How to attach a table top to our frames
Are you looking to build a table frame but not sure how to attach the top to the rest of the structure? We give you four ideas of how you can do that using Kee Klamp fittings and galvanised steel tubes.
The article is used with permission from Simplified Building UK
https://simplifiedbuilding.co.uk/projects/how-to-attach-a-table-top-to-our-frames
Ideas for wood, glass, marble, quartz, granite tops and more.
In this article:
Methods
- Attach a table top using flanges
- Attach a table top using sheeting clips
- Obtain a recessed look using swivel socket members
- Attach a table top using rail supports
Types of table tops
- Wood: How do I attach a wooden table top to a steel frame?
- Glass: How to attach a glass table top without screws
- Concrete, marble, quartz, granite, metal, ceramic: How do I mount a heavy table top to a metal frame?
- Plastic: How can I attach a plastic table top to a metal frame?
- Laminated plywood: Attaching a laminated plywood top to table legs
Methods
Method 1: Use flanges to attach the top
If your table top is made of wood for example, build the table frame using Kee Klamp flanges.
You can fix the table top to the flanges using screws. The diameter of the fixing hole for a size 7 flange is 6.5mm.
Find more technical details on each fitting in our Kee Klamp catalogue.
Method 2:Â Sheeting clips
Sheeting clips are a good, cost-effective method of attaching your top to a Kee Klamp table frame.
We recommend using these when choosing the Rugged table frame for example.
Sheeting clips attach around tube on one side and connect to the table top with bolts. These are perfect for wooden table tops.
With sheeting clips, you can also position the table top between the frame tube, creating a recessed look as shown in the example below:
Method 3: Use swivel sockets for heavier table tops
Create a recessed look using M50 swivel socket members. We recommend using these if you choose the Rugged table frame.
This means that your table top will sit within the table frame, instead of on top of it. With this method, there is no need to drill into the table top or use any kind of screws, which makes it ideal for hard, heavy materials such as marble, concrete, quartz, ceramic, granite or metal. Used correctly, the M50 fittings are strong enough to hold the weight of any table top.
Here’s an example of a table built using a concrete table top that sits on top of 4 x M50 fittings:
Other structures, such as this clothing rack with a shelf, use M50 fittings to support shelves:
Method 4:Â Use rail supports for a cool look
Using 70 type fittings will give your table frame an interesting look.
Here is an example of a living room table that uses rail support fittings to hold the glass table top:
TYPES OF TABLE TOPS
1. Wood: How do I attach a wooden table top to a steel frame?
Wooden table tops can be fixed to a Kee Klamp steel or aluminium frame using any of the methods listed above.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Do you want to drill into the table top or use screws? If the answer is yes, then build the table frame using flanges (method 1) or sheeting clips (method 2). If the answer is no, go for method 3.
- Is the wooden table top very heavy? If the answer is yes, go for method 3. Make sure that the table frame is sturdy enough to hold the top – we suggest building the frame using our Rugged kit.
- Do you need the wood plank to sit on top of the frame? If yes, go for methods 1, 2 or 4.
- Do you need the plank to sit between the tube that forms the frame? If yes, go for method 3. This will give your table a recessed look.
2. Glass: How to attach a glass table top without screws
Here are a few examples:
Additionally, glass table tops will require neoprene gaskets to protect the glass and avoid it slipping.
3. Concrete, marble, quartz, granite, metal, ceramic: How do I mount a heavy table top to a metal frame?
Heavy table tops are difficult to manoeuvre and require good support. We recommend using the Rugged table frame kit as it will give you a good, industrial strength support for any kind of tops (whereas these are made of marble, quarts, concrete, granite etc).
Use method 3 to attach a top like this to the frame. Typically, it is difficult to drill into heavy materials, therefore we recommend going for a recessed look, using M50 type fittings. The top will be supported by these strong single swivel socket members.
4. Plastic: How can I attach a plastic (acrylic) table top to a metal frame?
Plastic can easily be damaged therefore, where possible, avoid drilling through a plastic table top. Bearing this in mind, we recommend a recessed look for your table, using M50 type fittings to support the top.
5. Laminated plywood: Attaching a laminated plywood top to table legs
Laminated plywood can be attached using any of the methods described above. However, if you decide to drill through a laminated table top, do this carefully to avoid damaging the laminated layer.
