Should you Paint your Metal Furniture?

Turning metal furniture into something that looks new has a lot of great benefits. If you have an old piece of furniture that is still functional but is not very visually attractive after years of use, a good option is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Buying new furniture may be exciting—but giving what you already have a second chance and the ability to shine is unique.

If you decide to upgrade your existing metal furniture and transform it, here are some tips on what to consider when painting your metal furniture to get better results and make the most out of it. It is an easy process, and there are some points to consider that work for most metal pieces.

Deep Clean

If the piece of furniture you want to transform is inside your home, you first need to clean it with a brush to remove any dust that usually accumulates in the intersections of the metal. Next, use a wet cloth or a wet sponge and a couple of drops of soap to clean the metal. After gently washing your furniture, let it air dry completely.

Outside furniture requires a deeper cleaning because of the exposure to different elements like dirt, mud, and debris. For these, you can use a power washer for a deep clean, spray every inch and then let it air dry.

Sandpaper Rust

Metal tends to get rusty, and the rust can slowly eat at the metal. The best way to get rid of rust is by using sandpaper. After washing your furniture, use sandpaper to scrape any visible rust first and then go all over your piece. If you paint over rust, it will eventually fall off with your paint, creating tiny spots that may ruin the complete look.

The sandpaper will eliminate any little pieces of metal that stick out or are about to fall off. If a significant portion of your furniture has rust, has holes, or is about to fall off, it is a good idea to first fix that area before painting. Depending on the situation, you can weld a smaller piece or fill it with caulk.

Coat With Adhesive

After you have cleaned, washed, and sandpapered your furniture, you need to add adhesive. This will keep everything in place and will give the paint a more uniform surface to work with. The adhesive will also ensure that the fresh coat of paint sticks all over without any bubbles. This product comes in a spray bottle for easy use and will make the process go quick and smooth.

Open Space

Before starting the painting process, make sure that your piece of furniture is in a well-ventilated area, as the smell of paint is strong and inhaling it for a long time is bad for your health. Also, painting is messy, so you don’t want to paint over wooden floors or close to white walls because there is a big chance that you might be getting some stains. No matter how careful you are, paint finds a way to leave a mark.

If you have limited options for spaces where you can paint, you can also cover your walls, floors, and doors with plastic covers, tape, or cloths to ensure that the paint doesn’t go any further. Those elements are easy to use and remove; you can also recycle them and keep them for future projects.

Spray Paint

The traditional way of painting with a brush is effective and lets you manipulate paint to use as much paint as you want, but it is sometimes hard to get too deep and into small crevices. Spray paint is an excellent option because it cuts down your time almost in half and allows you to cover every single inch with paint.

Make sure to give your can a good shake to ensure that the color is well-mixed and ready to go. Try spraying left to right with a spray can; this will cover a larger area and leave a uniform coat. After the first coat, wait around 1 hour, add the second one, let it dry overnight, and check if that is the shade you were aiming for.

There are many different colors and shades you can choose from that come in a can ready to go. Traditional paint lets you create a specific shade and color, while the paint that comes inside of a can doesn’t change.

Painting Unique Pieces

If you have a custom-made piece of metal furniture or metal details for dining tables or bedroom frames, you can ask your provider what the best options are for paint and if they could do it for you. Specific parts like custom metal desk legs are smaller, making the process quicker.

Professionals can take care of this in no time, and they have the necessary tools to do it without you having to take your bed out to the patio. When furniture is inside the house or a room, the result will transform the look with simple and subtle details.

Use Varnish

After painting and leaving your furniture to dry overnight and accomplishing the desired tone and shade, use varnish to finish the process. This will make the furniture look finished and shiny while giving the paint a coat to strengthen its resistance. If your furniture is for the exterior, it will make it waterproof, and dust will not stick easily.

This last step is important to consider when painting your metal furniture. Apply varnish the same way you applied the paint, evenly distributed side to side if it’s with a spray can. For the traditional way, try using small amounts of varnish and spread it all over evenly. Make sure to also avoid creating bubbles and uneven proportions.

