DIY Furniture – Page 18

Posted on May 13, 2014 by sirwin

What are Standard Table Heights for use with Metal Hairpin Legs?

There are many types of tables – and many uses for each type as well. Taking a look at the standard height of tables gives us a jumping off point to decide how to build a custom DIY table. Our hairpin legs can be made in many heights so you’ll be able to have the perfect leg height for your table. If you’re building a coffee table you may want it to be about the same height as the couch cushions for easy use when sitting on the couch. Standard height for a coffee table is usually 16 inches. You can measure the height of your couch cushions to see if this is similar to that height measurement. Have you felt comfortable with the height of other coffee tables you have used? Do you have a couch / coffee table combo that you love? Measure each so you can replicate that feeling with a more unique table…one that you built yourself!

What about larger tables? Standard table and desk sizes are between 28 and 30 inches high. But consider the table purpose as well. Will you be sitting at it? If so, think about the height of the chair(s). If you’ll be eating or using a computer at this table, think about what height feels best for you and other users. Making sure the table provides proper ergonomic positioning for your body will make the table easy to use. As with the coffee table, the standard height for dining and desk styled tables can be a starting point. If standard-sized tables often feel a bit tall or short for you, factor this in.

Now you’re ready to order your hairpin table legs. How do you make sure you get the perfect height for you? Take the overall height then subtract the thickness of the tabletop. That will give you the size your table legs should be. Our metal hairpin legs come in even-numbered sizes from 4-inches to 30-inches. So select the size that works for your table and your made-to-order legs will be on their way to you in no time! What if the size you want is not an even inch size? Send us a note let us know what you’re looking for. Chances are we can accommodate! Have fun during the planning and building phases and send us a picture when you’re done!

Posted on May 6, 2014 by sirwin

Tapered Angle Iron Metal Table Legs

Many of you know and love our classic hairpin table legs…after all, who doesn’t? But there are applications where you might be looking for another modern metal table leg style. What options do we have to satisfy your needs? In addition to the classic hairpin table leg we offer five variations on the theme, each a new take on the modern hairpin leg. Each one offers a different shape, texture, and style to your project. But what if you’re looking to change up the hairpin style and you want something a little different? We offer two styles of bench legs – flat bar bench legs and tube steel bench legs. These can be used for benches of course, but they can be used for tables or chairs as well.

One of our other offerings is the Tapered Angle Iron leg. The angle iron leg is just that – an angled piece of steel tapered from large at the top to small at the bottom, ending in a small foot at the bottom. Making a table with angle iron legs is every bit as easy as attaching hairpin legs and if the top is already constructed…you’ve got yourself a table!

The angle iron legs have a solid squared-off look and make a sturdy table without taking up too much room with each leg. As with all of our metal table legs they can be used indoors or outdoors to satisfy any needs you have for your future table. Each set of legs is made to order right here in the USA of 100% recyclable steel. Have fun making your own DIY table and send us a picture of your final project!

Posted on April 29, 2014April 29, 2014 by sirwin

Getting Your Hairpin Legs Ready For Outdoor Use

It’s outdoor furniture time! What should you do to take care of your outdoor furniture now that you’re getting ready to use it again for the season? If it’s been stored for the off season take it out and see what shape it’s in. If it’s been outdoors all year see how it’s fared through the winter weather. There are a few things you can do to keep your table, and metal legs in particular, in great shape for a long time to come. First of all, how does the tabletop look? Is it still in great shape? Does it need a quick sanding and another coat of finish? Or is it still looking well cared for?

Second, how do the hairpin legs themselves look? Are there signs of rust? Some people choose to add finish to their metal legs to keep them at their best no matter what weather they encounter. See our FAQ for more ideas on metal finishing options.

Thirdly, how is the leg-table attachment? If the wood is still in good shape, the metal table legs should still be solidly attached. But if some of the wood needs to be replaced, the legs may not be as firmly attached as they should be. Be sure to screw the legs back on tightly if you’re replacing some of the wood. And finally, how is the table site itself? Be sure to locate your table on firm solid ground so it will be stable for each use. Do you need some chairs or end tables to go with your existing outdoor furniture? Some people like to match the metal legs styles to the ones they have and some people like to change it up and mix match our metal hairpin legs with our bench legs. Either way, we hope you enjoy the outdoor season with custom made metal table legs made right here in the USA!

