How to Assemble Supports for a Drop Leaf Table

A drop leaf table has one or two additional pieces that can are permanently attached and hang on the table's side or attachments that can be removed or added when needed. Since the table has additional pieces to create more tabletop surface space, extra support needs to be installed underneath the table top.

Instructions

1

Locate the metal slide support pieces. There will be one piece that has a mechanical U-shape with two flat installation surface sides with holes for screws, which is called the base piece. There will also be an additional piece that is shaped as a square tube, which is called the sliding piece.

2

Push the sliding piece in to the base pieces. The base piece will have one side that is not fully concealed, which is the top of the U-shape. This side will be placed towards the bottom of the table top, securing the sliding piece.

3

Turn the table upside down to install, so the table legs are sticking up in the air. Line up the base piece to the edge table top, but perpendicular to the edge.

4

Install the base piece of the metal support directly on the table top, but underneath the actual table top surface. Use a screwdriver and screws. The metal supports should be invisible, when the table is right-side up.

5

Insert the slide piece into the base piece, once the base piece is secured to the table.

6

Repeat the installation steps for additional metal support pieces for a drop leaf table. There should be a minimum of four metal support pieces for a drop leaf table with two additional tabletop shelves. There should be two on each side, spread evenly apart.

7

Install the hinges that will attach the drop down shelves to the table top by lining up the additional table top pieces to the appropriate sides. The hinges will provide support for the drop down shelves, when they hang unused. Install two hinges per drop down side piece and underneath the table top using screws and a screwdriver. When done, flip the table right-side up.

8

Erect the drop down shelf so it is horizontal. Pull the sliding piece half way out of the base piece and slide it underneath the drop down shelf to support it. The drop leaf table metal supports have now been assembled and installed.