Builder's Studio: How to Convert Your Coffee Table Into a Lift Top Table
Our Table Lift Hardware kits allow you to easily create a functional lift top coffee table for your space. Whether converting your existing coffee table or building a new one from scratch, this hardware is the perfect fit for your project. There are 4 different weight ratings available, depending on the weight of your table top. Simply match your table top weight to the weight rating listed on the hardware and install!
*Please note that your table base must have a minimum interior width of 18" and minimum interior length of 20" to work with this hardware.
Instructions:
Hardware Dimensions (when closed): 24 1/2" long, 16 3/8" wide, & 4 1/4" tall
You will need:
Locking pliers
Drill
Short wood screws
Tape measure
Phillips head screwdriver
Lumber for mounting brackets (we used 1x4)
Saw
Pocket hole jig (optional)
Instructions:
First, we need to assemble the hardware by attaching the springs. We recommend attaching one end of the spring to a set of locking pliers so it is easy for you to attach it to the next anchor point.
Once the springs are attached, check the function of each side to ensure that both arms are working properly.
- Next, we can install the crossbars that connect the two sides. Take the longer crossbar and install it to the bracket closest to the spring mechanism. The shorter crossbar will be installed on the opposite side. Please note: each kit will come with the necessary nuts and bolts for assembly.
Be sure to attach both crossbars before tightening to ensure both sides are parallel.
Once the crossbars are installed and you have ensured the crossbars are parallel to each other, you can use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the bolts.
If using an existing table top: remove the table top from the table base. Measure to make sure there is plenty of space for the hardware (minimum interior spacing is 18” width x 20” length).
- Cut pieces for mounting brackets (we used 1x4 lumber). You will need two of these to serve as a mounting surface for one end of the table lift hardware. The other side of the hardware will mount to the tabletop.
We added pocket holes (using a pocket hole jig) to our mounting brackets for easy attachment to the tabletop later on.
Flip the table base assembly over. Take one final measurement for the hardware to know where the brackets should lay.
Center your table base on the table top (during this step all components are upside down and placed together without attaching).
- Place the brackets on each end of the table base and then gently place your hardware on the table top assembly to ensure it lines up.
Make sure the hardware is centered by finding the center point of your table base and comparing that to the table lift hardware measurements. The most important part is to make sure the table lift hardware sits parallel to your table skirt.
Next, place your mounting brackets in their final location. Please note: It is important to leave a gap between the mounting bracket and the lift hardware to ensure smoothness while the hardware is functioning.
Trace the mounting location of the table lift hardware while keeping the mounting brackets in place.
Attach the mounting brackets using the pocket holes. Make sure you use screws that are not so long that they will go through your tabletop.
Place the lift hardware back in the desired spot and use wood screws to attach the innermost mechanisms to the tabletop and the outermost mechanisms to the mounting brackets. Please note: Make sure you use a proper length screw to avoid screwing through the front side of your table top.
Check to make sure the lift hardware is parallel to your table base, and then secure it with a wood screw to the mounting brackets.
Now that the hardware is installed, you can test the hardware functionality. It should lock in place or fully extend whenever needed.