Thin Tops

Building a table with a thin top (15mm or less) comes with some considerations

Fixing Methods

For anything under 18mm, normal wood screws are unlikely to be suitable for fitting legs to a thin top.

Threaded Inserts

Threaded inserts work well for thinner tops. You should allow at least 1-2mm of wood thickness after drilling the hole for the insert, so with a 12mm deep insert it is possible to fix into a 14mm thick top.

Glueing a Plinth

For very thin tops, it sometimes makes sense to glue on a piece of wood (ideally 18mm minimum plywood). This not only provides an area to screw into, but also provides extra support for the top itself.

Frame Legs

If using frame legs, you can often rest thinner tops on the frame and then either use some rubber grommets, permanent double sided tape or glue to prevent the top from sliding around.

Structure & Stiffness

In addition to the challenge of fitting legs, the overall stiffness of the table is an important consideration. For legs that are individually fitted to the table, a combination of top stiffness plus table sub-frame will determine the overall table stiffness. A flexible top with no support will result in a wobbly table!

Much like the above advice on fixing, the best ways to improver stiffness are:

• Add a Plinth or build a sub-frame.

• Use frame legs which are self supporting.