How to Make Folding Wooden Table Legs

When you add folding wooden table legs to a craft or hobby table, you create a versatile piece of furniture that can be stored away compactly when it is not needed. A wooden folding table makes a strong, sturdy surface for craft work. If you take care to make it beautiful as well as functional, it can serve as a dining table for extra guests during holiday visits and special occasions. Follow these guidelines to add folding wooden table legs to a wooden table for crafts or hobbies.

Step 1: Finish the Wooden Table Top and Legs

Paint or stain your table's components to match or contrast with the dark brass finish of the leg brackets.

Step 2: Measure and Mark the Folding Leg Locations

Measure precisely where you want each folding leg to be placed. Put them close enough to the edge of the table that they do not protrude beyond it when folded. Mark the location of each leg with a pencil on the underside of the table top.

Step 3: Check the Folding Leg Brackets

Be sure that for each folding leg bracket you have 2 panels with flat sides and 3 screw holes. Each bracket should have a spring-loaed bar that is used to lock the leg bracket into place when it is extended. The bracket should look like an L with 2 curved side panels at the joint. If any of the leg brackets are missing pieces or do not fold and extend properly, return them for replacement brackets before you begin assembly of the table legs.

Step 4: Measure for Placement of Folding Leg Brackets

Measure the top of each leg to fit the bracket onto it. When extended, the bracket top attached to the table should be flat against the top of the leg. Mark the bracket screw holes on the leg and the table top with a pencil, and attach the bracket to the leg first, then to the table top. Double check all your measurements before drilling any screw holes into the legs or the table. Check as well that each leg folds down along a unique side of the table top, and that they will be perpendicular to it when extended out.

Step 5: Attach the Legs to the Table Top

Lay the table top down on the floor with its underside up. Align each leg with the pilot holes you drew in pencil on the table top. Drill the holes for the brackets into the table legs first. Attach the bracket segment to the leg, then its complement to the underside of the table. Repeat the measuring, alignment and attaching process for each leg.

Step 6: Add Rubber Caps to Each Table Leg

Put a rubber cap on the end of each table leg. This will keep the wooden legs from scratching the table base and protect your floors from scratches and gouges, too.