Fix a wobbly table

Question

I have a table consisting of a top and a leg. But top is wobbly due to a space/gap between top and leg. What is the easiest/fastest way to fix it?

Note that there's no attachment between the top panel and the structure underneath.

Answer 1

You can buy adjustable size plastic shims easily at home improvement stores or online. I would fit on to the gap's size and insert gently, using a chisel and hammer.

Answer 2

Now that I understand that the top simply rests on the substructure--a very non-standard arrangement--here's my suggestion...

Avoid the whole issue by installing pads or bumpers at the outer ends of each supporting arm. These can be self-stick rubber pads or the kind of nail-on rubber bumpers used in moving assembly applications. This eliminates any need to fine-tune fitment, provides good stability, and affords some additional friction to prevent unwanted movement.

Answer 3

Get a small piece of paper and fold it until is fits in that gap snugly at the biggest opening. All the advantages of being cheap, quick, and fairly durable.

Answer 4

I would make two suggestions.

1. Properly attach the table top to the rails using table top fasteners.

   • Table top fasteners screw into the table top and lock it into a groove in the support rail. This allows the top to expand and contract, yet keeps the top from being knocked off.
   • This is an example of the type of fastener I'm referring to:
     ^{No endorsement of this supplier or particular item intended or implied, it was simply the first result of a search for "table mount clip". Image from linked source.}
   • It's entirely possible that using 2 or 3 of these clips on each rail will suffice to stop the table top from wobbling. You'd have to install them nearer the center of the rail where the drop of the clip will reach to where you actually have wood, as opposed to hanging into space or only having a thin section of wood above the groove which may break off.
   • I haven't looked, but it's possible that they make these clips with a greater drop that would span the gap between your table top and the drooped rail. This would be the ideal solution.

2. If the clips aren't sufficient, plane or sand down the bowed center section of the support rails.

   • It's hard to tell exactly how much gap there is between the bottom of the table top and the top of the rail, but it appears to be 1/4" or so.
   • That rail appears to be substantial enough to be able to survive that much material removal without any significant loss of strength.
   • This will give you a flat surface all the way across the rail to support your table top.

Answer 5

Wood glue a shim into the gap. Only glue it to the leg, not the top. Sand first, clamp or weight right after. Once dry, the joint will be stronger than the wood it's attached to.

Answer 6

Thanks guys ☺ For now, I'm using some sort of plastic foam, something like @UnhandledExcepSean suggestion. Later I will use methods suggested by @isherwood or @FreeMan 👍