When you need some extra height for a table, you can build your own table legs and use them on any flat surface. You can build DIY table legs that suit your needs and home décor. There are several options for building these legs, depending on the type of support needed and preference in design.
Building custom table legs is also a good option if you need something unique or want to match existing pieces already made. For example, if you have some antiques like an old trunk or wardrobe with amazing carving details, having matching custom furniture for these would complete the look of your room. Here we will discuss different techniques on how to make DIY table legs using various materials such as wood, plastic, metal, etc.
Here are top-7 DIY table legs ideas
Hairpin table legs
Hairpin legs are perfect for any style of furniture. They can be used to make modern, contemporary table legs or antique, vintage-looking pieces too.
For this project, you will need such materials: 8 hairpin legs, 10-inch length of 1 by 2 hardwood or plywood, glue, and drill
In this project, you have to first assemble the hairpin legs. Drill pilot holes through those corners where you will embed screws. Then use wood glue on the pilot hole as well as the screw threads before inserting them into your piece of wood. Use a clamp to hold them in place until they are firmly attached.
Once finished with assembling all four legs, fix them onto the bottom side of the tabletop by using bolts/screws and bolts or any other hardware depending on what kind of surface you will be mounting it on. After that, screw each leg into its corresponding from underneath for added support.
Pipe table legs
Pipe table legs are typically used on metal or wooden tables as they allow for a longer length. They can be made of either iron or stainless steel pipe and come in sharp modern designs to mimic the look of metal furniture.
To make such kind of DIY table legs you will need: 3/4-inch diameter galvanized steel pipes; end caps; T-joints, flange joints, reducing couplings and threaded adapters; wood screws; drill.
You have to first cut your pipe to size using the miter saw. Try making them 16 inches long if the worktop is 36 inches wide that offers a 24-inch overhang on each side . Cut pieces should be inch by 1/2 inch to avoid being wobbly. Now assemble all the pieces together using joints according to your requirement.
Dining table legs
Dining tables are often used in formal settings where everyone dresses up for dinner or other events, so it's important that they look nice and stylish. You can make dining table legs yourself by following some simple steps.
For this project first, you have to choose a piece of wood for the top of your table. This should be 1 to two inches thick, 4 inches wide, and 5 feet long. You will also need four pieces of 2x2 wood at least 12 inches long for non-bearing ends, eight pieces at least 1/8 inch thick, an inch wide and 12 inches long forbearing ends, eight pieces of 1 by 2 at least 12 inches long for blocking, 12-inch carriage bolts and 12 flat washers along with the corresponding nuts.
After you have your wood cut from a home improvement center or lumber yard, assemble the table base using a Kreg jig. If you don't have a Kreg jig, use screws to connect the top piece to the 4x4s on each end, then add two 2x2s between each 4x4 for support. Make sure that these are level and not angled in any way. Now add on your bottom supports on all four corners, making them flush with the outside edges of your tabletop.
Now add some blocks inside so they sit flush on the bottom; this will allow you to level the tabletop. Make sure that the blocks don't hit anything when it swivels, and then drill a 3/16-inch hole through the center of your tabletop and into your support block for your carriage bolt. Put in place and add on washers and nuts to hold them down. Tighten these until the table base sits flush with the surface of your dining room or kitchen floor.
DIY farmhouse table legs
This is one of the easiest ways to build farmhouse-style table legs. For this project, you are required to have the following materials: 4-inch by 4-inch oak lumber, 1-inch dowel rods, wood screws and an electric drill/screwdriver.
Start by cutting down your 4x4s into 3-foot pieces. Then cut them in half at 45-degree angles, or measure 15 inches from one end and make a mark, then fold the board over for an equal measurement. This is where you're going to cut with your circular saw. Now line up two boards on edge next to each other with their good sides facing out. Make sure that they are flush at their corners. Insert your dowels into your pilot holes. Make sure that the good side of the board is facing out on both boards.
Now screw your two pieces together with three screws per corner so they are secure. You can use a 3/8 inch drill bit to make these holes. Then cut four more pieces at 21 inches each, and repeat the process of doweling and screwing them together.
