How To Attach Table Top To Pedestal Base: 3 Clear Methods Explained

Figuring out how to attach table top to pedestal base doesn't have to be stressful. To attach table top to pedestal base properly, you’ll need to pick the right method for your table type, gather the correct tools, and follow a few simple steps that anyone can handle. Maybe your table has been wobbling for months, or perhaps you just bought a beautiful new top that needs to be attached to your existing base. Either way, you'll find a method here that works for your situation and skill level.

Lumber Grand will show you three different ways to make this connection: some use thread inserts and bolts, others don't require any drilling at all. By the time you're done reading, you'll know exactly which approach works best for your table and have the confidence to tackle this project yourself. Read more!

Key Takeaways to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base

• What you'll need: Basic tools like a drill, bolts, threaded inserts, and threadlocker glue for the standard method. For no-screw options, you'll need construction adhesive, wooden dowels, or heavy-duty double-sided tape. Most tools are common household items with minimal costs.
• Why threaded inserts work best: Threaded nuts and bolts are ideal to create the strongest, most professional connection. Unlike permanent adhesive methods, you can easily separate the top from the base without damage.
• How long does this take: About 20-30 minutes for the threaded insert method once you start. The process involves marking 4 positions, drilling pilot holes, installing inserts with threadlocker, and securing with bolts. 
• What we'll show you: We'll walk you through 3 different attachment methods, including threaded insert approach and adhesive-only options that require no drilling. Plus, we cover the 3 biggest mistakes (too much glue, skipping pilot holes, wrong centering) and exactly how to avoid them for a rock-solid table.

How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base in 3 Most Famous Methods

If you are renewing your old furniture or even making a new DIY table, attaching the table top to pedestal base seems to be a skillful technique that requires a professional hand. However, you are in right place since this guide is going to provide everything you need to prepare and do with and without brackets, screws, and even drills.

Important Tools You’ll Need to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base:

• Essential tools:
  • Threaded inserts (metal pieces with threads inside)
  • Bolts (screws that will hold everything together)
    A drill with different-sized bits
  • Threadlocker glue (keeps things from coming loose)
  • Screwdriver
  • Brackets
  • Clamps
  • A measuring tape
  • A pencil
• Protective gear:
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Safety gloves
  • Dust mask (not necessary but recommended)
  • Hearing protection (for power tools)
• Nice to have:
  • Work Light (For better performance in the dark)
  • Cleaning Cloth (For removing dust or stains)

1. Method 1: How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base With Thread Inserts and Bolt (Simplest One)

If you own a pedestal base that has a metal plate on top with holes already drilled in it, you're in luck, as this first method is perfect for you. That metal plate is there for one reason: to make attaching your table top simple and strong. Here is how to attach it to table top:

1.1 Step 1: Mark 4 Insert Locations on Table Underside

You flip your table top upside down on a soft surface like a blanket. Take a look at your pedestal base and see where the holes are that will connect to the table. After that, you mark those same spots on the underside of your table with a pencil. Please make sure they're centered in this so your table won't wobble.

1.2 Step 2: Drill 8 — 9 mm Pilot Holes to Half-Depth (For 10mm Inserts):

The important thing is that your drill bit needs to be 1-2mm smaller than your threaded inserts. So if your insert is 10 mm wide, you should use an 8 mm or 9 mm drill bit. This makes the hole just tight enough that the insert will grip properly. Then, you drill about halfway through the thickness of your table top, not all the way through.

1.3 Step 3: Install 4 Threaded Inserts with Blue Threadlocker: 

We put a small drop of threadlocker glue on each threaded insert before you screw it in. They’re well-known for keeping everything from working loose over time. Screw each insert into the holes you just drilled. Don’t wait until the glue dries. You should immediately turn clockwise until they sit flush with the wood surface.

1.4 Step 4: Test-Fit Pedestal Base Alignment with All 4 Holes:

You place pedestal base under the table and line up its holes with the threaded inserts you just installed. Everything should match up perfectly.

1.5 Step 5: Secure Pedestal Base with 4 Bolts (Hand-Tight + 1/4 Turn): 

In the 5th step, you push your bolts through the holes in the pedestal base and screw them into the threaded inserts. Tighten them snug, but don't overdo it because you don't want to strip the threads or crack your table.

1.6 Step 6: Level Check and Stability Test

Lastly, we flip the table right-side up and give it a gentle shake. Do you feel solid or wobbly? In case of woodble, you should have a level to make sure the top is even. That's it! You've just created a strong connection that will last for years. 

You might like: How to Attach Metal Legs to a Wood Table Top

The best part of using thread Inserts and bolts is that if you ever need to take them apart, you can just unscrew the bolts, and everything comes apart cleanly. That’s why Lumber Grand experts prioritize this method as the simplest way that anyone can follow. 

2. Method 2: How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base Without Screws

There are several easy ways for how to attach table top to base without screws. Instead of screws, you’ll need to prepare for these tools:

• Construction adhesive (e.g., PL Premium, Titebond)
• Dowels, wooden buttons, sliding dovetails
• Clamps (for adhesive methods)
• Chisel, router, or drill (for joinery methods)
• Pencil/measuring tape (for alignment)

2.1 Case 1: Using Titebond Wood Glue and Wooden Dowels

This is probably the easiest method for most people. Here's how you can do it:

• Step 1: Buy Titebond wood glue from your local hardware store. You'll also need wooden dowels (those are just round wooden sticks).
• Step 2: Drill holes in your pedestal base that match the size of your dowel. After that, you pour wood glue into the dowels and push them into these holes, and they should fit nicely.
• Step 3: You continue drilling matching holes in the bottom of your wood table top.
• Step 4: Spread the wood glue evenly across the top of your pedestal base
• Step 5: We carefully lower your table top onto the base. The dowels will slide into the holes and help keep everything aligned perfectly.
• Step 6: Let the glue dry completely before you use your table. This process usually takes about 24 hours.

