The correct size, length, and gauge of the best wood screws for table legs can be difficult to determine when building woodworking projects. Besides, to find the right woodworking screws, we need to focus on numerous factors, including the screw sizes, materials, head types and more. Fortunately, if you are a beginner, there are still some general guidelines you can follow, like table dimensions in cm, that will help you purchase the right wood screw types and turn every table into a stable piece of art.
Common Sizes Wood Screws for Table legs
Below is a table of common size specifications for wood screws for table legs:
|
Gauge |
Head-Bore Size |
Shank-Hole Size |
Hardwood Pilot-Hole Size |
Softwood Pilot-Hole Size |
Typical Available Lengths |
|
4 Gauge |
15/64 |
7/64 |
5/64 |
1/16 |
3/8 to 3/4 |
|
5 Gauge |
1/4 |
1/8 |
5/64 |
1/16 |
3/8 to 3/4 |
|
6 Gauge |
9/32 |
9/64 |
3/32 |
5/64 |
3/8 to 1 1/2 |
|
7 Gauge |
5/16 |
5/32 |
7/64 |
3/32 |
3/8 to 1 1/2 |
|
8 Gauge |
11/32 |
5/32 |
7/64 |
3/32 |
1/2 to 2 |
- Head-bore size refers to the diameter of the table leg screws head.
- Shank-hole size refers to the diameter of the smooth part of the table screws above the threads.
Note: All sizes, except for gauges, are in inches.
Types of Screw Heads and Their Applications
Choosing the right wood screw sizes and screw head type will ensure the stability and appearance of your woodworking projects. Different screw heads have different uses, such as better grip, flat finish, or aesthetics. Here are the most common screw head types and their applications:
|
Screw Type |
Description |
Best Use Cases |
|
Phillips-Head |
One of the most common screw heads, easy to use with a screwdriver but prone to bit slippage. |
General woodworking, furniture assembly |
|
Flat Head |
Has a flat top with a conical underside, sits flush with the surface when countersunk. |
Furniture making, cabinetry, trim work |
|
Pan Head |
The wider head with full-length threading, does not sit flush with the wood surface. |
Attaching wood to other materials (e.g., metal), structural applications |
|
Round Head |
Flat bottom for better grip, rounded top for a decorative finish. |
Cabinets, lighting fixtures, furniture assembly |
Phillips-head wood screws for screwdrivers
A flat top with a conical underside, sitting flush when countersunkCredit: ©ChristianChan on Canva.com
Pan head screws are suitable for joining wood to other materials
Round head screws are often used for furniture installations
Credit: ©ChristianChan on Canva.com
Types of Drive/Recess
The screw's bearing type affects how it is mounted with a screwdriver or drill. Some provide a secure grip to prevent stripping, while others suit specific applications. Understanding these types of wood screws helps in choosing the right one.
|
Drive Type |
Description |
Best Use Cases |
|
Quadrex Drive |
Combines square (Robertson) and Phillips designs, allowing for higher torque application. |
Framing, deck building |
|
Slotted Drive |
Simple single straight groove, adjustable with a flat-blade screwdriver. |
Pre-installed hardware, basic applications |
|
Torx (Star) Drive |
Star-shaped design, enhances power transfer and reduces wear on bits. |
High-volume projects, security fasteners in public areas |
|
Phillips Drive |
Cross-shaped design, reduces slipping and allows for better alignment. |
General woodworking, cabinetry |
Quadrex drive wood screws for higher torque application
The Slotted Drive has a single groove and can be driven with a flat-blade screwdriver
Credit: ©AvatarKnowmad; para827 on Canva.com
You can use torx (star drive) screws to minimize the wear on the bits
Credit: ©Изображения пользователя SERSOL on Canva.com
Cross-shaped design reduces slipping and improves alignment
Credit: ©kudou on Canva.com
Threads and Points
Threads and points play a role in determining how the screw interacts with the material it is screwed into. Choosing the right wood screws sizes ensures maximum holding power, while the point design affects how easily the screw penetrates wood, metal, or plastic. The table below shows the most common thread types and points:
|
Type |
Description |
Best Use Cases |
|
Metric Threads |
Internationally standardized and measured in millimeters, it offers versatility. |
Machinery, electronics, furniture fasteners |
|
ACME Threads |
Designed for force transmission, durable with smooth movement. |
Valves, lifting equipment |
|
Type A Point |
A sharp, tapered tip with a coarse thread easily penetrates plastic and thin metal. |
Thin materials, quick installations |
|
Type 17 Point |
Tapered tip with a cutting groove, reduces splitting in wood. |
Hardwood, softwood, MDF, particle board |
Threads and points for different DIY projects
Credit: @thirty_three on Canva.com
How to Choose the Right Length and Diameter of Wood Screws?
Knowing the basic factors behind the technology of wood screws simplifies the process of choosing the right wood screw types for your tabletop. Referring to a wood screw length chart can also help ensure you select the proper size and length for your project.
- Length: This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying wood screws for your project. A suitable screw size is neither too short nor too long. If you want to assemble two wood boards together, a too short screw may cause loss of stability. In contrast, if a wood screw is too long it may affect the finished look when protruding from the other side of your wood slab.
- Thickness (gauge): Best wood screws for furniture must be thick enough to grab onto the two boards. If they are too thin, your woodworking screws may pull out of the wood slab. If the table screws are too thick, it may split the wood, rendering it useless.
- Pilot holes: Hardwoods (oak or walnut) are inclined to splitting, while softwoods such as cedar or pine are less susceptible to this issue. Drilling a pilot hole in hardwoods with a regular bit or with a countersink bit before driving the screw is usually a good idea.
The best screw material foryour DIY project
What are the Best Wood Screws?
Here are some popular and recommended wood screw brands that are known for their quality, durability, and reliability in various woodworking projects:
Choosing the best screws for wood furniture
Grk Fasteners - With Self Drilling Features
If you want to find the best screws for wood that can reduce splitting and offer excellent holding power, GRK Fasteners’s products will be worthwhile options. Their screws are well known for innovative designs and self drilling features.
Spax - For Fast Installation
SPAX screws provide durable and stable products. Their screw designs come with unique threads that allow for smoother, faster installation and remarkable holding capabilities.
Simpson Strong Tie - High Quality Screws for DIY Projects
Simpson Strong-Tie is well regarded for their impressive wood constructions as well as high-quality woodworking screws. They offer some of the best screws for wood, with a broad range of options that may be suitable for various DIY projects on their website.
Fastenmaster - Fast Installation With Anti-splitting Features
For a fast and secure installation process, you can choose FastenMaster. Their screws are designed with anti splitting features and special coatings for outdoor projects.
Kreg - Strong Screws for Pocket-Hole Joinery
This company specializes in the pocket-hole joinery systems. They offer screws with strong connections for your woodworking projects.
Deckmate - Weather Resistant Screws for Outdoors
For outdoor projects, you need to use specialized screws to prevent corrosion over time. Deckmate offers products with weather-resistant coatings that are durable and can withstand environmental conditions.
For your woodworking projects to be stable and long lasting, selecting the appropriate size and kind of best wood screws sizes is essential. You can make sure your tables and other items are put together securely by taking into account variables like screw length, gauge, and type. We are Flowyline, a furniture manufacturer with headquarters in California. We provide a variety of bespoke metal table bases and legs, such as wishbone bases, farmhouse table legs, iron table legs, dining table legs, and more. Get 10% off your next order when you leave a review on our Google page!