When you have 2 sets of 4x4s done, place them on top of one another with their good sides facing outward, making sure that they are level with each other using a carpenter's level. Screw them all together on the inside where they meet using three screws per connection point. Repeat this process for your other set, putting it flush against your first set. Use clamps to hold them together securely while you screw the two sets together.
When you have everything flush and secure, turn your table upside down and attach one of your 21-inch pieces to each corner using three screws through the bottom into the top of each corner piece. Sand off any rough edges for a sleek look.
Modernistic geometric table legs
For people with a modernistic sense of design, the glass table legs are a wonderful choice. Required materials: glass or metal pipe (according to your preference) and corner pieces.
To build these types of table legs you require glass or metal tubing for support with corner pieces holding it together; they can come in a wide range of styles and designs. You will also be required to have wood boards that can be made from plywood or some other thin type of board. Additionally, you should also buy bolts and nuts for connecting the two boards together. And finally, you need some kind of thread-cutting tool like a tap.
If you want to build this type of table leg on your own then you should take measurements to the size and length of your table's top to determine how long your board should be for the base. Once you have determined that, then cut two of them accordingly. You can use a saw or even a hand saw, but it may take some time depending on the type of material you're using.
Now choose which corner piece design you want to go with and drill holes into each corner of your boards so they line up evenly over each other. Attach them together using bolts, making sure that there is at least one bolt in each connection point. Some people prefer to use several bolts per joint instead of just one since it will make the structure more secure.
Simple wooden table legs
The most important aspect of this simple DIY project is finding a support system that can fit your table when it's in use and when it isn't . Required materials: wood boards, screws or nails, sandpaper.
This style can be used on any kind of wooden board with an almost infinite amount of design possibilities. This is the simplest type to make with only a few steps involved in its construction process. To start, you will need either screws or nails for putting together your pieces.
First, find a longboard that has a width that fits your table perfectly, then attach four smaller boards onto each corner to create a square with the larger baseboard using screws or nails. Now sand all the rough edges down so they are smooth to the touch.
Industrial table legs
This type of table is very similar to the old factory or warehouse look with metal materials typically associated with this design style. For example, you could use metal pipes for this DIY project. Required materials: metal pipes, corner pieces, wood boards. If you are using metal tubing it will be more difficult to screw and bolt it together so you will require a thread cutting tool like a tap to connect each section together tightly.
To start building the base of one of these types of table legs, take measurements for your wood board so that when its edges rest against your metal piping there is still about 1/2 inch space in between them all once they're attached completely. Now attach four smaller boards onto each corner to create a square with the larger baseboard using screws or nails. Sand off any rough edges for a sleek look.
Is it better to make DIY table legs or buy them?
You can easily make a table out of pipes and plywood without any fancy tools or skills. However, since most people don't have the time or patience to make their own furniture it's better to just buy them from shops. But if you still want to build your own table, consider building a cheap 2x4-framed top with 1/2" MDF sheet. To attach the legs you could use some special adjustable feet so it can be raised off the floor when necessary.
These are just some of the different types of DIY table legs ideas that anyone can do on their own without needing expensive materials or tools. They can also serve as practical designs for commercial purposes like business establishments, restaurants, etc
What style will match your table?
There are different table legs both for DIY projects or those that are available to purchase from manufacturers. Typically, those that have a more industrial or rustic design style can easily be made at home as long as you have the tools and materials. In the article above we've included ideas for two different styles of DIY projects, each with its own unique look and purpose. The choice is yours whether to save money making them yourself or spend it on ready-made legs at a store.
Moreover, you have to pay attention to the style of your table, which will perfectly match the legs. For example, if you have modern-looking furniture, it is better to choose metal material for your table legs. But if you have classical ones, a wooden board would be a good choice. After all that you are buying are the table legs, not the whole table!
What about materials?
There are two main types of materials – metal and wooden. We've listed the best options within each category so whatever type or design style you prefer we can help! So let's start exploring different DIY ideas and creating your own unique and attractive tables!