Home › DIY

By James Anderson•Last Updated April 18, 2025

DIY Table Height Extension: Simple Methods to Make Your Table Taller

Why you might need to make a table taller

Have a table at the wrong height can cause discomfort, poor posture, and level pain over time. Whether your dealt with a dining table that sit excessively low, a desk that cause you to hunch over, or a coffee table that require awkward reach, adjust the height can importantly improve functionality and comfort.

Common reasons people need taller tables include:

Accommodate taller family members
Create a standing desk from a regular table
Improve ergonomics for work or hobbies
Matching table height to specific chairs
Repurpose furniture for new uses

Assess your table before make changes

Before modify your table, take time to evaluate several factors:

Determine your ideal height

Measure the current height and determine how much additional height you need. For dining tables, the standard height is 28 30 inches, while desks typically range from 29 30 inches. Bar height tables ordinarily measure 40 42 inches. Will consider they will intend use and who will be will use the tablewell-nighh often.

Examine your table’s construction

Look at how your table is build. Is it solid wood? Particleboard? Metal? Does it have removable legs or a fix base? Understand the construction will help you choose the nigh appropriate method for will increase height.

Consider weight and stability

Any modification will affect the table’s stability. A taller table become less stable unless right reinforce. Consider the weight the table need to support and ensure your modifications can handle that load safely.

Method 1: table leg extenders

The simplest and almost reversible solution is use table leg extenders. These come in various styles and materials to match your exist furniture.

Materials need

Table leg extenders / risers (wooden, plastic, or metal )
Measure tape
Level

Step-by-step instructions

Measure the diameter of your table legs to ensure you purchase aright sized extenders.
Empty the table wholly and flip it top downwards with help from another person.
Clean the bottom of each leg to ensure good contact with the extenders.
Place an extender on each leg, ensure they’re firmly attached accord to the product instructions.
Cautiously flip the table backwards o’er and check that it’s level use a bubble level.
Adjust any extenders that aren’t sat equally to prevent wobbling.

Pros and cons

Pros:

No permanent modifications, affordable, quick to install, easy reversible.

Cons:

Limited height increase (unremarkably 2 6 inches ) may not look integrate with original design, potential stability issues with rattling tall extenders.

Method 2: add wood blocks or furniture feet

For a more customize approach, you can create your own extenders use wooden blocks or decorative furniture feet.

Materials need

Hardwood blocks or decorative furniture feet
Drill with appropriate bits
Screws (length should be appropriate for your table legs )
Wood glue
Sandpaper (various grits )
Stain or paint to match your table
Clear polyurethane (optional for protection )
Measure tape and pencil
Level

Step-by-step instructions

Measure and cut hardwood blocks to your desire height increase. For stability, the blocks should have a somewhat larger footprint than your table legs.
Sand all sides of the blocks, start with coarse grit and progress to fine grit for a smooth finish.
Stain or paint the blocks to match your table. Apply several coats of polyurethane if desired.
Turn your table-top downwards on a protect surface.
Will position the blocks where they will attach to the table legs.
For removable blocks: drill pilot hole through the blocks and into the table legs. Secure with screws.
For permanent blocks: apply wood glue to the top of each block, position under each leg, and clamp until dry. For extra security, add screws through pre-drill holes.
Turn the table right side up and check that it’s level. Make any necessary adjustments.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Extremely customizable height, can be made to match table esthetically, potentially more stable than commercial extenders.

Cons:

Require woodworking skills and tools, more time consume, may be permanent to depend on attachment method.

Method 3: replace table legs entirely

For the nigh dramatic height change, consider replace your table legs totally.

Materials need

New table legs of desire height
Screwdriver or wrench (to remove old legs )
Drill and appropriate bits
Mount plates or brackets (iif youn)d )
Screws appropriate for your table-top
Level

Step-by-step instructions

Flip your table-top downwards on a protect surface.
Examine how the current legs are attached. Most tables use either screws, bolts, or mount plates.
Remove the exist legs cautiously, keep all hardware organize if you plan to reuse it.
If your new legs use the same attachment method, installation may be straightforward. Differently, you might need to install mount plates or brackets.
Position the new legs and attach them accord to their design. Ensure all connections are tight.
Flip the table right side upward with assistance and check that it’s level and stable.
Test the table by apply pressure in different areas to ensure it can handle weight befittingly.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Nigh significant height increase possible, opportunity to update the table’s style, potentially better stability than add on solutions.

