How to Build a Children's Play Table

Building a children's play table at home allows the builder to customize the table to suit the height requirements of each age group. The table can be stained to match the room's dcor, or for a more personalized table, children can add their own unique artistic touch with some tabletop paintings.

Instructions

Build and Finish the Table

1

Cut the pieces of wood to the size of the table you want to build. A good size child's table requires the following measurements:

From a 2 x 4 piece of wood, cut four legs each to 20 inches in length;

From a sheet of stain-grade -inch oak plywood, cut out a square 30 inches long on each side;

From a piece of oak quarter-round, cut four pieces to a length of 30 inches each, with every corner mitered at a 45-degree angle, to form a picture frame.

2

Sand the table legs and sides of the tabletop. Glue four, 30 inch-long oak strips to the edges of the tabletop. Secure the strips with wood clamps while the glue dries.

3

Attach the legs to the tabletop, two inches in from each corner with 1.5-inch screws. Apply wood filler over the screw holes and allow to dry. Gently sand over the wood filler to create a smooth surface.

4

Use wood glue and clamps to secure the quarter-round to the top edges of the table. This quarter-round edging prevents beads and other craft items from rolling off the table when children are playing.

5

For safety purposes, sand all of the corners of the table to create a rounded edge.

6

Stain the entire table with a wood-colored stain, or choose a colored stain for a more brightly decorated table. Children can also get involved at this stage by painting pictures on the table. Seal the wood and apply two coats of lacquer for a long-lasting and durable finish.