How to assemble a dining table

• Allen key (supplied)
• Spanner or socket set
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Spirit level
• Tape measure

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Table top (and leaves, if it extends)
• Legs and long and short rails (the apron)
• Corner brackets, bolts, washers and wing nuts
• Top fixing screws or clips
• Floor glides for the feet

1. 1

   Step 1: Clear a floor area bigger than the table and lay the top face down on a blanket.

2. 2

   Step 2: Join the long and short rails to make the frame, fitting the corner brackets into their slots with the screws only started.

3. 3

   Step 3: Push each leg into its corner so it sits against the bracket, then fit the hanger bolt through the bracket with its washer and nut, finger-tight.

4. 4

   Step 4: Measure the diagonals of the frame and adjust until they are equal, then tighten the corner bracket nuts firmly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Place the frame upside down on the underside of the top, centred, and fix it with the top screws or clips. Do not overtighten wood screws.

6. 6

   Step 6: With your helper, lift the table onto its feet. Lift, do not drag, so the legs are not twisted.

7. 7

   Step 7: Check it with a spirit level in both directions and adjust the floor glides if it rocks.

8. 8

   Step 8: After a week of use, check the leg bolts again: wood settles, and a quick re-tighten keeps the table steady.

• Assembling the frame on the top in one go and finding it is not square after the screws are in.
• Driving top screws in with a drill so they break through the table surface.
• Turning the finished table over by pivoting it on two legs, which loosens or cracks the joints.