Cons:

Virtually expensive option, require more skill to install right, original legs must be preserved if you want to revert changes afterward.

Method 4: build a custom base or platform

For tables with unusual designs or when you want to totally transform the look, build a custom base or platform can be effective.

Materials need

Lumber appropriate for your design (2x4s, plywood, etc. )
Circular see or miter see
Drill and bits
Wood screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or stain
Measure tape and pencil
Level

Step-by-step instructions

Design your base on paper offset, consider both height and stability needs.
Cut your lumber accord to your design plans.
Assemble the frame of your base use wood glue and screws at each joint.
Add cross supports as need for stability.
Sand all surfaces smooth, focus particularly on edges and corners.
Apply stain or paint to match or complement your table.
Erstwhile dry, position your table on top of the new base.
Secure the table to the base use l brackets or other appropriate hardware.
Check that everything is level and make any need adjustments.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Complete creative control over height and style, can add additional features like shelve, potentially rattling stable.

Cons:

Require more advanced woodworking skills, most time consume option, permanent modification to the table’s appearance.

Method 5: add a table topper or extension

Alternatively of make the table itself taller, consider add height from the top.

Materials need

Wood panel cut to the size of your table-top (or sslenderlarger )
)
Foam or rubber padding
Adhesive (optional )
Decorative covering material (optional )
Measure tape

Step-by-step instructions

Measure your table-top and cut a wood panel to match or slender exceed those dimensions.
Sand the edges of the panel smooth.
Cut foam or rubber padding to fit the underside of the panel. This prevents scratch your original table and provide grip.
Attach the padding to the underside of the panel use adhesive.
If desired, cover the top surface with a decorative material like leather, vinyl, or high quality contact paper.
Place the complete topper on your table.
For a more secure fit, you can add small l brackets to attach the topper to the original table.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Doesn’t modify the original table structure, add protective surface, can be removed well, add minimal height without affect stability.

Cons:

Limited height increase (typically 1 2 inches ) may slide if not secure, change the table’s surface appearance.

Tips for ensure stability and safety

Careless of which method you choose, stability and safety should be top priorities:

Distribute weight equally:

Ensure modifications are applied evenly to all legs or support points.
Check for wobbling:

After make changes, test the table by apply pressure at different points to identify any wobbling.
Use a level:

Check that your table remain level after modifications to prevent items from slide off.
Consider reinforcement:

For taller extensions, add cross braces between legs to prevent splaying.
Mind the weight capacity:

Understand that raise a table may reduce its weight bear capacity.
Secure all connections:

Double check that all screws, bolts, and other fasteners are tight.

Finish touches and aesthetic considerations

After successfully increase your table’s height, consider these finish touches:

Match the finish:

Paint or stain any visible additions to match your tables exist finish.
Hide hardware:

Use wood plugs, putty, or strategic placement to conceal screws and brackets.
Add decorative elements:

Consider add molding or decorative details to make extensions look intentional.
Balance proportions:

An importantly taller table might looktop-heavyy. Consider if the table’s width and length ease look proportional to its new height.

When to consider professional help

While many table height adjustments can be DIY projects, some situations warrant professional assistance:

Antique or valuable tables where mistakes could importantly reduce value
Tables with complex construction or unusual materials
When significant structural modifications are needed
If you lack the necessary tools or workspace
When precision is critical for specific ergonomic requirements

A professional carpenter can provide custom solutions that utterly match your table’s style while ensure structural integrity.

Conclusion

Make a table taller is a practical DIY project that can transform uncomfortable furniture into absolutely suited pieces for your needs. From simple leg extenders to complete base replacements, there be a solution for every skill level and budget. By cautiously plan your approach and prioritize stability, you can successfully increase your table’s height while maintain or level enhance its appearance and functionality.

Remember that the best method depend on your specific table, desire height increase, and how permanent you want the modification to be. With the right approach, your freshly elevated table will provide improved comfort and utility for years to come.