How to Add Legs to Furniture – Simple DIY Instructions

Introduction

Want to give your old furniture piece a stylish makeover? Adding legs to a dresser, nightstand, or any other piece of furniture is an easy way to instantly elevate its look and function. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to add legs to furniture with simple DIY instructions. This project is perfect for DIY enthusiasts who are interested in upcycling or restoring old furniture to give it a new lease of life. The best part is that it requires minimal materials and tools – some of which you might already have around the house!

Which Kind of Legs Suit Your Furniture Style and Weight?

The first thing you need to do when planning to add legs to furniture is to choose the right kind of legs. The furniture legs you choose will depend on the style and weight of your furniture piece. For instance, solid wood furniture may require robust wood legs or metal furniture legs that can handle weight. Dresser legs that are too lightweight for a heavy piece of furniture might lead to instability.

You can find a wide variety of furniture legs on Amazon, or even on Pinterest, where you can get plenty of design inspiration. From vintage to modern, the choices are endless. As a DIY enthusiast, I can suggest some suitable legs for different types of furniture. Make sure to select furniture feet that will not only support the weight of your furniture but also complement its style.

Gather Necessary Supplies Like Mounting Plates and Hardware

Now that you’ve selected your furniture legs, it’s time to gather the rest of your supplies. Apart from the legs, you’ll need mounting plates or brackets, screws, a hammer, and glue. You might also need a t-nut and a metal plate if your chosen legs require them.

Mounting plates are essential for adding legs to furniture as they provide a secure base for the legs. Brackets can also come in handy if your furniture’s base is not flat or if you’re adding legs to a piece that didn’t have them before, like a dresser. If you’re unsure about what hardware to get, look for tutorials or consult the seller of your furniture legs. Often, the legs come with specific instructions about the type of hardware needed.

Remove Any Existing Skirting or Bottom Panels

To add legs to furniture, you need to prepare the bottom of your piece. If your furniture piece has existing skirting or bottom panels, you’ll need to remove them. This is an essential step when adding legs to a dresser or other pieces of furniture, as it ensures a flat and stable base for the new legs.

Ensure you handle the piece carefully, especially if it’s an old furniture piece made of solid wood or particleboard. The removal process might take a long time, but patience is key to avoiding damage to your furniture.

Attach Mounting Plates Securely to Furniture Base

After you have prepared the base of the dresser or other furniture piece, it’s time to attach the mounting plates. This step is crucial in learning how to add legs to furniture, as it provides the necessary support to ensure stability.

Ensure that the plates are centered and aligned properly on the bottom of your furniture. Use a pencil to mark the holes, then proceed to attach the plates using the right screws. Remember to secure them tightly; loose screws might lead to wobbly furniture legs. If your plates require it, you can also add a t-nut or a metal plate for additional support.

Follow Leg Manufacturer’s Instructions for Proper Installation

After attaching the mounting plates, it’s time to add the furniture legs. Each type of leg may have a specific installation method, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, most legs simply screw into the installed plates. Use a firm grip to ensure the legs are securely fastened, but be careful not to overtighten, which could cause damage.

Whether you’re adding legs to a dresser or any other furniture, always remember to handle the piece carefully. If you’re having trouble or if you’re unsure about a step, consider referring to tutorials or reaching out to the seller for advice.

Allow Clearance for Floors and Ensure Stability

One of the crucial aspects when adding legs to furniture is to consider the clearance from the floor. Not only does this add to the aesthetic appeal of the furniture piece, but it also ensures functionality. Adequate clearance can help prevent the bottom of your furniture from scraping against carpets or being too low for vacuuming.

After attaching the legs, check the stability of your furniture piece. If it wobbles, you might need to adjust the legs or add some shims to level it out. Ensuring stability is a crucial step in how to add legs to furniture, especially if you’re adding legs to a dresser or similar large pieces.

Consider Adding Decorative Elements Like Casters or Caps

Adding legs to furniture can also be an opportunity to enhance the piece’s overall look. Consider adding decorative elements like casters or caps to the legs. Casters can provide mobility, a perfect feature for pieces like nightstands or coffee tables. Meanwhile, caps can add a refined finish to your furniture legs and help protect your floors.

You can find a variety of these accessories on Amazon. As a DIY enthusiast, I can suggest some options that would work best with your chosen furniture legs.

Check Alignment and Make Any Adjustments Needed

Now that you’ve successfully added legs to your furniture, take a step back and inspect your work. Check the alignment of the legs to ensure they’re even. If your furniture seems to be tilting or if it’s unstable, it might indicate that the legs are not aligned correctly.

To check the alignment, measure the height from the floor to the base of the dresser on all four corners. If the measurements don’t match, you may need to make adjustments. This might involve loosening the screws, realigning the legs, and then retightening. Taking the time to make these adjustments is critical in ensuring that your furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe to use.

Add Protective Pads to Avoid Scratching Floors

Once you’re satisfied with the alignment and stability of your furniture piece, the next step is to add protective pads to the bottom of your furniture legs. This is an essential step when learning how to add legs to furniture, as it helps to prevent scratches or damage to your flooring.

These protective pads come in different sizes and materials and can be found on Amazon or any home improvement store. They are easy to install – typically, they just stick to the bottom of the furniture feet. Adding these pads is a simple yet effective way to protect your floors while also reducing noise when moving furniture.

Finish Legs to Match Furniture for a Cohesive Look

Finally, consider finishing your new furniture legs to match the rest of your piece. This could involve staining wood legs to match a solid wood furniture piece or painting metal legs to coordinate with a modern aesthetic. DIY dresser legs, for example, can be finished to match the dresser for a cohesive look.

Remember, the goal of adding legs to furniture is not just to increase the functionality of the piece, but also to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, taking the time to finish the legs can make your furniture piece truly stand out.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Furniture’s New Found Style and Added Functionality

And there you have it – a detailed guide on how to add legs to furniture! With some patience and the right tools, you can transform any piece of furniture, giving it a stylish makeover while adding to its functionality.

Whether you’re adding legs to a dresser or another type of furniture, remember that the process takes time. Don’t rush – the end result is worth the effort! Enjoy your new piece of furniture, and don’t forget to share your DIY experience on Pinterest or Amazon reviews. It might inspire others to undertake similar projects and breathe new life into their old furniture pieces. Happy DIY-ing!