Furniture supports are an indispensable element of hull structures, as well as desks, kitchen tables, bar counters. Specially designed legs for furniture not only hold the object, but also provide stability, evenly distribute the weight of the product and add zest to the appearance of the furniture. The key parameters of such devices are the length, width, height and weight of the maximum load.
What are furniture supports, legs and underframes for?
The key features of these structures are:
Support. Thanks to the legs, the stability of the furniture is increased, as well as the safety of its operation. At the same time, it becomes possible to change the height and slope of the interior item at your discretion. Also, they allow you to firmly and evenly expose furniture on an uneven floor surface, for example, to level a kitchen set.
protective function. Supports for tables, as well as underframes of various types, allow you to protect the lower part of the furniture from accidental mechanical damage, moisture and dust.
Comfort. This includes the ability to adjust the level of the subject for yourself, choosing the most convenient for work.This function is especially important in the case of assembling a writing or dining table, the optimal height of which ensures comfortable use of the item and the good mood of its owner.
Aesthetic. No less important function than the previous ones. Decorative products can not only become part of the interior, but also add a special flavor, and even become key elements in the design.
Types of furniture legs and supports
Furniture legs differ in several important parameters regarding comfort, stability, practicality and aesthetics.
Adjustable. One of the most important characteristics is the ability to change the height. Adjustable designs allow you to set the table or set to the required level, and compensate for the imperfections of the floor surface. Usually they are equipped with a screw mount. In the manufacture of adjustable products, high-strength plastic or metal is used. The legs are suitable for assembling cabinet furniture, reception desks, cabinets and cabinets.
Thrust bearing. This is the simplest type of legs, used to raise the furniture structure above the floor surface. Such products are made of plastic, they have a square shape, and can be used in the assembly of cabinet and upholstered furniture. The thrust bearings are small in height, therefore they are hidden.
Wheeled. They are also called roller bearings. Usually they are installed on the furniture that needs to be moved - coffee tables, armchairs, cabinets, as well as on retractable furniture elements. Wheel structures are made of heavy-duty plastic and metal, they differ in diameter, some models are equipped with a special stopper.
Square support. A device that demonstrates high reliability, and includes several types of legs.For example, this is a thrust bearing, combined with adjustable supports.
Swivel wheel system. Equipped with a control function. Best suited for heavy furniture structures such as cabinets. In the case when the cabinet needs to be moved to another place, the adjustment parts are unscrewed, the object stands on the support wheels. Once the cabinet is in place, the casters retract and return the adjustable feet, bringing the furniture to the desired level.
According to the type of fastening, the supports are divided into ordinary and angular. Ordinary or universal legs can be attached to any part of the furniture, while the corner ones are designed to be attached to the corner of the furniture, respectively.
According to the type of placement, hidden and external legs are distinguished.
Hidden hide behind the surface of the furniture plinth. In order not to damage the floor covering, a thrust bearing is installed on the bottom of the base. As a rule, they are equipped with a height regulator.
The outer ones are more decorative and are designed to improve the appearance of the furniture, introducing new details into the design of the product, or emphasizing the stylistic orientation of the interior. When choosing decorative outdoor supports, it is necessary to take into account the maximum weight of the load for which they are designed. They are forged, cast and wooden, decorated with carvings. Also, there is a type of decorative legs equipped with wheels.
According to the material of manufacture, the products are divided into several types:
Aluminum. Aluminum products are the most affordable. They are distinguished by a long service life, they are not afraid of exposure to household chemicals. In addition, aluminum poles can be repainted in any desired color or given special textures, such as imitating wood, marble pattern, precious metal luster and other unusual options.The only disadvantage of aluminum products is the low load that they can withstand, usually no more than 500 kg.
Legs made of polypropylene. Another inexpensive type of product that is not inferior in quality and strength to other materials. Designed for lightweight structures, as they are designed for a weight of not more than 150 kg. Such models do not harm linoleum or parquet flooring. They are height adjustable and are well suited to compensate for uneven floors. It is also worth noting that the type of plastic in question is resistant to pollution and does not require special care.
Wooden. Environmentally friendly, natural material, but at the same time the most expensive. Wooden models are more decorative and suitable for expensive upholstered furniture. It is not recommended to use wooden legs in the kitchen or in high-humidity rooms - the wood swells from moisture, loses its original strength, and deformation affects the attractiveness of the appearance.
Inexpensive models of furniture legs are made from such types of wood as:
- pine;
- hornbeam;
- beech;
- poplar;
- ash;
- birch.
Expensive, elite models are made of hard and dense types of wood, characterized by durability and reliability. This includes such valuable species of wood as:
- larch;
- oak;
- iron tree;
- yew;
- wenge and others.