Posted on April 22, 2014 by sirwin

Hairpin Legs and Metal Origins

Metal working has a long history. Humans have used metal for centuries. The oldest archeological evidence of humans using metal dates over ten thousand years ago. Metal has been used for precious personal items such as crowns and jewelry and it was used in the first stages of currency. The ability to shape, change, and form metal changed mankind. Its characteristic ability to be shaped yet remain rigid once formed makes it so utilitarian. As metal became more accessible it became more widespread and using it for more household uses made sense.

In modern we use metal daily. Not only can metal be shaped and custom sized, but it is more durable than many materials. And much less needed to be used – metal table legs take up less space than wooden legs, for example. The hairpin leg design in particular originated at the turn of the century as a functional and attractive design style. Today we are lucky to have such ready access to metal. But here at Modern Legs we still use hand made methods to make all of our metal table legs. And each set is made to order. Thank about the ways metal table legs can be a part of your everyday live – and we’ll be there with a hand made product that suits your needs!

Posted on April 17, 2014 by sirwin

Cushioned Benches with Metal Bench Legs

A lot of the furniture we profile utilizes the simplicity of plain wood. But there are other great options our metal bench legs help create. Perhaps a little more cushion would better suit your needs. There are many padding options including built in padding or removable padding. Charlie has made a beautiful modern dining nook with our tube steel bench legs. As you can see this bench is upholstered offering its own unique style. The colors really make it an eye-catching piece of the room. The bench can be used alone as a corner seating area or in conjunction with a table and chairs. Built-in cushioning will not move or shift when in use, and can be a good choice with children in the house. It also allows the piece to be custom built for its specific purpose.

There are times when removable padding may better suit your needs. Removable cushioning allows for the material or pattern to be changed in the future. It also allows for multiple functions – for use with or without the cushioning, which may protect the top when not in use. Cushioned benches are a great way to add comfort and aesthetics to metal bench leg furniture. One of the great things about building your own bench with our metal legs is knowing that they are all custom made of 100% US steel right here in the USA. And we have two great metal bench supports to choose from – the flat bar bench legs and the tube steel bench legs. So now you know what cushioned bench styles have to offer. Send us a picture of your finished project; we’d love to see what you come up with!

Posted on April 8, 2014April 8, 2014 by sirwin

Hairpin Table Legs and Storage

Hairpin table legs are easy and simple to use. They can easily be attached by you, –using little more than a screwdriver–to any piece of wood suitable for a tabletop. Our hairpin table legs are often used alone with the tabletop – just four legs and a top. But there are times when customers want storage to go along with their new table. If you’re having a hard time picturing that, take a look at the storage options some of our customers came up with!

Adding something as simple as a wire basket to the underside of a table can add a storage basket quickly and easily! Plus, our hairpin table legs do not have to be used exclusively for tables. So that gives you lots of options. Many types of furniture can utilize metal hairpin legs. We’ve had customers put metal hairpin legs on storage trunks and chests, for example. Take a look at the console Travis made with a short set of metal hairpin legs. There is a lot of storage available there as well as a flat surface on top for additional use. What types of hairpin table leg storage options have you thought up? Once you have a picture of your finished product we’d love to see it!

Posted on April 1, 2014 by sirwin

Metal Bench Legs Paired with Reclaimed Oak

reclaimed oak bench with metal bench legs

We love seeing what our customers create with our metal legs. This bench was made from reclaimed oak paired with our flat bar bench legs. We love the look of this beautiful and functional bench! Notice how different wood looks depending on which side you approach it from. One side is refined and smooth while the other maintains the rougher look of its previous life with markings still visible. Oak is a beautiful wood to work with as it is so strong and durable. The sturdiness of our bench legs paired with the strength of the oak eliminates the need for additional support legs on a bench such as this – even with the long span between the legs seen here.

