How to Attach Legs to a Table: 6 Easy & Practical Methods from Experts

To attach legs to a table, you screw metal mounting plates to the underside of the top for the fastest result, or install threaded inserts and bolts for the strongest removable connection. Place each leg at least 2 inches from the edge. Always use slotted screw holes or figure-8 fasteners so the wood can expand and contract without cracking.

That answer covers most projects. However, the best table leg attachment methods still depend on your table's weight, style, and whether you ever plan to take it apart. So, let's look at each option in detail since we cover up to 7 table leg attachment methods, which start with the easiest one and work up to traditional joinery.

What is the Best Way to Attach Legs to a Table?

The best way to attach legs to a table depends on the table type (wood, epoxy, metal), leg style, etc. Before you pick a method, it’s vital to think about a few things: 

• What kind of table are you making?

• How do you plan to use it?

• How much weight will this table need to hold? 

• Will you ever need to take it apart to move? 

• How much time do you want to spend on this project?

Most of the time, threaded inserts or good mounting plates will give you a table that's plenty strong and looks professional. Here is the cheat sheet:

Parts to Assemble a Leg to Table: What You Need

First things first, let’s gather your parts to assemble a leg to table. Most methods use some combination of this table leg mounting hardware:

• Metal mounting plates (top plates): Flat plates that screw into the underside of the top

• Hanger bolts: Double-ended bolts with wood threads on one side and machine threads on the other

• Threaded inserts: Small metal tubes with internal threads that sit inside the table top

• Mounting blocks or cleats: Solid wood blocks that give legs a stronger anchor point

• Figure-8 fasteners and Z-clips: Small connectors that hold the top while allowing wood movement

• Wood screws: #8 or #10 screws for plates and blocks

• Drill, drill bits, masking tape, measuring tape, and a pencil

You likely own most of the tools already. Now let's put them to work.

How to Attach Legs to a Table: 7 Methods from Easiest to Most Advanced

We ordered these table leg attachment methods from beginner-friendly to advanced. Start at the top if this is your first build. Skip ahead if you already know your way around a drill. 

We’ve tried many ways for table leg attachment and finally picked these 6 easy techniques with parts to assemble a leg to table. Let’s see which one works best for your current tables!

Method 1: Direct Screw Attachment (Easiest)

Why is screwing legs directly into the table the simplest way? Because you literally just screw them in. No extra pieces, no support blocks, no measuring complicated parts. With small furniture like side tables or lightweight desks, this method is quick and gets the job done. 

Here is how to attach legs to a table DIY with screws:

• Step 1: Flip your table top upside down on a soft blanket

• Step 2: Mark each leg position at least 2 inches in from the edges

• Step 3: Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screws

• Step 4: Screw each leg or leg plate into place.

Direct screw is the simplest how to attach table legs to a table

Photo: Freepik

Note: Wood gets bigger when it's humid and smaller when it's dry. So, if you just screw legs straight into the wood without thinking about this, your table top will probably crack and split when the wood tries to move. That's why we usually don't recommend doing this for tables you want to keep for years.

Best for: small side tables, nightstands, and temporary furniture. 

Read more: How to Attach Slab Legs to a Table Top

Method 2: Metal Plates (Surface Plates) as The Beginner's Favorite 

Metal plates are the quickest answer to how to attach table legs to a table top without special skills. The flat plate screws into the underside of your top. Then the leg twists into the plate's 5/16" exposed thread like a big bolt. That's all you need to do.

Additionally, if your legs come with hanger bolts pre-installed, the job takes minutes. This is also our top answer for how to attach legs to a table without an apron, because the plates work directly on the flat underside with no frame required. 

What we love is that you don't require special tools or advanced woodworking knowledge. So, they're perfect for beginners and weekend projects.

Here is how to use metal legs to attach legs to a table:

• Step 1: Position each plate 2 inches in from the table edges and trace the outline

• Step 2: Drill pilot holes for the plate screws

• Step 3: Screw the plates into the underside of the top. You should choose plates with slotted screw holes so the wood can move with the seasons.

• Step 4: Thread each leg into its plate and hand-tighten firmly

Metal plates create a strong and stable connection with minimal effort

Photo: Freepik

Best for: Small to medium tables without aprons, Mid-Century Modern designs, epoxy coffee tables, end tables, and desks with wooden desk legs under 25".

Quick tips

• If you’re using angled plates, please make sure they match your leg slant exactly, especially for mid-century-style angles (typically 8 — 15 degrees).

• Always drill pilot holes first to avoid cracking the wood

• For softer woods, you should use slightly smaller pilot holes for better screw grip.

Method 3: Threaded Inserts and Bolts as a Flexible Table Leg Attachment Method

Threaded inserts are what we use in our own shop when a customer needs legs that come off for shipping. If you want to know how to attach table legs with bolts the professional way, this is the method. They're perfect if you ever need to move your table or store it somewhere.

Here's how it works. You screw a small metal tube (the insert) into your table top. Then, a bolt in the leg threads directly into that tube. The connection handles serious weight, and it never strips out, even after many rounds of removal and reassembly. 

If you're wondering how to attach legs to a table DIY, this way gives you something that's just as strong and professional-looking as store-bought furniture.

