When attaching tabletops to table bases, you really need to think about wood movement.

Since the tabletop will expand and contract with the seasons, you need to secure it in a way that allows for this movement.

Because if you simply drive screws through the base into the bottom of the tabletop — it can eventually crack and ruin all your hard work.

There’s all sorts of specialty hardware out there to solve this problem. Figure 8 fasteners and z-clips are designed to shift with seasonal movement while still holding the tabletop steady.

But today, I’m going to show you a simple way to attach tabletops with NO specialty hardware.

In fact, all you need are some regular screws, washers, and a couple forstner bits.

Here’s how it works.

First collect all the hardware you’ll need (which you can probably find around your shop).

You’ll need some screws that are long enough to go through the table base and into the table.

And for each screw, you’ll need a washer to fit. The exact size doesn’t matter, but it’s easier if they’re all the same.

Lastly, you’ll need 2 forstner bits (like these).

The first forstner bit needs to have a diameter larger than the diameter of your washers.

And the second forstner bit should be about ¼” bigger than the diameter of your screws (you can use any drill bit for this, to be honest).

Use a center punch to mark where you’ll put screws through the base and into the table.

Now at each point, use the larger forstner bit to drill a countersink for the washers.

It doesn’t need to be very deep. Just deep enough that the washer will be hidden — but you can adapt this based on the length of your screws and thickness of material.

Now you’ll drill a second hole all the way through the base using the smaller forstner bit.

Do your best to center this through-hole in the countersink (you can insert the washer as a guide).

Make sure to make gradual plunges so your forstner bit doesn’t overheat and get dull.

What’s important is that this hole be about ⅛” bigger than your screws on all sides.

Now you’re ready to assemble your table.

Center the tabletop on the base and hold it in place with some clamps.

Then place a washer in each countersink.

You can then insert the screws in the through-holes and drive them into the tabletop until they engage with the washer and lock tight (not overly tight — but solid). Also, make sure to drill pilot holes in the tabletop first.

Because of the oversized holes, the screws won’t impede the tabletop’s seasonal movement — but will still hold it securely to the base thanks to the washers.

This is the method I used for the table that’s in my office today… and after several years (and a big shop move) it’s still holding together beautifully.

Want to learn more about dealing with wood movement? Read this.

What’s your favorite method for attaching tabletops to bases? Let us know in the comments below!

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