Mark each table leg accurately, cut them to the same shorter length, then smooth and refit the feet so it stands level.
STL-01Plan the new height and clear your workspaceDecide how much shorter the table needs to be. Measure this amount is the same for all four legs unless you're correcting an uneven floor, in which case measure each leg separately against a level reference. Lay a dust sheet down and gather your tools before you start.
STL-02Mark a straight line around each legIt's hard to draw a square line around a leg by eye. Wrap a strip of masking tape or paper around the leg at your marked height so it lines up edge to edge, then draw your pencil line along the top edge of the tape. Check the join with a try square against a flat face of the leg.
STL-03Turn the table over and support it safelyTurn the table upside down onto the dust sheet to protect the tabletop. Make sure it's stable and can't rock or slide while you cut. Ask someone to hold it steady if it feels at all wobbly.
STL-04Cut the first legClamp the leg to a workbench or sturdy surface if you can. Saw along the marked line, keeping the saw upright and square to the leg, using the tape edge as your guide. Let the saw do the work rather than forcing it, especially near the end of the cut to avoid splitting.
STL-05Cut the remaining legs to matchMeasure exactly how much you removed from the first leg. Use this measurement, taken from the same end of each remaining leg, to mark identical cutting lines. Cut each leg the same way, checking the offcut length against the first leg's offcut as you go.
STL-06Smooth the cut ends and check for splitsSand each cut end to remove rough edges and splinters. Check along the grain near the cut for any small cracks caused by clamping or sawing. If you find a crack, glue it closed and clamp it before moving on.
STL-07Refit feet or floor glidesIf you removed screw-in feet or glides before cutting, screw them back on now. If the legs didn't have any, fit new self-adhesive floor glides to all four legs to protect flooring and stop the cut end soaking up moisture from the floor.
STL-08Stand the table up and check for wobbleTurn the table the right way up on a flat floor. Place a spirit level across the top in both directions and gently rock the table to feel for any lift at one corner. A slight wobble usually means one leg is a touch too long.
STL-09Fine-tune and finish the cut endsIf one leg needs trimming, remove no more than 1-2mm at a time and re-check before cutting further. Once the table sits level, seal any exposed cut end with matching varnish or wax so it doesn't look raw or soak up moisture unevenly.
STL-10Tidy upVacuum up sawdust from the floor and the table legs. Wipe down the tabletop and put your tools away. Dispose of the leg offcuts or keep them for another project.
Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.