Legbord

Legbord is a woodworking term used to describe a board that forms or reinforces the leg area of a piece of furniture. It typically serves to provide structural support, improve stability, and help distribute loads from the furniture’s upper parts to the legs.

In construction and repair contexts, a legbord is positioned to connect the legs to the main frame or to a side panel. It can be an internal member hidden within the carcass or an external element visible along the lower edge. The board may be flush with the bottom of the furniture or set back slightly to allow foot clearance. Its function is to strengthen the leg junction, reduce wobble, and help maintain alignment over time.

Materials and finishes for legbords are usually matched to the piece, so they can be made from the same wood as the main structure or from a contrasting material for a deliberate design effect. Finishes such as stain, paint, or veneer are commonly applied to integrate the legbord with the rest of the piece.

Construction methods vary and may include traditional joinery such as mortise and tenon or dowels, as well as mechanical fasteners like screws or brackets. Legbords are found in a range of furniture types, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and bed frames, wherever additional leg stability and rigidity are desired.

See also: apron, base rail, leg rail, footboard.