How To Add Height To Any Antique Table

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Sometimes, your antique table just doesn't work quite like you want it to. If the ergonomics feel off or chairs are barely sliding underneath it but you love the antique style, perhaps adding a few inches with wheel casters is the solution. This small upgrade only requires a few tools: a drill, measuring tape, pencil, and the right casters. Be sure to pick some that have the correct load rating. If your dining table weighs 150 pounds and you regularly use it for 40 to 50 pounds worth of heavy items, you will want to add those together. Then, divide by the number of legs (4), equalling a minimum load weight of 50 pounds per caster. Definitely round up to ensure that you don't have any accidents in the future.

Before starting, measure how much height you wish to add. This will depend on your space and the type of table you're using; the right height for a coffee table will not be the same for an antique nightstand. Most casters provide about 2 to 5 extra inches of height, which should be enough for your needs without ruining the table's vintage aesthetic. Beyond function, casters add some extra benefits as well. Heavy antique tables will suddenly become much easier to move around the room for cleaning or rearranging. There are locking ones available as well to keep your antique stable during regular use. One thing to note is that this tip works best with sturdy, large-legged tables. If your antique has thin or ornate legs, casters may add too much stress for them to handle.

Start by flipping the table upside down on a soft surface, like a blanket or soft carpet, to keep from accidentally scratching the table or the floor. Mark the center of each leg's bottom with a pencil; this will ensure the caster plate sits perfectly even. If using screw-on casters, pre-drill small pilot holes prior to the screws to prevent the wood from splitting. If you're a little wary of drilling into your table, there are plenty of tips for drilling the perfect pilot hole. It's always good to practice on some spare pieces before you commit. For stem-mounted casters, you will need to drill a hole matching the stem's diameter and depth; if it uses a socket, add 1/4 of an inch to the depth.

Attach each caster securely, but be careful not to overtighten, as old wood is prone to cracking. This would also be a great time to check the original screws on your table and make sure everything is tight and secure, reinforcing or replacing things as needed. Once installed, flip the table back over and test its stability. If you find that your table rocks slightly, double-check that the casters are all fully extended and tightened. The whole process should take under an hour and provide extra years of use to your antique table.

If you don't like the idea of adding wheels to your old furniture, there are plenty of other ways to add height to an antique table. For a less permanent solution, you could use risers, which come in wood or plastic and slip under each table leg. Certain options, like these Wood Bed Furniture Riser Blocks, can vary in size. Another option is to extend the legs with wood pieces and paint them to match, but you will need some carpentry experience for this option. If chair height isn't the issue, you could always just use a table topper and make your tablescape more interesting by covering it with fabric. This gives you the height required without adding anything to the legs.

Every alternative has its pros and cons. Risers are stable, but they limit mobility. They can also be an eyesore. Leg extensions preserve the old-school look, but it's an irreversible project. Casters are removable and great for mobility, but a wheel left unlocked could quickly create an unstable surface. Ultimately, the best method depends on your needs. How much height you need to add, how often you move your table, and how much you want to preserve the antique's original form should all factor into your decision.