Repurpose Finished Product

A table with freshly painted legs could become your next dining room table; a smaller pedestal table could go from a bar table to a beautiful new tv stand. Repurposing and rethinking possibilities are also part of the process that comes from painting and giving a new life and look to metal furniture.

Once you finish your first project, you will notice a big difference and change, encouraging you to do more and giving new life to old furniture. This might even get you to try using more metal details that will enhance the uniqueness and beauty of your home.

Choose a Custom Metal Fabrication Shop

Upgrading your home’s design starts with the details. If you decide to change or upgrade the inside of your home to something more modern, choosing metal finishes and touches will accomplish what you are looking for. Metal is durable, strong, and stylish, and whether you want to start small or big, there is something for you. From wall detailing to custom metal legs for your dining table or chairs, it all begins with choosing a custom metal fabrication shop that is right for you.

Proven Experience

Work speaks louder than words. If you want to choose a good custom metal shop, look at their portfolio of pieces and clients. When experienced people, materials, and unique processes mix, the result is a qualified product. Every confident shop will be happy and proud to show you a list of their previous projects and accomplishments.

Materials Used

Materials have different qualities, and even when it’s the same material, the processes and elements used could vary, affecting the quality of a product. For example, there are several types of wood, and each can serve a different purpose—the same happens with metals. A shop that knows its materials well will have no problem explaining the benefits of each to you.

Equipment and Technology

To develop certain products and meet specific needs, some companies need to have the right equipment to do so. If you want to upgrade your dining room table with new custom metal table legs, you need to make sure the shop can deliver the design to your specifications. This is simple for shops with the right equipment. Their tools and software can also give you an idea of what they can create.

Process and Timing

We all like things done and delivered right away, but quality takes time and professional shops know this. Shops should give you an accurate time and date for a product to be ready. Experience gives the shop an idea of how long a process takes and what to expect. A good creator will walk you through the stages of the process before it begins and provide a timeline so you know when to expect the final product.

Partner Industries

Metalworks are popular in different industries, not just interior design. Learning about the industries a shop works with and what they do for them is a good way to choose a reliable and trustworthy custom metal fabrication shop. Big industries like the food service industry and hospitality world use metal for different elements; if a shop has big partners like these, you are in good hands.

Benefits of Metal Bed Frames

If you want to change and modernize your room, a metal bed frame is exactly what you need. Your bed is an essential piece of furniture in your life and strongly influences whether you’ll have a good or bad day after waking up. These five must-know benefits of metal bed frames will provide everything you need to know to upgrade and enjoy your room even more.

The elements of your bed, from mattress to frame, play an important role in comfort and rest. Custom welded bed frames are a great option to integrate style and functionality. Designing your idea and seeing your vision come to life provides an experience like no other every time you walk into your room.

Durability and Strength

Metal bed frames are durable because of the material’s nature; they provide strong support for a long time, and you will rarely need to replace them. Unlike wooden frames, metal frames will not crack, shift, or splinter over time, outlasting the life span of your mattress. They are solid and less likely to accrue damage, making them a perfect investment for your health and peace.

Easy To Maintain

Maintaining a metal bed frame is easy; the most important thing is to prevent them from getting wet so that eventually they don’t rust, but even that would take a long time to happen. Metal frames are elegant and clean, with no risk of hosting unwanted guests like termites. Use a soft cloth with a metal-safe cleanser and run it over the edges to remove dirt.

Cost Effective

Metal frames are the best option for your bed in the long term. The cost of a metal frame, including custom-welded frames, is one of the smartest investments you can make and probably the best must-know benefit of metal bed frames. No other material gives you the support and durability for years to come.

Material Versatility

Bed frames don’t have to be hidden, utilitarian pieces. Professionals can quickly transform metal into interesting frame configurations to bring your idea and needs to life. You don’t necessarily need to design something extravagant to take advantage of this benefit, but you could. Metal frames come in standard designs to cover the basic support needs of a mattress, and they also provide options for expansion, mobility, and usage.

