How to Design Dining Room Table Legs

Many woodworkers design their own projects. A dining room table is an involved woodworking project and the woodworker will need to design many elements including table legs. Table legs are a standard 29-inches tall. Aside from that one standard measurement, the possibilities are endless. Table legs can be round, square, rectangular, tapered or intricately carved to name a few. The key to deciding on a leg design is to consider the overall style of the table and dining room. The leg should compliment the table and room design.

Instructions

1

Place a sheet of paper on the drafting table. Mark off the overall dimensions of the table leg using a pencil and T-square. The lines should be light so that they can be erased once the leg design is complete.

2

Evaluate the size of the table and overall design style. For example, if the table were modern, you would want a square or rectangular shaped leg with clean lines. A chunky table leg is also a modern design element, so you would make the leg a bit wider than normal to anchor the table.

3

Draw in the actual lines of the table leg within the overall dimensions. Use a flexible shaft ruler to achieve any smooth curves in the leg design. Step back and look at the leg design. Consider if it appears to flow. Think about how it will look combined with the table top. Rework the design until you are satisfied.

4

Erase the overall dimensional lines with an eraser as well as any stray marks or smudges.

5

Indicate with dotted lines where the screw or other fastener will be located to fasten the leg to the top. The screw is typically two inches down from the top of the leg on the inside corner. Base the placement on the mounting hardware you selected for the table design.