Products from the chromeplated steel. Best suited for modern interiors. They have a stylish appearance due to their pronounced metallic luster. In addition, chrome-plated supports can withstand a load of up to 700 kg, so they are the best suited for heavy furniture - kitchen sets, wardrobes, dishes or books.Chrome is resistant to mechanical damage, is not afraid of scratches, exposure to chemical cleaners. Such models can be used in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
As for the external design, color and texture, the range of models offered to the buyer is very diverse. They are:
- matte;
- polished;
- nickel-plated;
- glossy;
- chrome-plated;
- gilded;
- silver plated;
- tinted bronze;
- painted with special enamel.
In addition to the listed materials, bamboo, willow and rattan rods, and glass are also used in the production of furniture supports.
Bamboo. Products from this material will fill the interior with African or Asian notes, as well as emphasize the exotic style of the room. They are either woven from the stems of a young plant or made from a single bamboo trunk.
Willow twigs, rattan vine. Wicker supports are very light in weight. Typically, such products decorate the interiors of country houses and cottages, as they are suitable for country style or eco-style.
Glass. Exquisite material that can be either fully transparent or tinted. Products from colored glass are also distinguished by their originality. Glass structures are suitable for spacious, bright rooms with a large number of decorative elements made of transparent or colored glass - dishes, vases, lamps and lamps.
Leg attachment methods
The method of fixation depends on the material from which the structure is made. So, a wooden single rack is usually attached to the table top with wood glue. Metal products are screwed. Plastic mounted with self-tapping screws.
Best Inexpensive Furniture Supports
Furniture support with Häfele adjustment
An inexpensive model from the Häfele family business, market leader in construction and furniture fittings. The adjustable base is made of steel, the surface of the structure is galvanized. The high-strength product is able to withstand a maximum weight of 300 kg. The model is equipped with a protective black plastic cap. The height is 76.7 mm. The average cost is 36 rubles.
Furniture support with Häfele adjustment
Advantages:
- increased indicators of strength and reliability;
- low cost;
- possibility of adjustment;
- versatility of application;
- large load capacity.
Flaws:
Set of chrome furniture legs (4 pcs.)
A set of small furniture supports of a standard type. Products have a round shape, diameter and height is 150 mm. Differ in the increased durability, are suitable for mounting to upholstered furniture. Country of manufacture - China. The average cost is - 425 rubles.
Set of chrome furniture legs (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- ease of fixation;
- affordable cost;
- standard size;
- reliability and durability.
Flaws:
Cross for chair "Standard"
Crosspiece designed for installation on a computer chair. Made of durable plastic and designed for a maximum load weight of up to 80 kg. The size of the cross is 560x560 mm. Works well for a standard office chair, as well as a gaming or executive chair. The average cost is - 510 rubles.
Cross for chair "Standard"
Advantages:
- stability, strength;
- democratic price;
- sits tightly, without distortions and gaps.
Flaws:
Set of furniture legs (4 pcs.)
A set of four chrome-plated legs, which are well suited for attaching to kitchen sets.The height of the products is 150 mm, but if necessary, it can be adjusted and raised according to your preferences. The average cost is 785 rubles.
Set of furniture legs (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- comfortable height;
- strong, reliable design;
- easy to install.
Flaws:
Set of furniture legs (45x45)
Universal adjustable cone-shaped model made of stainless steel. The diameter is 45 mm, the height is 80 mm. The maximum load for which the supports are designed is 15 kg. The average price is 808 rubles.
Set of furniture legs (45x45)
Advantages:
- the ability to adjust the level of elevation;
- graceful form;
- pleasant appearance;
- reliability, strength;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
The Best Medium Price Supports
Steel adjustable support (70-110 cm)
Telescopic furniture support available in three colors - black, silver gray and nickel. Provides a stable position of the piece of furniture on uneven surfaces, allows you to choose the optimal height of the countertop. The model is made of stainless steel, made in the form of a cylinder. Withstands loads up to 30 kg. Mounted to the tabletop with screws. The weight of the structure is 2.5 kg. The average cost is 1,053 rubles.
Steel adjustable support (70-110 cm)
Advantages:
- telescopic design;
- little weight;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of regulation.
Flaws:
Set of legs for the bed (51x250mm)
Set of adjustable furniture supports. The kit includes 5 products, as well as special plugs. The diameter of each leg is 51 mm, the height is 250 mm. The average cost is 1,300 rubles.
Set of legs for the bed (51x250mm)
Advantages:
- high build quality;
- strong, thick-walled products;
- bolts included;
- secure fixation.
Flaws:
Square table support (46x46 mm.)
Aluminum legs for furniture from a Chinese manufacturer with the ability to adjust the height (from 71 to 74 cm). Suitable for assembling bar counters, tables. The average cost is - 1,149 rubles.
Square table support (46x46 mm.)
