Round Table Top to a Pedestal Base?
To attach a round table top to pedestal base, you'll need to:
- Step 1: Find the exact center of your round table top. You measure the diameter and mark the center point. Most pedestal bases have a mounting plate that needs to be centered and screwed into the bottom of the table.
- Step 2: Use wood screws that are long enough to bite into the table but won't go all the way through.
- Step 3: Always drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting.
2. What Woodworking Hardware is Needed to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base?
You'll need wood screws (usually 2 — 3 inches long), a drill with bits, and possibly some washers. For solid wood tops, you should get figure-8 fasteners or table top fasteners that allow for wood movement.
Also, you might need a mounting plate if your pedestal base doesn't have one built in. Don't forget wood glue for extra stability, but use it sparingly.
3. How to Secure Glass Table Top to Pedestal?
Glass table tops should never be screwed or glued directly to the base. Instead, we use rubber bumpers or clear adhesive pads between the glass and the base to prevent scratching and provide grip.
Besides, you can use special glass table top fasteners that clamp onto the edge of the glass. Make sure the pedestal base is perfectly level so the glass sits evenly.
4. How to Attach Marble Table Top to Metal Base Without Screws?
For marble table tops, you should use Method 3 (sub-top mounting) with construction adhesive as the primary attachment method. The sub-top distributes weight evenly across the marble surface.
How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base: Final Takeaways
Say goodbye to wobbly tables and frustrating attachment problems. You now have the same knowledge that professionals use. With these 4 proven methods, you can handle any table top attachment project without worry.
Flowyline has all the quality threaded inserts bolts, pedestal bases, and table legs you need to make your project happen. They range from sturdy metal pedestals to beautiful stainless steel table legs, in different styles and finishes that will look great in any room.
Which method should you choose:
- Mounting plate: Fast and easy for most standard projects
- Fastener systems: Perfect choice when you're working with natural wood that expands and contracts
- Sub-top platform: Best stability for heavy materials like marble or delicate pieces
- Wooden buttons: Classic craftsmanship technique for tables you want to last generations
Ready to try out what you've learned about how to attach table top to pedestal base? Don't forget to check out our other furniture guides, and remember, every skilled woodworker started with their first successful project. Your rock-solid, professionally put-together table is just one project away. Thank you for reading!
