How to Attach Table Top to Base Using Threaded Inserts

In this instructable, I show you how to attach table top to base using threaded inserts that easily disassembles.

Attaching a table top to its base securely is essential for stability and durability. Using threaded inserts is a reliable method that allows for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising strength.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial

Threaded Inserts

1/4″-20 screws 2″ long

T40 drill bit

Starbond EM-2000 Thick Glue

Drill Bit 5/16″

5/8″ Bit

Drill

Jigsaw

Disc Sander

Wood blocks are optional, but they make the process much easier in my opinion. If you prefer to not use mounting blocks, skip to the next step.

The wood mounting blocks are simple to make and serves as a connector for the table top and table bottom.

I used leftover walnut wood from the table base to cut 4 square pieces of walnut at 6” x 1.75” x 2” (L x W x H). Then, I cut these pieces with my bandsaw, but a jigsaw or handsaw works just as well.

Next, I traced the curve of the top bar on the trestle table on the square blocks of walnut and cut it on my bandsaw. This helps disguise the block of wood better, but not completely necessary.

Once they were all cut, I sanded them down on my disc sander and rounded over the edges.

This trestle base crossbar on this farmhouse table top is 2” wide and 3.5” high.

As a result, I cut the pieces of wood to be 1.5″ shorter than the crossbar on the trestle table base – 6” x 1.75” x 2” (L x W x H).

Ideally, I prefer the mounting block to have a low profile to be as close to the underside of the table top as possible without jeopardizing the strength of the mounting block.

As you can see from the picture below, the wood blocks are shorter than the trestle base crossbar.

I positioned the wood blocks in all 4 corners and clamped them in place.

I drilled 2 holes in the block of wood 1/8” longer than the block of wood in order to slightly puncture the table top and table bottom.

I drilled the first hole through the side into the table bottom. Since the thickness of the block is 1.75”, I drilled to a depth of 1 7/8”.

Then, I drilled the second hole through the top into the table. Since the height of the mounting block is 2”, I drilled to a depth of 2 1/8”.

I used a countersink bit on each hole I drilled through the mounting block. Keep in mind, this isn’t necessary.

First, I removed each block of wood and exposed the 1/8” hole on the underside of the table top and table bottom from the drill bit. The threaded inserts are 15mm long, 8mm body width, and 10.4mm total width.

To determine the drill bit size for the threaded insert, use the width of the body without the threads. So, 8mm calls for a 5/16” drill bit size.

Since I want the threaded insert to be slightly inset, I increase the length of the threaded insert from 15mm to 16mm. The measurement is 16mm or 5/8”.

Next, I use a piece of electrical tape and wrapped it around the 5/8” mark on the 5/16” drill bit. I drilled the hole as straight as possible into the table bottom and table top.

In total, I drilled 8 holes.

Place the table top upside down and secure it with clamps if needed. Position the base over the table top, aligning the clearance holes with the threaded inserts.

Insert the machine screws or bolts through the base’s clearance holes and thread them into the inserts. Tighten using a screwdriver or wrench until snug, but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping the threads or damaging the wood. Also, this allows for wood movement.

Flip the table upright and test its stability. If it wobbles, check the tightness of the screws or bolts and ensure the base is level. Make any necessary adjustments, such as sanding uneven legs or tightening connections.

In addition to attaching a table top to trestle base, I use threaded inserts for furniture levelers. The furniture levelers not only level a farmhouse dining table on an uneven floor, but they also protect the table legs with furniture glides.

Using threaded inserts to attach a table top to its base is a straightforward process that yields a strong, professional result that’s easy to assemble or disassemble as needed.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.