Day 6 of Building a Table · U Can Build This

Day 6 of Building a Table

How to V-Fold a Table Leg

I know, this term may sound completely foreign to you. This is my favorite way to make square table legs because it looks like one solid piece of lumber but has a much smaller chance of warping. Let's get into it!

With this method, you're basically making a picture frame with the longer sides of your boards to make a box. Think of it like your folding a Kit Kat candy bar into a square 😁

🪚 Step 1: Cut Your Boards to Width

Start by cutting your boards to the final width you need.

Example: We cut ours at 4” wide.

🪚 Step 2: Cut the Miters

Next, cut a 45° miter along the edges of your boards.

Lay the boards out on your work surface after cutting to check the fit. It should look kind of like a kit kat bar 😁
👉 Beginner takeaway: A 45° miter lets the boards join neatly at the edges.
🪚 Step 3: Tape the Edges
Add clear packaging tape along the edges of your boards.

The tape will hold the pieces together during assembly.
It also prevents glue from seeping out.
Press down firmly so the tape sticks evenly across the entire surface.

👉 Beginner takeaway: Tape keeps boards tight and stops glue from making a mess.

🪚 Step 4: Glue and Assemble

Add wood glue to each joint.

Carefully apply an even bead of glue along the mitered edges.
Once all edges are glued, “roll” the boards up to form a box shape.

👉 Beginner takeaway: Glue the edges, then fold the boards together like wrapping a box.

🪚 Step 5: Tape as a Clamp

Use your packaging tape again, this time wrap it tightly around the box.

Run strips of tape all the way around to act as a clamp.
We only show three strips in the picture, but you’ll likely need more for even pressure.
Pull the tape tight enough that it stretches slightly — that’s how you know it’s applying good pressure.

👉 Beginner takeaway: Tape can double as a clamp — just pull it tight so it holds the box firmly.

🪚 Step 6: Let It Dry

Leave your box clamped with tape until the glue fully dries.

🪚 Step 7: Remove Tape & Sand

Once dry, carefully peel off the tape.