Add corner braces or metal brackets for reinforcement

Install L-shaped metal corner braces or flat mending plates at the joints between legs and the frame or apron of a table or chair. This adds mechanical strength to joints that have loosened and is especially effective as a supplementary fix alongside re-gluing.

How It Works

Metal brackets bridge the gap between two structural members (e.g., a table leg and the apron rail), adding rigidity through screws driven into both pieces. They physically prevent the joint from racking or pulling apart. Corner braces sit inside the angle of a joint; flat mending plates span across a joint on its surface.

Step-by-Step

1. Turn the furniture upside down on a padded surface
2. Choose brackets sized to fit inside the joint angle without protruding past edges
3. Position the brace snugly in the corner where the leg meets the frame
4. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, especially in hardwood
5. Drive screws through the bracket into both the leg and the frame
6. For tables, install a brace at each corner where a leg meets the apron
7. For chairs, install at each point where legs meet the seat frame

Tips

• Use flat-head wood screws that sit flush in the bracket countersinks
• Brass or zinc-plated brackets resist corrosion
• For a cleaner look, install brackets on the inside surfaces where they are not visible
• Corner braces work best on furniture with a flat apron or frame rail; they are less effective on curved or turned components
• This is an excellent complement to re-gluing: glue the joint first, then add a bracket for long-term reinforcement

Limitations

• Visible brackets can look utilitarian on fine furniture
• Not suitable for delicate antique pieces where preserving originality matters
• Does not address the root cause if the wobble is from uneven legs rather than loose joints