Live edge tables are one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that invite the raw beauty of nature inside our home. But such tables may have legs that are not of the same length which gives the table a shaky base and might be inconvenient and at times even dangerous. Regardless of the type of table, be it a custom live edge dining table, or a live edge coffee table, or even a live edge kitchen table, it is essential to level all the legs. In this guide, you will learn how to level the legs on live edge tables that are wobbling so you can keep your custom live edge tables a stunning attraction in your house.
Why Do Legs Become Uneven?
Uneven legs on live edge tables can happen due to several reasons:
- Manufacturing Inconsistencies: It is possible that there could be minor defects in some of the tables since they are hand-crafted.
- Flooring Issues: Protruding floorboards and other imperfections in floors make the table uneven.
- Wear and Tear: As time passes by, the legs can become wobbly or wear out one by one.
But, knowing the cause of the problem is half the battle won as we have seen in the analysis above.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin the process of fixing uneven legs on your live edge table, gather the following tools and materials:
- Carpenter’s level
- Tape measure
- Wood shims or adjustable leg pads
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Screws and screwdriver
- Saw (if trimming is necessary)
- Pencil
- Fixing Uneven Legs
Step 1: Evaluate the Unevenness
To begin with, it is recommended to put the table on a flat and stable surface. Carpenters’ level can be employed to identify the legs of the table that are slightly tilted. It will also assist you in recognizing certain legs that require adjustment.
Step 2: Tighten the screws and Bolts
Occasionally, it can be caused by unscrewing the screws or bolts holding the legs of the live edge kitchen table in a proper position. Inspect each leg and where you find one that is loose, tighten it. Sometimes, it is possible to eliminate small unevenness with this single operation.
Step 3: Find the difference
With the help of a tape measure out the length differences between the four legs. Remember these measurements because they will be used in the next procedures.
Step 4: Use Wood Shims or Adjustable Leg Pads
For Minor Adjustments:
Position wooden shims beneath the shorter ones. Shims are thin and gradually graduated blocks of wood that can easily be piled up to the height needed.
Instead, you can fit detachable leg pads to the lower part of the legs. These pads can be screwed in and can also be adjusted to the required height of the workbench.
For Larger Adjustments:
If the difference is large then you might have to fix a piece of wood at the bottom of the short legs. Take a piece of wood of the required thickness, and the height of this piece should not exceed the thickness of the leg; apply glue agent to the bottom part of the leg and place the piece of wood on it and screw it to the leg tightly. Sanded the edges to give it a very neat and fine finish.
Step 5: Cut off the Longer Legs
If one or more of the legs is considerably longer, they may be cut to keep the height the same as the rest of the legs.
- Measuring the length of the handle that needs to be trimmed, may be done with the help of a pencil and a straight edge.
- Saw through the marked portion to the depth required, the cut should be straight and clean.
- Sand the bottom of the trimmed leg to remove any rough surface that was left on the leg after trimming it.
Step 6: Carry and Complete
After the legs of the live edge dining table are even, you may need to fasten the joints if they are loose. Some joints may have become loose, and in this case, you need to cover them with wood glue and then use some clamps to force them firmly until the glue dries. This way you can keep the legs fixed in their places.
Last of all, complete the adjustments by smoothing out any difficult-to-sand corners and putting a finish that complements the rest of the table, if necessary. This step will help the changes to complement the overall design of the table properly.
Preventative Measures
To prevent future issues with uneven legs on your live edge tables, consider the following tips:
Regular Maintenance
Tighten Screws and Bolts: Twice a month, ensure that all the screws as well as the bolts are tightened to ensure that the legs are strong.
Inspect for Wear and Tear: Check the legs from time to time and repair any damage that may be present on them.
Use of Furniture Pads
Protect Your Floors: To avoid scratching the floor and ensure it is leveled, put furniture pads under each leg of the piece of furniture. These pads can also assist in leveling the table on slightly unlevel ground by resting the leg that is lower on the pad.
Professional Help
Custom Adjustments: However, if you are not sure about these changes, it is better to ask for help from an expert. It is also advisable to consult an experienced carpenter or furniture repair personnel for advice on the level of the legs and to guarantee that the table does not wobble.
More Tips to Care for Live Edge Tables
Aside from just correcting the problems with the legs, one should take care of the condition and aesthetics of the live edge table. Here are the following additional tips that can assist you in maintaining the exceptional appearance of your table.
Regular Cleaning
Dusting: Damp clean the live edge table with a piece of cloth that has been dipped in warm water then rinsed in water to remove any dirt and grime.
Deep Cleaning: Once in a while, it is necessary to wash the legs using warm water and mild detergent on a sponge or a piece of cloth. Do not use strong chemicals such as bleach that can harm the wood finish.
Dry Immediately: It is important to dry the table after washing so that there is no water damage on the table.
Protecting the Surface
Coasters and Placemats: Coasters should be used to place the drinks and placemats used for hot foods to minimize the chances of heat, moisture, and scratching the surface of the furniture.
Tablecloths and Runners: It may be useful to place a tablecloth or runner on top for extra protection, particularly during mealtime.
Conditioning the Wood
Wood Conditioner: You should also occasionally use a wood conditioner or a furniture polish to ensure that the wood remains moist and also to increase the shine of the wood.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Ensure that the table is well placed, not under direct sunlight so that it does not fade or dry up the wood.
Conclusion
It is quite easy to level the legs of any table; be it the live edge dining table, live edge coffee table, or the live edge kitchen table. Thus, by evaluating the anomaly, applying accurate corrections, and implementing protective actions, you can make sure that your live edge table stays not only practical but also eye-catching and magnificent in your house. Just bear in mind that live edge furniture is beautiful and requires extra effort to keep its natural beauty and usefulness.
