Step 3: Attach the Feet to the Legs

Tom Silva attaches the corbel for a trestle table to the base of the table leg
Photo: Allison Dinner
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Glue the short side of a corbel to the base of a newel post, flush with its bottom edge. Hold it in place by driving 3-inch deck screws through the top corners of the corbel and into the post (drill countersinks first, if necessary). Drive 8-inch lag screws diagonally through the corbel and into the post, as shown. Repeat for all corbels.

Pro Advice:
"For a stable table, make sure the corbels measure at least 10½ inches on the long side."
—Tom Silva, TOH General Contractor
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    Tools List

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    • circular saw
      Circular saw
    • miter saw
      Miter saw
    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with a ⅝-inch paddle bit
    • pneumatic finish nailer
      Pneumatic nail gun

    Shopping List

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    1. Newel posts Get two for the legs.

    2. ¾-inch birch-veneer plywood Get a 4x8 sheet for the tabletop and leg plates.

    3. 10 ½-inch corbel Get four for the feet.

    4. Handrail Get a 6-foot length for the stretcher.

    5. ⅝-inch dowel Get a minimum of two inches to plug the fastener holes for the stretcher.

    6. 1x2 Get an 8-foot length to make the cleats for the underside of the tabletop.

    7. 1x4 Get three 6-foot lengths to make the apron.

    8. 2x4 Get a 6-foot length to make the stringers. 9. ¾-inch quarter-round trim Get three 8-foot lengths to trim the edges of the tabletop.

    10. 6-inch lag screws Get two to attach the stretcher to the legs.

    11. 8-inch lag screws Get eight to attach the feet to the legs.

    12. 3-inch deck screws

    13. 1¼-inch deck screws

    14. 2-inch finishing nails

    15. Wood glue

    16. 120-grit sandpaper

    17. Satin latex paint

    18. Waterborne polyurethane finish