Easy To Fix

A professionally welded frame should present no problems, but if for some reason there was an issue with the frame, metal is simple to weld and fix. Unlike wood, when a part breaks, you need to replace the whole piece; metal frames, even after getting touched up, will still look the same and retain their utility and strength.

Dining Room Table Refresh

With time, your dining room table could start looking a little dated. The speed at which trends come and go is outstanding, and keeping up sometimes can be a challenge. Check out these great ways to refresh your dining room table, and maybe you’ll discover a favorite new style and apply changes that will have a great impact on the overall look of your home.

Everything relies on the style that you are going for. Details affect different parts of the room, and it all depends on where you want the attention to be. From something small to something impactful, a change will give you what you need to regain confidence in your dining area.

Matching Chairs

Getting new chairs that match the style of your dining room table will give it the lift you are looking for. Chairs are a basic complement to the dining table, and you could not use the table properly without them. If you want to accentuate certain features, try finding chairs that go along the same lines.

If your goal is to make the chairs the focus point, then get something big and colorful. You can always repurpose your chairs and wrap them with new fabric or fresh paint. Another great option is switching chairs for benches to give the table an entirely different look.

Light Fixtures

A great way you can transform the space around the dining room, including the dining table itself, is by adding or changing the hanging light fixtures. Most dining room tables are right under ceiling lights or small chandeliers, as this provides the necessary light for a good dining experience. Adding or changing this light fixture will transform your table without you having to do anything directly to the table.

Table Legs

Table legs are the utmost important part of a dining table. If you have ever sat to eat at a table where the legs were in the way, then you know how uncomfortable it can be. Some tables come with standard legs that you can’t switch, but if you have a versatile table, then getting a custom metal table frame might be the perfect option for you.

Having a functional, strong, and unique table frame will give a more modern look to your table and adjust to make it as comfortable as possible. Stainless steel is a timeless option that will hold your tabletop for a long time and give it a modern and elegant look.

Overall Decorations

Setting decorations on the table as well as the walls will give your dining room table a fresh look. Items like candles, metal candlesticks, flowers, and even fruit holders will provide the necessary to transform the ambiance in the room. Dining tables are not just for dining; they are versatile and hold the weight of many different activities, so choose what works best for you.

New Tabletop

Tabletops come in many different materials. You can choose between the classics like wood, glass, or even marble—just make sure that the frame is strong enough and designed to carry the weight of the top. A new tabletop will refresh your dining room table instantly. Pair it with the right frame, and you will have a winning look.

Fresh Paint

If you have a wooden tabletop, it is easier to paint it and make it look new again, especially if you update the color and add a nice coat of wood varnish. This will make it glow and prevent any possible damage from use. The best part is that changing the color will give you the option to make other changes to complement your fresh dining room table.

Keep It Ready

An empty dining room table could lack life and emotion, except when the table frame is modern and elegant. However, when you keep the table set and ready, a feeling of joy takes over the room. Something is inviting and cozy about having utensils and napkins ready if needed. Try keeping your items ready on the table and watch how it transforms the look into something more welcoming.

Add More of Your Own Style

If your house has a Mediterranean style, choose a table that will complement this. If you want your home to feel timeless but modern, then add details all around that reflect this style. A dining room table is one of the main items in a house, and you can either tone it up or down with the right accessories. If adding a custom-made table frame matches your ideals, then do it.

Add a Footrest

Out of these different ways to refresh your dining room table, having a place where to rest your feet while sitting is the most comfortable option. Some table legs and table frames come with this addition that will make your dining experience more unique and much more comfortable.

A wooden bar that runs across the table from underneath the top will provide extra support to the table and give you a place where to rest your feet. This is one of the best ways to accomplish two positive and useful characteristics of your dining experience.

Rotating Tray

A rotating tray is a perfect addition to a dining room table. Whether you have a round top or a long rectangle, a tray that provides you with the option to spin it to grab the item you want without having to ask someone else to do it is life-changing. Rotating trays come in many different materials that match your table to make it look modern while also adding a very useful extra feature.

