Since wood expands and contracts with seasonal weather changes, a wooden dining table table top made from timber is intended to move since the timber in the table top finishes to the surroundings. If the builder of this table didn’t account for these changes, the table top will likely bow or split over time. As such, most table tops have been connected to the frame using metallic or metal connectors which slide along a groove in the framework.
Remove any items from the table top, and with the help of an assistant, then turn the table upside down so that the table top is resting on the floor.
Find the mounting connectors for the table top along the two longest side aprons of the table framework. The connectors, which might be made from wood, metal or plastic, will probably be attached to the table top with screws and have a lip that fits into a groove in the aprons.
Tighten the screw which mounts each of the connectors to the table top with a screwdriver. If a screw won’t tighten since it is stripped or the area of the table top where the screw is threaded is damaged, then remove the screw to free the connector.
Slide the connector from the damaged section of this table top to a protected section an inch or two away, while still allowing the lip to be securely engaged with the port in the apron. Hold the connector in position and drill a shallow pilot hole to the table top through the hole in the connector using a 1/8-inch drill bit and a power drill. Then insert the screw to the connector and tighten the screw to the pilot hole using a screwdriver. Repeat for another damaged connectors.
Turn the table top back over and check to confirm that the table top is protected to the table’s aprons.