How To: Build A Turned Leg Table Base
Since being dubbed “the table queen” on social media, I often get questions about how I build some of my popular style tables. One of them being the turned leg table that has been pretty popular amongst the “farmhouse” crowd but you can also dress this up or dress it down depending on what style you’re going for. In this post I am going to share with you how I build the base for these tables and how you can too!
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The first step in building this style table base is obtaining the turned table legs. I have a lathe and can turn my own legs, but I prefer to save time and money by purchasing these turned legs. A set of 4 is less than $180 and are already sanded and ready for paint or stain!
Once you have the table legs, the next step is making the “apron”. This is done easily by using several 2×4’s cut to length and sanded smooth. The turned legs have a 5 inch block at the top so when measuring for the length your apron needs to be, you will want to subtract the thickness of the legs (10 inches) plus an inch overhang for the table top from the total desired length and width you want your table to be. So subtract exactly a foot both ways. I am building a 10ft x 3.5ft ( 120″ x 42″) table here so my apron pieces will be cut at 9ft and 2.5ft or 108″ x 30″.
Once you have all 4 of your apron pieces cut from 2×4’s you will then drill pocket holes in each end using your Kreg jig pocket hole system. This is how we will attach the aprons to the legs with wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws.
I like to inset the apron 1/2″ on the table legs. I feel that this gives a nice little detail versus making them flush with the leg. Before attaching, make sure everything has been sanded smooth at least to 150 grit. I like to start with attaching the ends together first.
And then attaching the longer side pieces to complete the frame of the base. It’s starting to look like something! But we’re not stopping here. We still have to add some support pieces to bulk it up and make it nice and strong.
The first type of supports we are going to add to the base will be corner supports for the legs. These are cut at 45 degree angles on both ends and attached to the apron pieces with more wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws. This will ensure the leg doesn’t twist or bow from its position adding stability.
The next type of supports or bracing we will add are the cross bracing pieces. Since this is such a long table, I am adding 3. One in the middle and one splitting the difference of each half. So there are 4 evens sections.
Once those brace pieces are all added you are DONE!! The only thing you have to do now is decide if you want to paint or stain it! And of course add a top.
If this article helped you, or if you have built a base I would love to hear/see! Please tag or message me on Instagram 🙂 That is the best way to reach me!
*We use affiliate links to support our blog and help our readers find exactly what they are looking for. By using our chosen links in this blog, we do earn a commission. Thank you!*
