Does your child need a small table for arts, crafts, and general playing? Are you looking for an inexpensive and easy way to build it yourself? These simple kids play table plans only require three pieces of wood, some basic woodworking skills and a few common tools.
These simple kids play table plans are designed to only use pocket hole joinery, so the assembly is straight forward and you don’t need to learn any complex wood joinery techniques.
Materials
This entire piece is made from three boards. I recommend using select grade pine (or better) for this play table. You want to be certain the pieces are straight and have no cracks.
- 1 – 2×2 @ 8′
- 1 – 1×8 @ 8′
- 1 – 1×3 @ 8′
Tools Required
- Pocket hole jig
- Miter saw
- Drill & driver
- Wood glue
- Sand paper
- Right angle pocket hole clamp (optional)
Step 1: Cut your aprons and drill pocket holes
There are two different size apron pieces – the side aprons at 27″ and the end aprons at 16 3/4″. You’ll need to cut two of each piece, and then drill the pocket holes in each as per the diagram below. You should be able to cut all four of these pieces from the single 1×3.
Step 2: Cut your legs and top boards
The legs are all cut from the single 2×2, while the boards for the top are cut from the single 1×8. You’ll want to ensure all of the legs, and the boards for the top, are the exact same length. So it’s a good practice to use a stop block with your miter saw to help ensure consistency.
Step 3: Assemble
Now that you have all of your pieces cut, it is time to assemble the table. Start by attaching the aprons to the legs, using wood glue and the two pocket screws at the end of each apron. You’ll want to have the aprons centered on the legs as opposed to aligned with either the inner or outer edges. You’ll also want to ensure the top edges of the apron and legs are aligned. The easiest way to do this is the assemble the table pieces upside down on a flat surface.
Once you have the base assembled, you can edge glue and clamp the top pieces together. Optionally, you can use pocket hole screws to hold the top boards together while the glue dries, but this really isn’t necessary as the edge gluing, and the pocket holes through the aprons, will provide enough strength to hold the top together.
Once the top pieces are secured together, attach the base to the top using the pocket holes drilled in Step 1. Make certain the base is centered on the top before attaching. You do not need to use wood glue while attaching the top to the base.
Step 4: Finish as desired
Now that your simple kids play table is built, it’s time for sanding and finishing. Pay particular attention to the edges around the top, as you may want to round these over slightly to eliminate any sharp edges for the kids to get hurt on. You’ll obviously also want to ensure there are no places where the kids could get splinters.
Now it’s time for paint or stain and finish.
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