A Beginner’s Guide to Installing Furniture Legs

Replacing furniture legs is one of the simplest ways to refresh a piece without buying a whole new one. It can change the style, adjust the height to suit your needs, and improve stability, all in under an hour if you’re prepared.

Here’s a step-by-step approach with the key measurements to keep in mind.

Tools and materials

• Furniture legs (pre-made or custom)
  
• Mounting plates or brackets (if not supplied with the legs)
  
• Screws (often included with the legs)
  
• Drill or screwdriver
  
• Measuring tape or ruler
  
• Pencil
  
• Level
• Stud finder (optional, for heavy furniture)
  

1.Choose the right legs

Select a style that suits the furniture and the room:

• • Tapered legs – slim, mid-century profile.
  • Hairpin legs – minimal, metal frame.
  • Block legs – square, contemporary.
  • Cabriole or bun feet – curved, traditional.

2.Prepare the base

Place the furniture on a blanket or rug to protect surfaces. The underside should be flat, clean and structurally sound. If the base is hollow or has an uneven frame, fit a timber support block at least 20 mm thick to hold the screws securely.

3.Mark the placement

Using a measuring tape and pencil, mark where each leg will be positioned. Set the legs in from the edge by about 25–50 mm for stability. For square or rectangular pieces, ensure that the opposite legs are exactly aligned by measuring from the same reference point on each side. Use a level to confirm the mounting surface is flat.

4.Fit the mounting plates (if required)

IIf the legs don’t have a built-in plate, position the mounting plate according to your markings. Drill pilot holes that are about 2–3 mm smaller than the diameter of the screws to avoid splitting the timber. Secure the plate with screws, and, for angled plates, check that the leg will lean slightly outward, not inward.

5.Attach the legs

SScrew the legs in by hand or use a wrench if they are equipped with a bolt mount. If using screws directly into timber, hand-tighten first, then snug them up with a tool. Overtightening can split wooden legs or strip screw holes.

6.Check stability

Turn the furniture upright and test its stability by pressing down firmly. If it rocks, adjust the leg height or use felt pads to level it. For uneven floors, consider using adjustable levelling feet.

Extra tips

• Felt pads or rubber tips protect timber and tile floors.
  
• For splayed designs, use angled brackets to maintain correct geometry.
  
• For pieces over 1.5 metres long, add a central support leg to prevent sagging.
  
  

With accurate measurements, the right hardware and basic tools, fitting new furniture legs is a straightforward project that can give you a well-proportioned, stable and stylish result.