Author: sirwin

We got an great question recently: “Some tables have metal frames, do you make these?” Good question! Many customers use our hairpin legs and simply attach them to the underside of a wooden table top and voila! You’ve got a beautiful new table you made yourself. But there are circumstances where a metal frame is a good idea to support the tabletop. Or sometimes a customer would like a metal frame as part of the tabletop itself. We are happy to talk to customers about a custom metal table frames. Our many varieties of metal hairpin legs do a great job of supporting all kinds of tabletops. But there are situations where the tabletop itself requires more structure. Many tabletops are ready to attach your hairpin legs, but if your project needs that added stability, let us know how we can help. We are always happy to discuss custom orders and if it’s made of metal, chances are we can make it for you!

Take a look at Susi’s Bulletproof Table – it is made of two oak table leaves. Alone the leaves may not attach to each other in a way that would have lasting structure. So before adding the square bar hairpin legs, Susi had us build a custom metal table frame with holes for the screws included.

Garrett let us know exactly what would work for this ingenious tabletop and the finished product is this unique log end tabletop with the metal frame as part of the tabletop itself – and it’s covered with glass to finish it off. If you’re thinking of making a table with a tabletop that may not be as sturdy as you’d like then a metal table frame might be a good option for added stability. A metal substructure ensures that the tabletop isn’t the weak point in the table – and if hairpin legs are going to be the finishing touch, they won’t have to support both lateral and vertical weight.

We love seeing what customers have built with our metal hairpin legs. Here is a beautiful bench Michael in LA made with our rebar hairpin legs. What a great combination! Michael did a great job with this bench. It is made with a beautiful solid piece of wood and the rebar hairpin legs are attached securely underneath. The rebar hairpin legs really compliment the rugged aspect of the wood. The wood itself is smooth and solid while showing the uniqueness of its individual character. The knots in the wood and slightly textured color are really complimented by the textured aspect of the rebar legs. There’s a reason rebar is used as a structural stabilizing agent in construction! This is going to be one solid bench!

Why use the rebar hairpin legs instead of the bench legs? Our metal hairpin legs are very durable and able to hold up a lot of use. So the look of this bench is unique to its parts and will do the job of a sturdy long-lasting bench! We’re sure this bench will be a great place to soak up some rays, take in a book, or enjoy a cool drink on a beautiful day. Thanks again for sharing, Michael!

Customers have asked us if using different styles of metal legs throughout the house works. Yes it does! We offer different styles of metal legs to satisfy different needs. And sometimes those needs – or preferences – may fall within the same area in your house, office, et cetera. All of our legs styles – from hairpin legs, to bench legs, to angle iron legs, all can be used in harmony. A set of angle iron legs can compliment a tapered shape in a table; bench legs can highlight the sturdiness of a seating piece, and the classic hairpin legs shows off the functionality as well as the fashion of a table.

Some customers like to use the same kind of legs for all of their projects and some customers like to add variety to the type of metal legs they use. Using the same kind of metal legs throughout the home affords synergy whereas using different styles can add variety. It really depends on your preference. We’ve had customers let us know they’re happy with both! Pairing different styles of legs together is a matter of preference. You can certainly see that there are a lot of options for mixing and matching throughout different furniture pieces, but there are no specific rules in how to go about doing so. Perhaps you would like a coffee table made with our classic hairpin leg and you’d like matching end tables. We offer hairpin legs in 4” – 30” so that is easily obtained. Or perhaps you’d like a bedroom set like a dresser or chest with shorter hairpin legs but nightstand tables with a slightly different style of hairpin legs such as the square bar hairpin legs or the rebar hairpin legs – or perhaps something that sets them apart even more such as the tapered angle iron legs.

You could even put a bench in your bedroom for changing using either of the two types of bench legs we offer, flat bar bench legs and tube steel bench legs. Why does this work? The metal of the legs holds its own yet it provides the perfect accent for the wooden tabletop. The metal legs and the wooden tabletops create unity and can match if they are all the same or complement each other when they are different shapes made with the same materials. Of course the other elements in the room will also add to the choice you make as to what types of hairpin legs you’d like to use together. No matter what it will be fun. So take some pictures and let us know what you’ve come up with!

It is always fun to come up with a new style of metal table leg. It’s even more exciting to see the beautiful creations our customers make with the new legs. With that in mind, we are excited to introduce our latest metal table leg offering: The Achillis Leg. We liked this design idea so much we named it after the customer who suggested it.

This design ads a new dimension to the type of table you can build. Offering support the whole table as well as being a table leg, this metal table leg offers a whole new style of table! Here’s how it works: The legs are made of 2″ x 2″ hot rolled angle iron. Then two of our standard mounting plates are added in the interior corner. And the bottom of each leg is capped. Next, you add two pieces of wood with identical dimensions to make the top and shelf.

Here is how to go about getting correctly sized Achillis legs for your next project. We custom make each set of legs just for you so they fit the table you are making. Therefore three measurements are critical to this success:

1. The total height of your table (14″ – 20″)
2. The exact thickness of your top
3. The distance from the floor to the bottom of your shelf (the lower layer)

Have fun being one of the first to try out these legs! Send us a picture of your new creation!

Both hairpin legs and bench legs are great choices for your DIY furniture projects. They both offer a solid metal support structure for tables, benches and chairs, but how do you choose which one will work best for you? Are there specific uses for one or the other? Can hairpin legs be used for a bench and bench legs used for a table?

Here are some helpful hints to make sure you get the right metal legs for your project. We offer many different leg styles to be sure there is a leg style that will go perfectly with whatever project you’re getting started this summer. And these options provide a variety of different uses.

Hairpin legs are thinner than bench legs and offer more versatility when you choose leg positioning. Bench legs offer more stability and weight-bearing load. Weight isn’t much of a deciding factor for a one person chair, but if you have a four person bench, bench legs might be a good fit. But yes, hairpin legs can be used on a bench and bench legs can be used on a table. Just make sure you have enough support for a long span like a bench or a table. If you’re building a six or eight foot bench, consider three sets of bench legs, or six pairs of hairpin legs, with support in the middle of the bench.

Ultimately your furniture’s purpose will be the best determination for what legs to use. In addition to the piece’s function, its placement, style, and overall intended look may factor into what metal legs you’ll be happiest with. Each set of metal legs we make are made to order so you know you’ll be getting a product made just for you. And all of our metal legs are made of 100% recyclable steel right here in the USA!

How many hairpin legs do you need for your DIY project? It is easy to assume that four legs will work but maybe your project would be better off with a different number. Four legs is what we see the most of – for use on tables, desks, chests, stools…the list goes on. But you can use whatever number of hairpin legs will best accommodate your project.

For example a kitchen table that is attached to the wall at one end. This table would only need leg support on one side, so maybe two legs will suffice. In the case of one customer’s project, they went with a bench leg to support the free-standing side. But maybe you have a project like an extra long table that would be best with more, rather than fewer, legs. An additional set of hairpin legs in the middle of a long table provides extra support and a more balanced look.

Stools or small round tables are often supported with three legs. Only you know what’s best for you and your project but we are always here to help. All of our legs are made to order – which means if you have a question or want a custom order you can always tell us about your project and see what we can do to accommodate your needs. All of our metal legs are made right here in the USA of 100% recyclable steel. Feel free to reach out with questions before you order, and send us a picture of your finished project!