2.2 Case 2: Sliding Dovetails (For the More Experienced)

This next case of how to attach table top to pedestal Base creates the strongest connection, but it requires you to have more woodworking skills. If you're comfortable with precise cutting, here's how it works:

• Step 1: First, we cut dovetail-shaped slots into your base. A dovetail looks like a trapezoid - it’s wider at the bottom than at the top.
• Step 2: You continue to cut matching dovetail pieces into the bottom of your table top. These need to be very precise to work properly, so you should take your time with measurements.
• Step 3:  Test fit everything first. The dovetail pieces should slide smoothly but snugly into the slots.
• Step 4: When done right, you slide the table top onto the base, and it will lock in place with a satisfying and solid connection.

3. Method 3: How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base Without Drilling

Some people, mostly beginners, may think that it’s impossible to make a table without a drill. However, we are here to prove that it’s not right. So, if you don’t have any drills in the toolbox, here are the 4 simple tools: 

• Industrial-strength adhesive (construction adhesive (e.g., Liquid Nails, PL Premium) or two-part epoxy for heavy-duty bonding)
• Heavy-duty double-sided tape
• Clamps or heavy weights
• Rubber pads or friction grips

Here's a simple way to attach table top without drilling in just 4 steps that anyone can do:

• Step 1: You wipe down the top of your pedestal base and the bottom of your table with rubbing alcohol.
• Step 2: Secondly, you put some good double-sided tape or construction adhesive on top of your pedestal base. If you're using tape, go with the heavy-duty kind like 3M VHB tape.
• Step 3: Slowly lower your table top onto the base, and please make sure it's centered exactly where you want it. Then, you press down firmly and hold it for 30-60 seconds to create initial adhesion. 
• Step 4: Finally, we put some heavy books or boxes on top of the joint and leave everything alone for at least 12 hours, preferably a full day. Don't try to use the table before then, or you'll mess up the bond.

3 Must-Know Mistakes When Attaching Table Top to Pedestal Base 

It is unusual to make mistakes while renewing old furniture or even making DIY products, especially when you’re a beginner. What you need to do is just acknowledge these common mistakes and prevent them as much as possible.

1. Applying Too Much Glue or Adhesive

After reading about how to attach table top to pedestal base, some may think that an abundance of glue can help the table be more stable and strong. However, that’s not right. Too much adhesive can ruin the table’s finish and weaken adhesion over time. It’s even worse when the glue oozes out, which reduces the aesthetic of the tabletop.

The advice is that you just need an adequate amount of glue or adhesive, and avoid putting too much to prevent overuse.

2. Skipping Pilot Holes

This is one of the most common mistakes when people follow the how to attach table top to pedestal base guide. It’s easy to think that the pilot holes are not necessary due to the adhesive and glue. In contrast, without drilling holes, you may risk weakening the table or splitting the wood.

3. Wrong Centering

Measuring the center of the tabletop by the naked eye seems to be a time-saving way, but that careless method could lead to wobbling and instability. So, instead of just looking, we recommend you use the measuring tape to count and decide the pilot holes.

FAQs

1. How to Attach Round Table Top to Pedestal Base Without Screws?

The easiest method to attach round table top to pedestal base without screws is construction adhesive with wooden dowels. You just need to glue and insert dowels into your base, then line up your table top and press it down.

Another way is to make wooden buttons that slide into grooves you cut in the base. These hold everything together but let the wood move naturally.

2. How to Secure a Tabletop to Base?

The most common way to secure a table top to base is with screws from underneath, but if you can't do that, there are other good options.

• Furniture brackets work really well because they attach to the underside of your table and hook or clamp onto the base.
• Heavy-duty double-sided tape can work for lighter tables, but make sure it's the kind made for furniture. Regular tape won't hold up.
• For heavier tables, you can try using furniture clamps or clips that grab the edge of the table top and connect to the base. These are adjustable and work with different table thicknesses.

3. How To Attach Marble Table Top To Metal Base Without Screws?

With marble, you definitely don’t want to drill holes, as that is asking for cracks. Hence, the best way to attach marble table top to metal base without screws is to use special adhesive pads made for stone and metal. These are thick, rubbery pads that stick to both surfaces and can handle weight.

Silicone adhesive also works well between marble and metal. Another option is using marble mounting clips that grip the edge of the stone without drilling into it. These hook onto the marble edge and bolt to your metal base.

4. How to Attach Glass Table Top to Base?

Glass needs special care because it can break if you put too much stress on it. Never try to clamp or squeeze glass tops because they'll crack. So, the safest and best way to attach glass table top to base is to use glass table top bumpers or pads. These are soft, clear pads that stick to your base and cushion the glass. 

How to Attach Table Top to Pedestal Base: Guide Ends Here

From now on, say goodbye to the wobble and glue-messed tables with no more second-guessing. Lumber Grand offers everything you need, from custom epoxy tables for your own to perfectly finished tables in different sizes, colors, and shapes.

In general, you’ve got all the skillful methods of how to attach table top to pedestal base with tools like screws, drills, etc, and even how to make a table without them. Besides, if you want more furniture repair and DIY tips, check out our other articles on building and fixing furniture. And if you run into any problems with your table attachment project, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you get it right.