Giving your dining room table an upgrade is necessary. Watching a whole room or space transform with details that match your style and ideas could give you the confidence to transform your entire house if that’s what you desire. Start with rooms that have a large impact because they are unique and specific to your home, and work your way from there. Revamping your dining room table is a spectacular starting point.

Choose the Best Dining Room Table Legs

A comfortable table can make or break an enjoyable experience. Having the right legs for your dining table is an important task, especially when you want to change and upgrade the ones you already have. These five tips for choosing the best dining room table legs will guide you through a journey of discovery on what works best for you and your home.

Style and Materials

It all depends on how you want the table to speak. The style of the table’s legs should complement the room where you have the dining table. The most fitting choice also depends on the table’s size and how many people will use it frequently. Materials like metal or thick wood are ideal for heavy-duty tables that see lots of use. We specialize in creating products with metal and wooden accents that bring style and design to the strongest of materials.

Small Tables

Smaller dining tables support less weight, which allows more room for design. What works best depends on the shape of the table. A strong and sturdy centered base is usually ideal for a round table. A pedestal base provides enough support and space so that everyone is comfortable. Otherwise, some people may have to straddle to avoid hitting a table leg, which is uncomfortable.

Large Tables

Large tables usually come in a rectangular shape. This distributes the weight better without any problems. Table legs with a connecting bar from one side to the other give the base a stronger foundation to support more weight. Guests can also rest their feet on top of it for more comfort while dining. We provide custom metal table legs that meet the needs of large tables like this.

Table Height

This is a crucial detail most people don’t consider. The ideal total height of a dining table is around 30 inches. So the table thickness and leg height should meet that total. Having custom table legs will ensure you get the perfect and comfortable height for your dining table. This is a tip for choosing the best dining room table legs that you must pay especially close attention to.

Leg Thickness

As with thinking about the table’s height, you need to consider the table’s thickness when choosing the leg thickness. Thick tabletops need thick legs to match their design and support their weight. Take into consideration the material weight from the table and the weight people put on the table when sitting. The last thing you need is for the table to collapse.

Popular Metal Finishings

When you decide to get something fabricated for your home, one great part about the process is the control you have over the look and feel of the final product. Everything from the shape to the size to the finish is fully under your control. When it comes to a large centerpiece like a dining room or kitchen table, it’s worth the extra time to think about the process. Consider what you want the finished piece to look like and the qualities you want it to have. Here are a few popular metal finishings for your next fabrication project that might just take your piece to the next level and ensure its longevity at the same time.

Metal Plating

A metal plating finish is a great choice for your project. Many decide to choose it because of its incredible resistance to corrosion, specifically galvanic corrosion between different kinds of metals. Metal plating helps to prevent galvanic corrosion and is also very useful for stabilizing a piece that might use more lightweight materials. Metal plating is usually done with a stronger metal that can resist wear and tear over time.

Powder Coatings

For a very durable exterior to your project, a powder coating might be your best option. Powder coatings can be an excellent finish, not just for their strength but also for the look that you can get out of them. If you want to use a stronger and more durable metal yet want a different or more brilliant metallic finish, a powder coating can help. Powder coatings can leave your project with a golden, bronze, brass, or silver finish and even impart a specific texture.

Galvanization

Galvanization is a process in which one kind of metal, usually steel or iron, is given a coating of zinc. It’s a popular metal finish for fabrication projects because it wards off rust for a long time. It also gives the metal a very distinctive look that is hard to duplicate using other methods. Galvanizing helps to make metal more resistant to natural elements, making it useful for fabrication projects that you will keep outside.

Econ Welding & Fabrication specializes in custom metal furniture fabrication, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that your project receives the perfect finish that you want it to have. Give us a call, and we’ll be glad to help you find what you’re looking for.

Custom Modern Metal Bed Frame

The bedroom in our homes should be the place where we feel the most comfortable, so it makes sense to give a little extra thought to their design and layout. Your bed is clearly the centerpiece of your bedroom, and it’s also where you spend practically a third of your life. Your bed should feel like a welcoming place where you feel comfortable getting the sleep you need. A huge part of the way your bed looks and adds to the entire room’s décor is based on the bed frame you have.