Oak’s durability adds to its unique look as it can be used to create furniture pieces other wood types cannot. The unique look of oak also has to do with its structure: it grows with large pores that are visible to the naked eye making it referred to as an open grained wood. This gives more variation in the wood and lends a coarser texture and more rugged look. Be sure to keep this in mind if you choose to refinish oak as sawdust from planning and especially sanding can get in the open grains while you work. It should be brushed off well before adding a finish to be sure it is the wood itself that is being finished and not sawdust particulate in the crevices. Whatever wood you choose to use, know that our bench legs will be strong and sturdy and complement any wood type. And send us a picture so we can see what great creation you have come up with!

Posted on March 25, 2014 by sirwin

Using Hairpin Legs Outdoors

We often get questions from customers asking if hairpin legs can be used outdoors. Yes, they can absolutely be used outdoors! Our metal hairpin legs are made from 100% steel. Therefore, they are durable and able to withstand a variety of conditions. Some customers choose to add a protective layer to their metal legs for use outdoors. Check out Aileen’s beautiful table made with our 3-rod hairpin legs; her table is a perfect example. The table itself is a beautiful herringbone design highlighting the natural wood. She has chosen to paint the hairpin legs to give them added color, fashion, and durability for use outdoors. The legs take on a whole new personality with the added color. Notice how the leg color is accented with a splash of color in the triangular table pieces.

Hairpin legs work great on exterior tables. It makes the table less bulky than heavy wooden legs – very accommodating for moving furniture around as needed. The metal legs are also simple, clean and they leave more room for feet, kids and pets. Metal legs nicely match common outdoor furniture like the chairs used here. The metal frame of the chairs goes well with our metal hairpin table legs. Just imagine all the fun Aileen will be having this year with all that space around her hairpin table leg outdoor furniture! Great job Aileen – thanks for sharing!

Posted on March 19, 2014March 19, 2014 by sirwin

What Types of Floors Work with Hair Pin Legs?

All our hair pin legs are strong and sturdy. After all, they are made of metal! Some are made from round bar metal, some square bar metal, some are even made of rebar. We get questions from customers regarding their suitability for different floor materials and floor coverings. What floors do hair pin legs work best with? Hair pin legs work with any floor. The strong shape and simplicity of the hair pin leg goes well with those same features a wood floor portrays. The clean curve at the base of the leg nestles nicely with a rug or carpet and compliments the softness of floor coverings. Hair pin legs work with tile and other floor types as well. The type of floor and use for the furniture will determine how the legs and the floor should best interact. The deciding factor will be determined by your floor, the finish used, the use of the furniture containing the legs, and the amount of weight and motion that will go along with the furniture use. Use your best judgment to decide what feels most comfortable for you. But know that hairpin legs can be used with any floor type.

On hard floors with light use furniture, the metal of the hair pin leg will likely work well without floor protection. However, customers have let us know that with heavier use furniture on softer floors, they like using pads and protectors. There are lots on the market but customer feedback has indicated good experiences with Dura-Grip furniture leg pads. No matter what hairpin leg and floor type you’re combining, you’ll love your hairpin legs! And send us a picture when you’re done!

Posted on March 7, 2014 by sirwin

Metal Bench Supports as Table Legs?

Metal bench legs are a great way to make variable sized seating for both indoor and outdoor applications, but are bench legs used just for seating? Absolutely not! Bench legs serve many other functions as well – such as providing leg support at nearly any height for tables. Metal bench legs can be used on tables by themselves or as part of a set with matching bench seating. We think bench legs make great dining tables, end tables, desks, and much more, and we’ve included pictures of what other customers have done with their metal bench supports to show you just how versatile they are…but maybe you already have some plans in mind?

One of the great things about bench supports is the look of the finished product. You can see the clean and square lines they create. Not only are the legs strong and sturdy, but they look that way too. It is always nice to know your table will hold up to all of the uses you intend to use it for – while adding a clean, sturdy look to the furniture as well. Our metal bench legs are offered in two basic designs, although we’re always open to requests. The first is a flat bar bench leg that also has the appeal of an unfinished raw steel look. The second is the tube steel bench leg which is made of 1” by 2” rectangular steel. Pick out which style of legs will go best for your next project and send us a picture of what you’ve created when it’s finished. Bench legs allow you to create a look, feel and custom design quickly and easily.