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How to Add a Table Leaf

Kathryn Hatter

A dining table with additional leaves enables you to keep a table small for everyday use and then add an additional leaf or two when you need to seat more people. Some dining tables provide interior storage for leaves inside the table, while other tables require you to store the leaves elsewhere until you need to use them. Add a table leaf to a dining table to make the table larger for a special dining occasion.

Make a dining table longer with a table leaf.
  1. Unfasten any locking mechanisms on the underside of the table to enable you to pull the table apart. Tables often lock with buckles or clasps.

  2. Stand at one end of the table and ask an assistant to stand at the other end of the table. Grasp each end of the table and pull away from the center of the table to pull the table apart. Continue pulling the table apart until you create a space large enough to fit the table leaf (or leaves).

  3. Place the table leaf (or leaves) into the space you created in the center of the table. Generally, the inside of this space will have boards spanning the space where you set each table leaf. You may also find pegs and holes where each table leaf fits tightly into the space.

  4. Push each end of the table back toward the center until the table and the leaves touch and there is no more space between the leaves and the table.

  5. Fasten the locking mechanisms on the underside of the table to lock the leaves into place.

  6. Set the larger table for dinner.