Bed frames can really make a bedroom feel completely different based on what kind you get. Not having one at all can give your bedroom a “college dormitory” kind of feel. While this might technically be your most practical option, it doesn’t make your bedroom an enjoyable place to spend so much of your time. This guide will show you how to pick the perfect modern metal bed frame for your bedroom. With the right frame, your bed will seem far more inviting and comfortable while also providing much-needed support.

Determine the Size You Can Work With

Before you need to worry about what the frame will look like or if it will match the rest of your décor, you need to know how much room you have to work with and what kind of mattress you plan to use. The room itself may be a limiting factor in how large you can make the bed frame. Even if you could technically fit a king-sized bed frame, consider how much room you would have surrounding it to walk around in. Larger beds and frames are great, but having to shimmy and sidle past them just to get to your closet will get old pretty quickly.

Find a Style That Works for You

Knowing how to pick the perfect modern metal bed frame means understanding how its design will work in your room. If you want to stick to a modern look, you’ll want to choose something with clean lines and simple designs. Being able to customize your bed frame before you buy it is the best way to make sure you get exactly what you want. A professional frame designer can give you some insight on the kind of designs that would fit best for your room’s décor, so reach out to our experts at Econ Welding.

Consider Your Mattress

The kind of mattress you plan to use will also influence your decision. In terms of weight considerations, a metal bed frame is a good choice. If you have a particularly dense and heavy mattress that you want to use, you should consider that extra weight when you’re looking at designs. Hybrid mattresses or latex mattresses pair well with a metal bed frame because they tend to be quite heavy and need the extra support. If your mattress is more of a memory foam mattress that has a lot of give to it, you won’t need to worry about weight as much, but your frame’s design may need adjusting. If you have a memory foam mattress and you choose to go for a bed frame with a lot of space between the slats that hold the mattress up, you risk the memory foam sinking through the cracks and completely ruining its ability to support you while sleeping.

Choose an Appropriate Metal

You have several options when it comes to the material that you make your bed frame out of. You may enjoy the look of one metal over the other, but remember that you can paint your bed frame as well if you want a certain metal for its unique properties rather than the way it looks. Different materials also boast different strength levels to consider. Here are the most popular metal choices for bed frames and why you may want to consider them.

Aluminum

By far the lightest weight option of this group is to choose an aluminum alloy for your bed frame. Aluminum alloys make really good bed frames for beds that need to move a lot. For example, aluminum alloy bed frames are useful for children’s bedrooms or for taking to less permanent housing such as apartments or dormitories. If you know that your particular bed may need to move around a decent amount, aluminum-based bed frames can make the job a lot easier on whoever has to carry it around.

Bronze

Bronze is a strong material that certainly makes a statement when used in a bed frame. They’re a good choice when you want the bed frame to be a feature rather than a background element of the room. They can be heavy, but that extra weight also means they are quite sturdy and can hold up over time. Bronze is also very resistant to rusting and has a distinctive color that you may want as an accent in your bedroom.

Brass

Brass is a good middleman option between bronze and aluminum. While it isn’t as strong as bronze, it is still stronger than aluminum. It may not be as lightweight as aluminum, but it’s still easier to move around than bronze. Brass bed frames tend to be great for designing a frame that’s a little more ornate than your typical frame. Four-post beds were originally crafted from brass, and their design style has stuck around for many years.

Iron and Steel

The heaviest and sturdiest choice of the lot is to go with an iron or steel bed frame. In terms of ornately designed bed frames, many that are available for sale are made of iron or steel. It takes extremely skilled craftsmen to design a beautiful bed frame from iron or steel, and the intricate metalwork can really make a statement in your bedroom. These bed frames tend to be the most durable and long-lasting of your bed frame material options, too.

Choosing the perfect bed frame doesn’t have to be a hassle to deal with. Here at Econ Welding & Fabrication, we specialize in customizing incredible furniture pieces from the strongest materials available. If you need a welded steel bed frame and want it to match your home’s décor, we can help make your vision come to life.

