Three Simple Work Day Tips for Better Health and More Energy

Are you sitting as you read this? Stop immediately! Although Churchill may have asked why one should stand when they can sit, the truth of the matter is that sitting all day is one of the worst things you can do for your health.  In one Mayo Clinic report, those who sit more are also more likely to die of a cardiac event or have a chronic illness. Now, the skeptic might argue that those who sit also the ones who eat badly and smoke. However, research indicates that those who exercise and eat right are being affected by chronic sitting as well.

That's because a great majority of us sit in front a computer throughout our workday. So even if someone exercises for an hour a day, they are still sitting for a large percentage of the day, negating many of the benefits of healthy habits. In addition, most of us who sit don't know how to sit correctly either. We hunch over and our wrists are positioned incorrectly, causing spinal injuries and carpel tunnel syndrome. Does this sound bleak? Luckily, there are many different ways to amend your daily routine to get more time on your feet. Here are several easy solutions:

Get up at least once an hour: The easiest thing you can do is make an effort to stand more. At least once an hour, get up from your desk and go for a five minute walk to the water cooler, the bathroom or just around the office. This will not only recharge you, but it will add up to more time spent on your feet.

Stand when you get home: Unfortunately, when most of us get home after a long day, our first inclination is to grab a soft drink and sit in front of the television for a few hours. After sitting all day and commuting home, the last thing you should do is sit some more. Make it a point to stand and move around – either through regular exercise or chores – to restore your energy levels and improve your health.

Invest in a Standing Desk: There are some standing desks that you can purchase online, but to save money and have a desk customized to your height, you can very easily make one yourself. We carry adjustable table legs that are perfect for the DIY standing desk. They are easy to install and cost much less than an assembled desk. With a standing desk, you'll hopefully achieve better health and avoid becoming part of a growing statistic.

For more information on our adjustable table legs, contact a representative today. 

Building Your Own Table for that First Apartment

As fall progresses and the leaves begin to fall to make way for winter, you're bound to see a number of moving vans all over your town. Many people move during the fall as summer vacations are over and winter snow storms are still a time away, and a number of those people will be moving for the first time. Whether you're moving for that very first job or you're in college and are getting out of the dorms, one thing that you'll learn very quickly is that moving out costs a lot of money.

Between paying for rent and utilities as well as food, laundry and expenses that you wouldn't even imagine are involved with living on your own, you might be a little short on money in the beginning. However, you still need places to sit, eat and sleep, which might take a little creativity. While you can certainly consider purchasing a used table on Craig's List or an auction, or a cheap one at a discount furniture store, we happen to think that it's more fun and a better investment to build your own.

Get your dimensions right: The first thing you'll want to figure out is the size of the table you want. Chances are you won't have a very large dining room, if any, so you'll probably only need a table that is about 34 inches in length and width. However, it's best to get precise measurements to account for your own needs. Otherwise, you might end up with a table that won't fit in your apartment.

What kind of top do you want? When it comes to a top for your table, you'll have a number of different choices to choose from, depending on your budget and personal taste. Some of the most common materials used for the top are plywood, particleboard and traditional lumber.  The type of material you use for the top will determine if you need to do extra sanding, edging, etc.  You can also buy a table top that’s already finished and ready to go if you don’t have the time or tools to make your own.

Finding sturdy legs: While you could certainly construct your own table legs, it actually makes more sense to purchase sturdy metal table legs to provide the support needed for your table to stand. We have a variety of table legs and bases that are under $100.

By taking a little time during the weekend, you can have a table you can be proud of at a price that will make your parents proud. There's no reason that you can't have quality when you start out – you might just have to make it yourself.

Build a Changing Table Using Repurposed Materials

While a changing table is an essential part of every nursery, it can be one of the more expensive pieces to purchase. Rather than spending money that could be used for other baby necessities on a pricey changing table, consider building one with supplies that can mostly be found at local thrift stores and consignment shops.

This fun and inexpensive nursery project requires the following items:

• Old wooden bench

• Metal table legs

• Sand Paper

• Household tools: hammer, nails, small handsaw, etc.

• Paint

• Paintbrush

• Clean cloth

To build baby's new changing table, first take apart the wooden bench so that the bottom is free from the back and legs. If needed, use the handsaw to cut the bench seat to the desired size. Once the seat is ready, sand all surfaces to remove splinters and old paint or stain remnants. Then, wipe each section down with a clean cloth. Next, paint the seat with the desired color and let it dry (using non-toxic paint, of course). When the paint has completely dried, attach each metal table leg to the four outside corners of the wooden seat. Using a metal table leg at each of the ends provides added strength and stability to the baby's new changing station. Place a covered changing pad on top of the old wooden seat, and the changing table is complete.

Optional elements that can be added to this station include side railings or panels that enclose the top of the table for added security, additional shelves beneath the table top, baskets for storage, or a side bag to hold extra diapers, wipes and changing supplies. Consider using storage containers that complement the color theme of the baby's nursery. Using a changing pad cover in a corresponding shade is another way to add personality and pop to the room's environment.

Once the changing station is no longer used by the baby, the piece can be repurposed yet again by converting it into a storage table. Simply remove the pad on the top of the table and replace it with baskets, bins or containers to store toys, clothes, blankets or other children's necessities.

Metal Table Legs Add to a Labor Day Party Cooler Table

Finding affordable and convenient ways to spice up Labor Day parties isn't always easy. Many of the most eye-catching and useful entertaining supplies and props that you can buy have a tendency to cost a fortune and be nigh impossible to find a reasonable substitute for.

