Table Legs & Trestles

Table legs and trestles – what to look for when buying

1. Advantages of separate table bases
2. Table bases at a glance
3. The right height
4. The right model for your table shape
5. Summary

1. Advantages of separate table bases

Instead of choosing a ready-made table, you can create your own design piece by buying the tabletop and the table base separately. That way, you can put together a unique table that suits your space and your individual needs.

The advantage of separate table bases is flexibility and individuality when furnishing your home. If your needs change, a dining table can easily become a workspace. And if your space changes when you move house, all you need is a tabletop in a new size. You can also choose the size down to the centimetre.

2. Table bases at a glance

A table consists of a tabletop and a base. There are various types of table base to choose from.

If you choose individual design table legs, you'll need at least four (1) – or even six, depending on the width and length of the table. As a rule, the thinner the tabletop, the more legs you should use. The legs are usually attached directly to the tabletop, either screwed or glued.

An alternative is trestles (2 & 3), which usually come in sets of two. Trestles connect two table legs, making the structure more stable and able to stand on its own. Depending on the model, the tabletop can simply be placed on top and doesn't need to be fixed to the trestles. Some trestles are height-adjustable.

A table frame (4) is a base in which all four legs are connected by a frame, also known as an apron. This makes a metal table frame very stable. Your choice of tabletop is more limited, however, as the frame determines its size and shape. Some table frames are height-adjustable.

Another option is a pedestal base: a single element fixed to the centre of the underside of the tabletop. Because of the leverage involved, it's essential to choose the right size of tabletop.

Table legs and trestles made of metal or wood

Wooden table legs are tried and tested, durable and robust. Table legs or a table base made of metal allow for a more delicate design, yet are just as stable, with a high load capacity. They come in various lacquered colours and are easy to care for.

3. How high should table legs be?

The height depends first and foremost on the type of table. Different uses call for different heights. But also consider the height of the people using the table, the legroom and the height of your existing chairs.

The total height of your designer table is the height of the legs plus the thickness of the tabletop. Depending on the base, you may also need to add the height of the apron.

"When designing your own table, be sure to consider the thickness of the tabletop as well as the height of the base. Dining tables are usually about 75 cm high. So make sure the combination of tabletop and base lets you sit comfortably while eating or working." – Viktoria, interior expert

Low trestles for a bench should be no higher than 45 cm. This corresponds to the standard seat height at a table. Coffee tables are a similar height, so you could switch between a bench and a coffee table if needed.

For a standard dining table or desk, choose trestles and a tabletop that together reach a height of about 75 cm. The trestles also shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure stability.

Typical bar tables and high tables are 105–110 cm high. But bar stools with a seat height of about 65 cm – between dining table and high table height – are becoming increasingly common. You can also use the height of your kitchen worktop as a guide.

4. The right model for your table shape

Table base

Choose the table base, legs or trestles according to the length and width of the table.

Bear in mind that the table base has a major influence on the seating arrangement. Open triangular designs allow people to sit at the ends of the table, which is why they're becoming increasingly popular. This shape also provides stability for long tables.

Tabletop

The tabletop should suit the base and can be round, oval, rectangular or square. When choosing the material, consider not only its looks but also the thickness and weight of the tabletop and the load capacity of the base.

Tabletops made of marble, ceramic or metal are stable and hard-wearing. Wood is just as stable but may need some care. Glass is easy to care for and modern. Tabletops with a plastic coating are easy to clean and available in a range of surface designs.

5. Summary

• Choosing your own table legs and tabletop lets you create an individual design. Separate table bases are flexible and adaptable.
• If you choose individual table legs, you'll need at least four. More stable alternatives are trestles or table frames, which don't always need to be fixed to the tabletop.
• Wooden table legs are durable and robust. Metal trestles are more delicate, yet stable, with a high load capacity.
• The total height of your designer table is the height of the legs plus the thickness of the tabletop. A bench or coffee table should be no higher than 45 cm, a dining table or desk about 75 cm, and bar tables or high tables between 105 and 110 cm. Also consider the height of the people using the table, the legroom and the height of the chairs.
• The table base has a major influence on the seating arrangement; open triangular designs allow people to sit at the ends of the table.

Buy design table legs online at Connox – your benefits at a glance

• High-quality table legs and trestles – originals from top design brands
• Personal support from our customer service team
• Fair delivery costs
• Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
• Delivery in just a few working days

Shopping advice at Connox

Would you like to buy table legs online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen items delivered straight to your door.