How to Choose the Right Table Size

Whether you’re setting up your main dining room or putting in a new kitchen table, size will be one of the most important things to think about when you’re choosing a design. The last thing you want is to buy a table and realize that it’s way too big to fit comfortably. On the other hand, a table that’s too small to fit everyone comfortably will get frustrating in a completely different way. It’s worth it to take some time and do some measurements before you decide on a size. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right size table for any room in your home.

Total Floor Space

Even if you have a large house overall, the room you need the new table in might have space limitations that will inform your size decision. Do you have a bar in the room you’d like to have easy access to? Is there a buffet table against one wall that you need to leave enough space for? Calculating your usable floor space is the first step in finding out how big of a table you need. Remember that all that floor space can’t just be for the table, and that you need to consider the rest of your furniture, as well as thoroughfares for people to walk around it comfortably.

Number of People

An important thing to consider when choosing the right size table is how many people will use it on a regular basis. Obviously, you need the table to accommodate every member of your family, but you should also consider the other people who regularly sit at the table. Maybe your children bring friends over to eat fairly often, or you invite nearby family members over to hang out every weekend. These kinds of variables could mean that a larger table will actually suit your home better, even if your immediate family only has a few members.

Clearance Around the Table

The best rule of thumb to follow when it comes to clearance around the table is to have about three feet of space. Each side of the table should be about three feet away from the nearest thing in the room that also takes up walking space, whether that’s another piece of furniture or just the wall itself. By using these measurements, you can easily determine how large of a table that room can feasibly handle.

When you know how big a table you need and you want a custom metal table frame to make your table really pop, Econ Welding & Fabrication can turn your dream into reality! Call us today to discover what options you have available for your new table.

Popular Table Leg Design Styles

Creating and customizing furniture often makes people pause once they get into the smaller details. The design of table legs isn’t something that most people consciously think about until the time comes when they wish to design a table for themselves or find a table that matches their design aesthetic. A table leg’s design can actually say quite a bit about the design of the table as a whole and the entire room. We’ll show you a few popular table leg design styles you need to know about if you want to customize your own furniture in a specific way.

Cabriole Table Legs

Cabriole legs are a more decorative choice that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. These table legs have a high-set knee that strongly curves outward, then flows into an ankle that curves inward instead. Cabriole table legs usually have more decorative feet as well. These legs are common in “claw-foot” furniture, and they add a sense of regal style or elegance to a piece of furniture, whatever it might be.

Marlborough Table Legs

Marlborough legs are a popular table leg design style to know about because of their simplicity and customization options. At their most basic, Marlborough legs are square and straight, and they tend toward the thicker side. While they can be very simple if you want them to be, you might also find Marlborough table legs with intricate carvings that make them really stand out.

Saber Table Legs

If you’re familiar with the bladed weapon called the saber, you already have an idea about these legs’ shape. They’re concave legs that slightly flare out into a gentle curve, the curve being the origin of these legs’ name. The saber leg has a little more style than a simple straight leg, and it has been around for a while because of its timeless appearance and feel. They look good whether they’re on new furniture or antiques.

Fluted Table Legs

Fluted legs refer to straight table legs with vertical designs, such as long grooves or channels, carved or engraved into them. Many people believe this style of table leg came from trying to replicate the look of large columns of stone from ancient Greece. On the other end of the spectrum are reeded legs, which are similar but have grooves or channels raised up rather than carved.

U-Shaped Table Legs

Due to its much more modern take on table legs, the U-shaped table leg is for the furniture design that offers a more subtle approach. U-shaped legs appear exactly how you imagine, except they don’t usually have a curved bottom; they look like a square or rectangle with an open top. U-shaped table legs are an excellent choice for stability in tables that will have very heavy tops on them.

If you’re looking for customized welded steel table legs that match your design style, Econ Welding can make your vision a reality. Contact us today.

Choosing Metal Table Legs

A table in any room will almost always draw a large amount of attention when people first walk in. This makes it a good idea to put some serious thought into how you want to create your table so that every part of it can shine and look its best. There are a lot of factors to consider when designing a table, be it a centerpiece dining table or even just a nightstand to put next to your bed. Both the top of the table and the legs that support it will require careful consideration as to how you want them to look and the feel you want to give them.