• Step 1: Mark the center of each leg position on the underside of the top

• Step 2: Drill a hole that matches your insert's width, at least 13/16" deep, and preferably 1" or more

• Step 3: Coat the insert's outer threads with a small amount of epoxy or wood glue, then drive it in flush.

• Step 4: Install a hanger bolt into the top of each leg

• Step 5: Thread each leg into its insert until snug

Threaded inserts and bolts hold strong and let you remove legs anytime

Photo: Lumber Grand

Technical specifications: Standard insert sizes are 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18, and 3/8"-16. We recommend steel inserts over brass for hard use.

Best for: Heavy epoxy tables, conference tables, knockdown furniture, and repairs of stripped screw holes.

Method 4: Mounting Blocks for Heavy-Duty Solution

Mounting blocks are small chunks of solid wood that you attach underneath your table in the corners. 

They act as professional-grade table leg mounting hardware, because they give the leg a much bigger anchor than the top alone. We reach for them on dining tables, workbenches, and restaurant furniture that takes daily abuse. 

Here is how to attach legs on a table with mounting blocks:

• Step 1: Position one block at each corner, 2 inches in from the edges.

• Step 2: Screw each block to the underside through its pre-drilled countersunk holes. Your top should be at least 1" thick for solid screw engagement.

• Step 3: Install a ⅜" x 2 ½" hanger bolt into each leg, leaving about ¾" of thread exposed.

• Step 4: Thread each leg into the insert at the center of its block 

How to attach legs to a table with mounting blocks

Photo: Freepik

It’s good to know: Blocks add about ¾" to your table height, so plan your leg length around that. If you’re working with a thinner top, check our guide on how thick a dining table top should be first. 

Best for: Big dining tables, kitchen islands, round tables, and any table without an apron that needs to be rock solid. This is also a strong option for attaching 4x4 legs to table corners, and we cover the exact 4x4 steps in the FAQ below.

Method 5: Angled Cleats for Mid-Century Modern Legs

Mid-century modern tables have that classic 1960s look with legs that angle outward. Cleats make that style stable. A cleat is a thick strip of wood that runs under the table, and each cleat anchors two legs, one at each end. 

With cleats, you get the leg spacing exactly right without drilling through your beautiful top. They also work great for desks and low cabinets where the legs must line up perfectly.

Here are the steps for this table leg attachment method:

• Step 1: Cut or buy two cleats sized to your table width. Angled cleats typically come at 12 degrees for splayed legs.

• Step 2: Screw each cleat across the underside of the top. Your top should be 3/4" thick or more.

• Step 3: Install a 3/8" hanger bolt into each leg.

• Step 4: Thread the legs into the cleat ends and tighten 

Cleats work really well for attaching mid-century modern leg styles to table

Photo: Osborne Wood

Best for: Mid-century dining tables, TV stands, credenzas, and coffee tables. Browse our wood coffee tables if you want this look ready-made. 

Read more: 8 Best Wood for Table Top

Method 6: Apron with Figure-8 Fasteners or Z-Clips

An apron (also called skirting) is the wooden frame that connects all four legs just under the table top. If you are building a traditional dining table, it’s the one that gives you the most rigid base and hides all the joinery. Ask any woodworking forum about leg attachment, and this build comes up first, so we added it to this guide.

Here are the steps that you need to attach legs to a table by an apron with figure-9 fasteners or Z-Clips:

• Step 1: Cut four apron boards to connect the legs. Join each apron to the legs with pocket screws or mortise and tenon joints.

• Step 2: Flip the assembled leg-and-apron frame upside down and set the table top on it.

• Step 3: Attach the top to the apron with figure-8 fasteners or Z-clips set into small slots in the apron. These little connectors pivot slightly, so the top can expand and contract without cracking.

• Step 4: Check for racking by pushing the frame side to side. Add corner braces or a stretcher if you feel any flex.

Best for: traditional dining tables, kitchen tables, and any build where you want zero visible hardware. If your finished table still rocks, our guide on how to fix a wobbly table walks you through the fix.

Method 7: Traditional Mortise and Tenon for the Heirloom Joint

The mortise and tenon method has been around forever. We're talking about thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian furniture to old European churches. It works like a really precise puzzle piece where one part fits perfectly into another.

• The leg (or apron) has a shaped piece sticking out called a tenon

• The other piece has a matching rectangular hole called a mortise. 

6. Which Joint is Commonly Used for Joining Legs to Tables and Chairs?

The mortise and tenon joint is the strongest joint for attaching a table leg to a frame, and it has been the go-to choice for furniture makers for thousands of years. The tenon on the leg fits into a matching mortise in the frame, and the glued surface area creates a bond stronger than the wood around it.

How to Attach Legs to a Table: Guide Ends Here

Now you’ve seen 7 different ways to attach table legs, including simple screw-on plates and strong joints like mortise and tenon. In short, our advice on how to attach legs to table top:

• Use direct screws and metal plates for quick setups.

• Choose mounting blocks or cleats for extra strength and stability.

• Go with threaded inserts or hanger bolts if you need removable legs.

• Build an apron with figure-8 fasteners for a classic dining table.

• Pick mortise and tenon for furniture your grandkids will fight over.

No matter your style or skill level, knowing how to attach legs to a table gives you the freedom to build something that lasts and looks beautiful. Want more tips on table design, wood types, and finishes? Explore more guides on the Lumber Grand blog.