The recent DIY movement has put an end to all of that; from lighting to seating, cheap and manageable innovations are taking the world by storm. One of the most creative ideas that we've come across at Legs and Bases is the patio table with a built-in drink cooler compartment. These can make a perfect Labor Day DIY project, though you should give yourself a few days to complete it before the big weekend. Metal table bases can be used for such a table, giving it both a contemporary look, and the support it needs to withstand the rigors of partying.

Originally conceived, designed and built by Sarah Bowes-Pope and Alex Pope (as detailed on their blog), the design can be adapted in several styles and used throughout the warmer months for many events. In fact, the coolers in the design are convertible and can be covered up to form a completely solid table with some extra space.

Guests will be awed at the utility of this table, with sunken compartments to hold beer, wines, soft drinks, water and more. Ice can just be dropped in, drinks added and the hosts and guests spared from running back and forth to the kitchen.

Lumber for the top and modern or traditional metal table legs are all that’s needed to create the perfect hosting table for your Labor Day event. With solid materials and construction, this table will hold up to the outdoor elements and provide you with a thoroughly utilitarian, yet stylish, piece that will serve you well for years to come. 

Save Money on Classroom Furniture by Replacing Metal Table Bases

As school budgets grow tighter and tighter with each passing year, the amount of funds available for items such as classroom furnishings has dwindled to a paltry sum. When school lets out for the summer months, ensuring that the condition of the school building and furnishings are up to par for the next school year can wreak havoc on small budgets. However, with a few minor replacements such as our metal table bases, you can save your budget and have quality furnishings for years to come.

Stainless Steel Table Bases 

Our stainless steel table basis offer solid construction. These heavy duty metal table bases come with either a round or a square bottom platform. With classic design, this style of table base brings together form and function that will last for many years of heavy student use.

Cast Iron Table Bases 

Cast iron metal table bases are our heavy duty work horse for school use. The round bases are perfect for use in school cafeterias. The cast iron t-base will support heavy work tables for media centers, libraries and classrooms. The cast iron x-bases come in several sizes that allow for customization of different table heights and sizes. The columns are made of heavy gauge steel while the bases are cast out of solid iron.

Some of the most necessary furnishings in a school are also the ones that get the most use and abuse. Our quality metal table bases allow students to be comfortable while doing their work so that they can focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by discomfort or furnishings that do not fit.

Creating an Environment for Success

Whether you've dreamed of opening your own restaurant, lounge or bar, one of the most important things owners must do to become successful in this industry is create an environment that draws people into the building, and that also impresses them enough to want to come back again. Although many people think that an establishment's popularity is based solely on its food and drink service, it is actually the building's design and atmosphere that will make the first impression on customers. From the signs outside that catch people's attention, to the lighting and décor inside that create a relaxing and friendly atmosphere, it is important for owners to know how to best spend their money when renovating a space for success.

Looking to renovate your restaurant or bar space to draw in more crowds? Here are the 5 best places to start:

1. Signs: The front sign is what will attract people to your restaurant or bar, so it is important that it looks professional and illustrates the atmosphere you are trying to create. For example, want to establish an authentic Italian restaurant? Try a vintage wooden sign out front. Chalkboards out front also help owners advertise current specials and attract more people into the building.
2. Lighting: Indoor lighting greatly impacts the mood of a space. For a cozy, intimate atmosphere use small candles or other fixtures that give off soft lighting. If you want to create an exciting sports bar, use brighter lights or classic neon signs to set that mood.
3. Barstools / Chairs: Not only should barstools and chairs be comfortable for customers to sit in, but they must also be durable. Choose chairs and stools made from materials like vinyl that can be easily cleaned and will not rip or fray from frequent use.
4. Tables: When choosing the tables for your restaurant or bar it is wise to avoid trends and stick with classic, durable styles. Dark wooden tables work best for indoor spaces, while tabletops with metal table legs are perfect for outdoor spaces as they will not blow around in the wind.
5. Coordinated Décor: When owners try to include too many different décor styles into their space the result is a big cluttered mess. If you want to create a chic, modern bar it is important to pick furniture and décor that reflects this modern, simplistic style. Adding vintage pieces or sports memorabilia would just confuse the space. Pick a theme or style and stick with it.

Purchasing and renovating a restaurant, lounge or bar is an expensive business venture, but when done right these entrepreneurs can enjoy great success and pride in the establishments they have helped create.

Moving Your Restaurant Forward on New Legs

Have you been noticing that more and more of the tables in your restaurant or diner are getting wobbly as time passes? While this common problem does mean that you're establishment is popular, it's also indicative of a potentially troublesome future. If you don't act now and deal with the issue, you're going to be paying for more broken dishes, cleaning up more spills, and losing customers who don't enjoy the rickety dining experience. Fortunately, you can use our new metal furniture legs to make establishment-wide improvements without replacing everything.

By simply changing out the legs and bases on your existing tables, you'll be able to save a lot of money. Tabletops can be expensive, and you've probably already invested a great deal in the ones you've got. Why not hold on to them as long as you can by using our new bases? You may even find that simply reconfiguring your bases does a lot to improve your customers' overall comfort levels.

Our metal table legs have some distinct advantages over common wooden and plastic varieties. For one thing, they're easier to clean, meaning that sanitation isn't going to be as much of a problem as it was in the past. They're also extremely strong, which is important if you want to accommodate large parties and hungry diners on a regular basis.

Metal furniture legs also allow you to select from a much wider array of stylistic options because the material can be formed into more shapes without losing its strength. Best of all, the fact that they're hidden from sight makes it easy to perform unseen upgrades on your classic and antique furniture. You'll maintain the ambiance and unique style that are just as responsible for your popularity as the great food you serve.