Advantages:
- pleasant appearance;
- comfortable height;
- reliability.
Flaws:
Steel leg for furniture (10 mm) "ZvezdaMebeli"
Furniture supports made of steel, have the ability to adjust. Equipped with a retractable thrust bearing, 37 mm in diameter. The height of the model is 130 mm. The design is designed to be fixed to the base of the bed. The model has a shiny gold finish. The average cost is - 1,159 rubles.
Steel leg for furniture (10 mm) "ZvezdaMebeli"
Advantages:
- light and durable;
- level adjustable;
- attractive design.
Advantages:
Chromed table legs (60x710mm)
Elegant and functional supports for tables, sofas, beds. Equipped with plastic plugs that can be adjusted in height. At the same time, despite the load, the design does not change the selected level of elevation. It is suitable for home and outdoor furniture, and is also used for bar countertops. The supports are made of silumin - a silicon-aluminum alloy. The height of the products is 710 mm. The average cost is - 1,990 rubles.
Chromed table legs (60x710mm)
Advantages:
- reliability;
- high-quality fasteners;
- lightweight and durable construction.
Flaws:
Steel cross for office chair
Metal support for a computer, gaming or office chair. The chrome-plated design gives the furniture a stylish look. The steel framework maintains loading in 120 kg. The hole for the roller has a diameter of 11 mm. The average cost is - 2,000 rubles.
Steel cross for office chair
Advantages:
- strong, reliable crosspiece;
- easy to mount;
- the price corresponds to the quality;
- high quality material.
Flaws:
Set of chrome supports (4 pcs.)
Furniture legs-pipes made of steel. Suitable for installation to tables, as well as kitchen, cabinet and upholstered furniture. The height of the products is 820 cm, the weight in the package is 4205 g. A reliable solid plate with 6 holes is provided for fixing to the base. The average cost is - 2,042 rubles.
Set of chrome supports (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- reliable fixation;
- level adjustable;
- high quality material;
- attractive cost.
Flaws:
Underframe Bar Duck&Dog (110x40x10 cm)
A loft-style bar underframe from the Duck&Dog family factory. If for a regular table two supports are needed, then for a bar countertop one is enough if part of the tabletop is attached to the wall. The underframe base has a rectangular shape and is made of a high-quality profile pipe with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm. Height adjustable up to 112 cm. Surface matt, powder coated. The fixing plate for the worktop is equipped with four fixing holes (diameter 5 mm). The weight of the structure is 4,800 g. Dimensions - 1100x550x100 mm. The average cost is 2,400 rubles.
Underframe Bar Duck&Dog (110x40x10 cm)
Advantages:
- good quality materials and coloring;
- pleasant, concise design;
- neat seams;
- adjustable height;
- attractive price;
- reliability.
Flaws:
The best expensive support models
Underframe Duck&Dog (71х55 cm)
Metal structure with which you can easily assemble the table yourself. The underframe is made in the loft style, has a rectangular shape that provides stability. Additional reliability creates a screw fastening that allows you to firmly fix the table top. The structure is made of steel, can withstand a maximum load of 120 kg. The height is adjustable up to 73 cm. The weight of the underframe is 6,200 g. The average cost is 3,085 rubles.
Underframe Duck&Dog (71х55 cm
Advantages:
- paint quality;
- attractive, stylish design;
- maximum load weight;
- lightweight and durable construction;
- adjustable level.
Flaws:
- unreliable places of welding;
- overpriced.
Underframe X shaped Duck&Dog (71х55 cm)
X-shaped metal table support for high stability. In addition, screw-type fastening is responsible for the durability and strength of the fixation. The design is made in the loft style, painted with black matte paint. The steel base frame can withstand loads of up to 120 kg, so it is suitable for attaching heavy stone or solid wood tops. The base is adjustable in height (up to 73 cm). The average cost is - 3,085 rubles.
Underframe X shaped Duck&Dog (71х55 cm)
Advantages:
- well painted;
- high quality of the product;
- pleasant appearance;
- stable, strong underframe;
- even and tidy.
Flaws:
White Duck&Dog underframe (71x55 cm)
Stylish metal table support. Coated with white matte paint. Rectangular shape provides stability. The model is equipped with four screw-type fasteners, which are distinguished by reliability and long-term fixation of the tabletop. The steel underframe can withstand a load of 120 kg. The height of the structure can be adjusted up to 73 cm. The average cost is 3,085 rubles.
White Duck&Dog underframe (71x55 cm)
Advantages:
- high quality;
- stability;
- affordable price;
- suitable for loft-style interior;
- stylish white matte surface;
- ease of mounting.
