How to Repair a Pedestal Table Base

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Things You'll Need

  • Putty knife

  • Wood glue

  • Bar clamp

  • Damp cloth rag

  • Screwdriver

Pedestal tables are a classic style made in a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic. On a pedestal table, the tabletop is connected to a central column-style base with supporting legs at the bottom. The areas where the parts of the table join together can become loose over time and require repair. Wooden tables are secured using glue, while metal and plastic chairs are assembled with screws. Loose table joints can weaken the entire table structure and potentially lead to further damage if left in disrepair.

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Wooden Pedestal: Loose Leg Joints

Step 1

Slide a putty knife between the column-style base and the loose leg joint on the pedestal table base to separate them enough so that you can apply wood glue to them.

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Step 2

Squeeze wood glue into the joint between the table leg end and the column-style base. Slide the putty knife out from between the parts. Press the joint back together firmly with your hands.

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Step 3

Open a bar clamp and position the jaws to clamp from the back side of the pedestal to the outside of the loose leg. Tighten the clamp. Wipe off any excess glue that oozes out using a damp cloth rag.

Step 4

Allow the wood glue to dry for 24 hours and then remove the clamp.

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Wooden Pedestal: Loose Mounting Block

Step 1

Examine the area at the top of the pedestal base where the base joins with the tabletop to see if the block that joins the two together is loose. The block is attached to the pedestal base with glue and is attached to the tabletop with screws. Either or both of these joints may require repair.

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Step 2

Slide a putty knife between the pedestal base and the loose mounting block to separate them enough so that you can apply wood glue to them.

Step 3

Squeeze wood glue into the joint. Slide the putty knife out from between the parts. Press the joint back together firmly with your hands. The weight of the tabletop creates enough pressure to create a strong glue bond. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before continuing any further work on the table.

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Step 4

Examine the joint between the mounting block and the tabletop. Tighten the screws in the bottom of the mounting block with a screwdriver to repair the joint.

Metal or Plastic Pedestal

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Step 1

Stand the pedestal table upside down on a work surface so that you can inspect the joints between the parts carefully. The parts fasten together with screws. Check for loose joints between the tabletop and mounting part at the top of the base as well as loose leg joints where they attach to the bottom of the base.

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Step 2

Tighten the screws in the bottom side of the mounting part so that the joints between the mounting part and tabletop are tight. Be careful not to overtighten the screws on metal and plastic tables since they can easily strip.

Step 3

Tighten the screws in the outside of the legs where they join to the bottom of the pedestal base with a screwdriver. Make sure that you tighten them just enough so that they are firmly fastened. Be careful not to overtighten them so that you don't strip the metal or plastic.

Tip

Inspect the table base at least once a year to make sure that all of the parts are fastened together and it is in overall good working condition.

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