How to build a play table

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a play table. If you want to surprise your kids with a nice table made out of wooden components, you need to pay a close look to the instructions described in this article. Just imagine how much fun your kids will have while playing endlessly with their toys. Choose an appropriate design that suits your needs and matches the style of your play room.

There are quite a few plans that you could choose from when building the play table, so make sure you choose detailed projects that come with step by step instructions. If you don’t have a large expertise in the field, we recommend you to ask a skilled friend to give you a hand. Irrespective of your craftsmanship, we suggest you to gather all the tools and materials from the very beginning.

Invest in high-quality lumber, such as pine, cedar or redwood, if you want to build a table with a nice finish and highly durable. Always pre-drill the components before inserting the screws, if you want to prevent the wood from splitting. Add waterproof glue to the joints in order to enhance the rigidity of the wooden structure. Align everything with great care and check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a play table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 14 1/2″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 29″ long, 2 pieces – 45″ long APRONS
C – 5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 29″ long SUPPORTS
D – 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 32″ x 48″ long TABLETOP
E – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 32″ long, 2 pieces – 49 1/2″ long TRIMS

5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 3’x4′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a play table

Building the frame of the table

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the table. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×2 lumber. Cut the pieces of lumber at the right size before assembling them together.

Attaching the tabletop supports

Continue the project for your kids by fitting the supports between the frame of the table. Cut the 1×2 supports at the right size, drill pocket holes at both ends and insert the screws into the supports. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws into place. Take accurate measurements and work with attention, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.

Attaching the tabletop

Cut a piece of 3/4″ project panel at the proper size and attach it to the supports, making sure the edges are flush with the frame. Drill pocket holes through the supports and insert the screws into the tabletop. Add waterproof glue to the joints, to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the trims

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is attach 1×2 trims to the edges of the play table. The top of the trims should be 1/4″ higher than the tabletop. Use a spirit level to make sure the trims are perfectly horizontal before locking them to the table with finishing nails.

How to build a play table

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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