Flaws:
Table legs Duck&Dog 71 cm
Table supports with a gracefully curved shape. Such stiletto legs not only perform their main function, but are also able to decorate the interior. This unusual shape allows you to assemble exclusive furniture. Despite their sophistication, stud supports are able to withstand the impressive weight of various types of tabletops, so they are suitable for writing and dining tables made of stone or wood. As for the style, the design is made in the loft style, the surface of the frame is covered with protective paint. The average cost is 3,326 rubles.
Table legs Duck&Dog 71 cm
Advantages:
- stylish triangular shape;
- can be repainted;
- high-quality steel frame;
- strong construction;
- suitable for any countertop;
- easy to fasten.
Flaws:
- it is not possible to install a pedestal.
Table base SHT-TU25 Sheffilton
Underframe made of black moiré metal. The style of the external execution is reminiscent of the products of the 18th century, repeating the design of forged fireplace grates.The base is suitable for use in residential areas, and will also decorate the sophisticated interior of a restaurant, bar or cafe. The underframe is made of a pipe with a diameter of 51 cm. It can be used for round and square tabletops. The base is equipped with height-adjustable feet, making it easy to install the structure on uneven surfaces. The maximum load weight is 50 kg. The weight of the product itself is 4.7 kg. The average cost is 4,811 rubles.
Table base SHT-TU25 Sheffilton
Advantages:
- beautiful design in the old style;
- reliability and strength of the material;
- color quality;
- the optimal value of the allowable load.
Flaws:
Table base SHT-TU9-2 Sheffilton
White wood base. Differs in high durability, is in addition strengthened by a rigid design from a metal leaf and couplers. Rectangular and oval-shaped tabletops can be attached to the underframe. The design emphasizes the comfort of the room, suitable for living rooms, the interior of public institutions - cafes, bars and restaurants. The maximum allowable load is 50 kg. Product weight - 5.60 kg. The average cost is 5,621 rubles.
Table base SHT-TU9-2 Sheffilton
Advantages:
- nice design;
- natural wood texture;
- increased strength due to the metal construction;
- light weight of the product.
Flaws:
Table legs with electric height adjustment
A metal underframe for a computer or desk that allows you to create your ideal workplace, changing height depending on your needs.With the help of such an underframe, you can comfortably work while sitting or standing, alternating body position and thereby reducing the load and level of fatigue. The model is equipped with a URM stand, which automatically rises to the desired level when a special button is pressed. Thus, the height of the underframe varies from 68 to 91 cm. The average cost is 24,000 rubles.
Table legs with electric height adjustment
Advantages:
- automatic adjustment;
- wide height range;
- stability, strength;
- comfortable use;
- ideal for desktop assembly;
- minimalistic design.
Flaws:
Main selection criteria
When choosing a furniture support, you should pay special attention to the following parameters and characteristics:
The presence of soft lining. It is desirable that the legs be equipped with soft fabric pads, usually felt or felt. On the one hand, they protect the bottom of the product from external damage, on the other hand, they preserve the integrity of the floor covering, preventing it from scratching when furniture is moved.
Product material. The selection of material takes place, first of all, taking into account the total weight of the furniture structure, and also takes into account the layout of the room, the stylistic orientation of the interior. The most durable metal models, in second place - wooden and plastic. Properly selected material guarantees a long service life of the product, without loss of quality and attractive appearance.
Flooring. If there is a delicate coating that easily exposes to mechanical stress (for example, parquet), you should opt for products that have a large area of contact with the floor.It is also recommended to purchase soft silicone mats to maintain the integrity of the flooring.
Interior Design. In their appearance, the legs should match the style of the furniture and the room as a whole. Some models of decorative products can advantageously emphasize the style of the room.
Methods for attaching supports and legs when making a table at home
With even basic carpentry skills, you can attach the supports to the table without outside help.
There are several ways to mount furniture legs:
- With the help of surface plates (if the legs are not equipped with additional fittings).
- Fixing with T-nuts.
- Using Z-mounts (inexpensive, simple and reliable method).
- Fastening with screws (classic method without the use of additional fittings).
- Using homemade wooden clamps (a simple and reliable method).
- With the help of metal holders-eights (an inexpensive type of auxiliary fittings).
- Using spacers (these can be 2-3 spacers with grooves that are attached to the sides of a piece of furniture).
As for the finished supports, they can be used to adjust the height of the table, and the fastening is quite simple and is done with screws. Some models come with screws, additional fittings, as well as reinforcing structures.
You can pick up and purchase ready-made furniture supports in any hardware store, as well as in online stores such as Ozon, Leroy Merlin, Sheffilton and others. The range is quite rich, providing a choice of many different options according to the characteristics.Based on the design of the room, the shape and material of the countertop, you can choose a suitable model of any type, style and quality. Thanks to the well-thought-out design of the prefabricated supports, they can be easily installed by yourself, which provides comfort when assembling furniture at home.