Builder's Studio: How Install a Soft Close Table Lift Kit

The Soft Close Table Lift Hardware is a great option for any home as it can transform a shorter coffee table into a dining or gaming table. Plus, when lowering the tabletop this hardware will catch itself and soft close the remainder of the way. Once installed, it is like you will have multiple tables in one! Add this hardware to a new build or an existing piece for extra functionality. Visit the links below to learn more about the parts used in this build!

Assembly Instructions

What we used:

Soft Close Table Lift Hardware (Part #500731)
4x1 True Stock 96” Long (Part #39641)
Custom Table Base Kit

Tools:

Screwdriver	Drill/Drill Bit	Miter or Circular Saw	Pencil
Tape Measure	Clamp	Wood Screws	Pocket Hole Jig

Instructions:

Step 1 - Connect the crossbars

First, connect the two crossbars that come with your kit using the supplied hardware. It’s important to note that these bars are not the same length so the longer bar will attach closest to the tabletop mounting bracket while the shorter bar will attach closest to the spring mechanism.

Step 2 - Tighten the bolts

Once the crossbars are installed, use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the bolts down making sure that the assembly stays perfectly square.

Step 3 - Place the lift into the table base

Next, place the lift into the table base you’ll be installing it to. This lift hardware requires a table base with a minimum interior width of 18” and minimum interior length of 20”.

Step 4 - Locate the center of the table base

Find the center of the table base and the center of the table lift hardware. Make marks on both, then line those marks up to ensure everything properly functions once installed.

Tip: It’s important to center the hardware to the length and width of your table before moving on to creating your mounting brackets.

Step 5 - Measure for mounting brackets

Next, we can measure the length needed for our mounting brackets and cut them out of the 4x1 True Stock using a miter saw or a circular saw.

Tip: This length will be project specific so take accurate measurements before cutting.

Step 6 - Create pocket holes on the mounting brackets

Once the mounting brackets are cut to length, pocket holes are needed for attachment to the table base. Add pocket holes to the brackets using a pocket hole jig.

Step 7 - Put the brackets in the necessary location

Place the wooden bracket on each side of the table lift hardware, making sure they rest on the shoulder of the metal hardware.

Tip: It’s important to remember that the lift hardware is not attached to the tabletop or table base yet so avoid moving it as much as possible.

Step 8 - Attach the mounting brackets

Attach the mounting brackets to the table base using the pocket holes and wood screws

Tip: To get access to all of the screw hole locations on the table lift, fully extend the hardware and flip the table base over. If you do this, make sure to center the hardware back up on the bracket before securing them.

Step 9 - Check the hardware functionality

Before moving on, be sure to check the function of the hardware. There should be no interference.

Step 10 - Attach the table lift hardware to the tabletop

Place the table base back onto the tabletop and center it for a proper overhang. Secure the table lift hardware to the tabletop using the pre-drilled holes and wood screws.