Choosing metal table legs for your table project can seem overwhelming when you have an abundance of different designs and aesthetics to choose from. Here at Econ Welding, we want to make sure you’re happy with your choice for many years to come. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to choose metal table legs for your projects. Using these tips, you can feel confident in knowing what your table needs the most and how you can match those practical needs with a design that you’ll enjoy for a long time.

Determine Your Aesthetic

While practicality is certainly important, especially for larger tables that will take up more room, it’s usually a good idea to begin with the style of table you want or the aesthetic you want the room to have as a whole. Figuring out the style of your table’s top and legs is the better place to start because you can then work backward to a practical solution that incorporates the design elements you want the most.

If you want something that really grabs people’s attention, don’t be afraid to go flashy or ornate with your table legs, as you can always offset them. You can even add more design elements to them by choosing a tabletop that complements their look. If the top of the table will be the most eye-catching part, a simpler and more subtle set of table legs can help ensure that the focus stays where you want it the most. Does your home have an aesthetic already, such as industrial or farmhouse? Metal table legs that match the house’s aesthetic leave you more room to play around with the design of the tabletop instead.

Decide on the Table’s Purpose

After you decide on a style you enjoy, you can start to look at the more practical aspects of the table. As we’ve mentioned, a long dining table and a small table near your home’s front door will need wildly different table legs because of their individual purpose. Heavy-duty legs made from high-gauge steel are your best option for tables that will see a lot of use and that need to hold up a lot of weight. You’ll want heavy-duty table legs for pieces such as dining tables, coffee tables, and work desks.

Lighter duty legs aren’t without their benefits, though. A table that might need to move around a lot more would benefit greatly from thinner and lighter table legs. Side tables and nightstands are the best candidates for metal table legs that aren’t overly thick and bulky.

Consider Your Top’s Material

It’s often the case that the top of the table will influence the final choice of table legs. You have a wide variety of choices for tabletops: woods of all kinds, different types of stone or concrete, or even glass. The material that makes up the top of your table might change your needs when it comes to the table’s legs. Certain kinds of legs may not be compatible with the tabletop you were leaning toward. You’ll also need to consider the type of hardware you’ll need to fasten the tabletop to the legs. Here are some things to consider for the major types of tabletops you’ll usually choose from.

Wood

Wooden tabletops are a classic choice, and the wide variety of wood species and finishes gives you a lot of room to work with if you’re trying to match the table to the design of the rest of your home. Wooden tabletops require lag bolts, wood screws, or threaded inserts to make sure they stay secured to your metal table legs. Wood runs the entire spectrum when it comes to weight, with some species being far heavier than others, so don’t commit to a particular kind of wood until you know all of its properties.

Glass

The fragility of glass, even extremely thick sheets of it, will require additional support to make sure nothing can harm it. For the majority of projects that use a glass tabletop, you’ll need to have a cross-support in place with the table legs to support the entire sheet of glass. Glass tables can be extremely beautiful, but be aware that they are heavy and need careful consideration.

Stone

While stone doesn’t have quite as many options compared to wooden tabletops, a stone top table does have a special kind of appeal, especially if you go for a more luxurious option such as marble or quartz. These kinds of tabletops share the same issue as glass ones: they can be exceedingly heavy and require a good amount of support to stay strongly situated. Depending on the material, it’s possible to get away with only using special concrete bolts for stability. For heavier projects, a stone top table will also need a cross-support in place.

Weigh Out Your Table’s Top

As you can see, the weight of your table’s top plays a major role in deciding the kind of table legs you require. The custom metal table legs we offer here at Econ Welding & Fabrication can withstand the weight of most materials when they are a typical table size. If you have plans to create an exceedingly large or long table, you may require a more customized version of our typical table legs to support the extra weight.

Now that you have a better idea of how to choose metal table legs for your project, you can get it done and feel proud of the final product. If you have any questions about finishing your project as successfully as possible, don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions or concerns. We’ll be glad to help you find exactly what you need.