Symptoms
- Leg detaches completely from the frame
- Furniture tilts or sits unevenly
- Leg cracked but still attached
Likely causes
- CommonStripped screw hole in the frameRepeated stress can wear out the threads holding the leg's mounting screw.
- CommonBroken leg mounting bracket or plateMetal mounting hardware can crack or bend under weight.
- PossibleCracked wooden legA hard impact or manufacturing flaw can crack the leg itself.
- Less commonWrong or mismatched leg attached originallyAn improperly fitted leg is more prone to failure.
What to do
- Inspect the broken area to see if the screw hole, bracket, or leg itself failed.
- For a stripped hole, fill it with wood glue and toothpicks or a wood filler, let it dry, then re-drill a pilot hole.
- For a broken bracket, replace it with a new matching mounting plate.
- For a cracked leg, glue and clamp the crack, or replace the leg entirely if it's severely damaged.
- Reattach the leg with new screws, making sure it sits flush and level with the other legs.
- Check the furniture sits level on the floor once reattached, using shims if needed.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver or drill
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
Replacement furniture legSearch: “replacement furniture leg universal”
Leg mounting plateSearch: “furniture leg mounting bracket”
When to call a pro
If the leg was original to a designer or antique piece, a furniture restorer can match materials and finish for a seamless repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.