How to Brace Table Legs

You can install braces on the four legs of a table in less than an hour.

1. Turn the table upside down so the surface is flat on the floor.

2. Measure the thickness of the table legs and the side edges. Mounting screws for the braces should be at least 1/4 inch shorter than the thickness of the table to prevent the screw points from protruding through the other side.

3. Measure the depth of the table sides from the bottom of the side to the underside of the table surface. This is the maximum length of the brace that will work for your table. Generally, the farther away from the top of the table that the brace can be installed on the legs, the stronger the brace will be.

4. Use the table measurements to buy metal braces with predrilled holes from a hardware store.

5. Insert an L-shaped brace in the inside corners of the four legs so that the braces rest flat against the table edges and each leg.

6. Drill a starter hole for the screws through the holes in the leg braces, using a drill bit 1/8 inch smaller than the diameter of the screws. For example, if the leg braces come with 1/4-inch screws, drill pilot holes using a 1/8-inch drill bit. This smaller hole will give the screws more bite into the table legs and sides.

7. Hold the braces inside each leg corner while screwing the braces in place with the mounting screws.

8. Turn the table right-side up.