When Pam had me research three places to buy metal shoes aka ferrules or sabots for wooden chair and table legs, I also set off down a rabbit hole of research that ended up in this story — nine places to find and buy metal hairpin table legs. These table legs are a favorite, we think, of Retro Renovators who want to construct tables themselves. Indeed — we even found a site offering plans.
NOTE: Pam reports that in editing this story, she did some very cursory research and that she is not seeing a ginormous price difference seller-to-seller. Some companies seem to have legs that are 3/8″ thick, others 1/2″ thick. Two of the companies that we profile offer handmade legs — and the upcharge does not seem excessive at all. We do not personally know how to assess quality when considering a purchase of this type of product. Will thicker steel rod add to structural integrity, and at what point is that really necessary considering the function of the piece you are planning to build? Is the quality of the steel rod super important? The welds? To get the best “value” you will likely need to triangulate item cost based on: Quality of material, thickness of rod, craftsmanship of construction, finishes and styles available, and shipping. The very best deal: As usual, probably vintage if you can find a set that works for you!
8 Sources for mid-century modern style hairpin legs
1. Tablelegs.com (above) – Tablelegs.com offers steel hairpin table legs in three heights. They also have a 3-rod hairpin leg style that is available in 28″ table height.
2. Hairpinlegs.com (above) – Hairpinlegs.com has several styles in heights from 4″ – 28.” Their legs are available in two finishes — raw steel and brushed stainless steel. Hairpinlegs.com has both two-rod and three-rod leg designs as well as a unique skateboard leg that allows you to convert a favorite skateboard deck into an end table. Cute!
3. Hairpin Legs for Less (above) – Hairpin Legs for Less offers seven styles: traditional, 90 degree, 3 rod, combination, B-12 , V-tip and flat tip hairpin legs — in sizes from 4″-28″ with two rod thickness options and 21 color options. The company also offers leather hairpin leg shoes, hairpin chairs, and a variety of pre-cut wood table tops options.
4. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware (above) – Rockler Woodworking and Hardware sells I-Semble Hairpin Table legs™ in three heights. Packaged as sets of four with a matte black, paintable finish.
5. Spring Modern (above) — We find Spring Modern intriguing — this company is run by Chicago industrial designer Todd Herlitz out of his home, as a passion. Spring Modern makes its silver powder-coated hairpin leg tables right in Chicago. It offers 10.5″, 15.5″ and 20.5″ heights in sets of three or four. Herlitz also makes some beautiful, affordable furniture. And, the company offers six free downloadable table patterns to use to make your own tables. Nice!
6. Hip Haven (above) – We know them best for their reproduction fiberglass bullet planters, and they offer hairpin legs for sale too, in a five sizes and three finishes. The legs can be purchased as singles. Made in the USA.
7. Modern Legs (above) – If you’re into the rough-hewn look — we also really like the look and sound of Modern Legs – a Colorado craftsman runs this shop on etsy. He builds these hairpin legs by hand and can built do order from raw steel or steel rebar in sizes from 4″ – 30″. The shop also offers a few other styles of metal legs for rustic/modern benches and tables. Cool!
8. Ferrous Hardware (above) – Ferrous Hardware has two finishes of stainless steel hairpin legs – available in 9″ and 7″. These legs are in the USA, and are their $45 price tag reflects the fact they are made of stainless steel.
9. Don’t forget vintage — Over the years we have seen a good amount of New Old Stock or used metal hairpin legs for sale on ebay. Pam found eight NOS originals in a box in the attic at this estate sale. We tend to think: If you are going for the black wrought-iron look in particular, used is dandy — a coat of spray paint will do the trick.
See all of our stories about mid century furniture legs:
3 places to find metal feet — aka “ferrules” and “sabots” — for mid century modern tables and chairs
4 sources for mid century modern tapered furniture legs
The post 9 places to buy metal hairpin table legs — raw steel, stainless steel, rebar, powder coated & more appeared first on Retro Renovation.