How To Shorten Table Legs Evenly

Shortening table legs is a common task that many of us have to tackle at some point in our lives. Perhaps you’ve inherited a table that’s too tall for your space, or maybe you just want to give your existing furniture a new look. Whatever the reason, shortening table legs can be a daunting task, especially if you want to ensure that they are shortened evenly. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to shorten table legs evenly.

My Personal Experience

A few years ago, I inherited a beautiful dining table from my grandmother. It was a classic piece that had been in our family for generations, but unfortunately, it was too tall for my space. I knew I had to shorten the legs, but I was nervous about doing it myself. I didn’t want to damage the table, and I definitely didn’t want to end up with uneven legs.

After doing some research and consulting with a few experts, I was able to successfully shorten the legs of my table evenly. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and I was able to preserve the beauty and integrity of the table. Since then, I’ve shared my knowledge with friends and family who have also successfully shortened their table legs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Materials:

Tape measure
Pencil
Circular saw or hand saw
Sandpaper
Wood glue (optional)

Steps:

Measure the length of the table legs that you want to shorten. Use the tape measure to mark the new length on each leg with a pencil.
Cut each leg at the marked point using a circular saw or hand saw. Make sure to cut the legs as straight and evenly as possible.
Sand the cut ends of the legs until they are smooth and even.
If desired, apply a small amount of wood glue to the cut ends of the legs before reattaching them to the table. This will help to ensure a secure fit.
Reattach the legs to the table using the original hardware or new hardware if necessary.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Take your time and measure twice before cutting.
Use a circular saw for the most precise cuts.
If you’re not comfortable using power tools, a hand saw will also work.
Sand the cut ends of the legs until they are completely smooth.
Consider using wood glue to ensure a secure fit.
Test the table for stability after shortening the legs.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Consider painting or staining the table legs to match the rest of the table.
If you’re shortening the legs significantly, you may need to adjust the height of the chairs as well.
Make sure that the shortened legs are even before reattaching them to the table.

Pros and Cons

Shortening table legs can be a great way to give new life to an old piece of furniture. It’s a relatively simple project that can be done with just a few tools. However, there are a few potential downsides to consider. If you’re not careful, you could damage the table or end up with uneven legs. Additionally, if you’re shortening the legs significantly, you may need to adjust the height of the chairs as well.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m very happy with the results of shortening the legs of my dining table. The process was easier than I thought it would be, and the table looks great in my space. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone who wants to update their furniture without spending a lot of money. However, I would caution anyone who is not comfortable using power tools to seek help from a professional.

FAQs

Q: Can I shorten the legs of any type of table?

A: In general, yes. However, some tables may be more difficult to work with than others. For example, if your table has intricate details or is made from a particularly hard wood, it may be more challenging to shorten the legs.

Q: How much should I shorten the legs?

A: This will depend on your personal preference and the height of your chairs. In general, you’ll want to shorten the legs just enough to make the table level with your chairs.

Q: Do I need to adjust the height of the chairs as well?

A: If you’re shortening the legs significantly, you may need to adjust the height of the chairs as well. However, if you’re only shortening the legs by an inch or two, you probably won’t need to make any adjustments to the chairs.