Hairpin Leg Build Guide

A complete build guide for our Hairpin Legs.

You can download a PDF copy of this build guide here

Installation

What You’ll Need

We’ve included wood screws with your legs, which are ideal for tabletops 18mm or thicker. For thinner materials or additional flexibility, you may consider using threaded inserts or bolts.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Position the Legs

   • Place the legs on your tabletop.

     • Exact leg positioning is not critical to performance and is usually more of an asthetic choice.

     • If you are unsure, we suggest around a 50mm gap between the edge of the base plate and the table edge for a balanced look and skirting board clearance.

   • Legs should be angled with the taper pointing outwards.

2. Mark the Pilot Holes

   • Use the base plate of the leg as a template to mark the hole positions with a pencil.

3. Drill Pilot Holes

   • For the provided screws, use a 2mm - 3mm drill bit to make a pilot hole. This step is more important in hard woods to prevent splitting.

   • Tip: Wrap sticky tape around the drill bit at the desired depth to avoid drilling through your tabletop.

4. Attach the Legs

   • To secure the screws into the pilot holes, use a pozidrive screwdriver or bit. Ideally, use a #2 pozidrive, for the provided screws. However, most pozidrive or crosshead screwdrivers will work effectively. Be aware that using a screwdriver that is too small or too large may prevent you from tightening the screws properly.

---

Other Fixing Options

The provided wood screws are best in most situations, however there might be times where you want to use something different.

Longer Screws

If you are building a larger table and have extra thickness in the top to work with, increasing the length of your screws can be a good idea. This can provide a more durable fixing, especially in wood that is especially soft or instances where the wood might not be totally sound. i.e. reclaimed timber with pockets of rot. If increasing the length of the screws, we suggest using a size #10 - #12 , or 4.5 - 5.5mm.

Threaded Inserts

This involves fitting a metal thread into the table top, allowing a machine bolt to used to fit the legs to the top.

A common misconception with threaded inserts is that they are stronger. Generally a wood screw is going to be the strongest option for fitting.

Threaded inserts excel in situations where either the wood or top material is too thin or is made of something that does not take screws well (i.e. stone) or where the legs need to be removed and replaced many times over their lifespan.

Read more about threaded inserts here.

Through Bolts

Through bolts can be used in place of inserts, for materials that are difficult to work with. For example, glass tops often use through bolts for the strongest mechanical fixing. The bolts are very much visible so specifying the best ones to fit in with the design is critical.

Finishing Your Legs (Raw Steel)

Generally we suggest buying out coated legs to ensure a long lasting finish. However if you choose raw steel and wish to finish them yourself, here are some options:

Painting

Achieve a durable, professional finish with these steps:

• Cleaning: Use WD-40 and a scour pad to remove dirt, then degrease with acetone.

• Primer: Apply 2 thin coats of an acid etch primer designed for metal, letting each coat dry thoroughly.

• Top Coat: After 24 hours, apply 2–3 thin coats of automotive spray paint. Allow 24–48 hours to dry before installation.

• Tip: For metallic finishes, try the Valspar range for copper or gold tones.

Penetrating Oil

For a natural, robust finish:

• Apply a penetrating oil like Owatrol with a rag. This fills the metal’s surface to prevent rust and maintains a raw steel appearance.

• Tip: Avoid linseed oil—it dries slowly and may leave a yellow tint.

Wax

Preserve the natural character of bare steel with furniture wax:

• Apply to clean, dry legs, then buff for a subtle sheen.

• Note: Wax is best for indoor use and light-duty applications.

• Tip: Clear bowling alley wax works great on steel!

Maintenance

To keep your legs looking great:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust.

• Reapply Finishes: If you used oil or wax, reapply every few years as needed.