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The Leg and Rail joint is a standard with table
and chair assembly. Design options include
either a set-back or flush rail. Use corner
braces or a gusset to stiffen the joint. Pocket
holes can also be drilled upwards into the rail to
attach the table top at a later time.
Leg and Rail Components
A. Leg
– The main vertical support that extends all the way to the floor.
Can be turned, square, rectangular or tapered.
B. Rail
– Horizontal members that are screwed into the Leg.
C. Gusset or corner brace
– Squaring / support blocks that reinforce the joint.
Standard Leg and Rail Dimensions
Tables and chairs come in various sizes but all incorporate a Leg and Rail
connection. Legs can be purchased pre-turned, as furniture squares or
laminated from thinner pieces of stock. Typical finished leg sizes range
from 1-1/2” to 6” square. Rail widths will vary according to the size of the
leg and overall length of the table or chair. 3/4” thick rails are very common
in coffee tables, end tables and sofa tables while thicker rails may be found
on dining tables.
Steps to Building a Leg and Rail Joint
1. Buy or prepare legs for assembly.
One of the most economical ways to construct legs for coffee and end
tables is by simply laminating two pieces of 3/4” stock together. Plane
your material to the same thickness, rip square, clamp and glue overnight.
Once dried, trim and cut to final length.
2. Drill pocket holes into end of rail.
Normally two or three pocket holes across a 3” rail is sufficient. If
you are planning on attaching the table or chair top through the rail
it is recommended to drill the pocket holes upward into the rail at
this time before final assembly to the legs.
Leg and Rail
