How To Make Legs For A Table

Building a table is a rewarding project, and making your own legs can add a personal touch to the piece. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide will provide you with the essential steps to create sturdy and stylish table legs.

Materials and Tools

Materials:

Hardwood (e.g., oak, maple, walnut)
Wood glue
Clamps

Tools:

Circular saw or miter saw
Table saw or band saw
Router (optional)
Drill and drill bits
Sandpaper or sanding block
Finish of choice (e.g., stain, paint, varnish)

Step 1: Cut the Legs

Decide on the desired length and shape of the legs. If using a circular saw, mark the lengths and angles on the wood and make the cuts. If using a miter saw, set the saw to the correct angles and make the cuts.

Step 2: Create Mortises (Optional)

Mortises are holes in the bottom of the legs that will accommodate the tabletop. If desired, use a router to cut mortises that are slightly smaller than the corresponding tenons on the tabletop.

Step 3: Joint the Legs

To attach the legs to the tabletop, you will need to create joints. Common joint options include dowels, biscuits, or mortise and tenon joints. For dowels, drill holes in both the legs and tabletop and insert dowels. For biscuits, use a biscuit joiner to cut slots into the legs and tabletop and insert biscuits. For mortise and tenon joints, cut mortises in the legs and corresponding tenons on the tabletop.

Step 4: Assemble the Legs

Apply wood glue to the joints and assemble the legs. Use clamps to hold the assembly together while the glue dries.

Step 5: Trim and Sand

Once the glue is dry, trim any excess wood from the joints and sand the legs smooth. Start with coarse sandpaper and gradually switch to finer grits until the surface is even and free of splinters.

Step 6: Finishing

Apply a finish of your choice to the legs to protect them from moisture and enhance their appearance. You can stain, paint, or varnish the legs to match the tabletop or create a contrasting effect.