Modern Play Table with Storage

Difficulty

Beginner Projects

Build this modern play table with our free plans. We've designed this plan to be easy to build - so even a novice DIYer can tackle. Step by step plans with video tutorial and diagrams from Ana-White.com

Modern Kids Play Table Features

Large play surface
Two storage areas for supplies
Perfect for Legos, Arts and Crafts, Puzzles, and more
Slot for optional paper roll
Easy to build design
Perfect sized for preschool/elementary aged children
Legs can be easily removed and lengthened to increase height as children grow
About $50 to build

I build this play table for my daughter when she was six. She loved it and used it as a coloring table for many years at our cabin.

It has held up well (apart from kids coloring on the top) and has been used as a fort frame, and there's definitely been a kid or two standing and jumping off it. In other words - it's been well used and still going.

Reader Play Tables from this Plan

There has been quite a few amazing brags built from this plan! Here are a few -

Lego Table with dividers and mat by KelseyT15 (above)

Art Play Table with paper roll - the stained top is really smart (white shows everything).

Work of Art Play Table by Handmade with Ashley

Video of Steps

Here's a quick video of the steps to build this play table

Modern Kids Play Table Plans

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long

1 - 3/4" thick plywood or MDF project panel, 24" x 48"

Common Materials

1 1/4 inch finish nails

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

paint

paint brush

Cut List

LEGS

4 - 1x4 @ 22-1/2" long (cut these from the same boards used to cut the side aprons)
4 - 1x4 @ 23-1/4" long

TABLETOP

6 - 1x4 @ 24" long - trays
2 - 1x4 @ 50-1/2" long - side aprons
1 - 24" x 40" x 3/4" plywood or MDF panel - tabletop

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Drill 3/4" pocket holes, two per end, on each of the four 1x4 that are 22-1/2" long. Then attach to the legs with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue. Set legs aside when done.

Step 2

Drill two 3/4" pocket holes on each end of the six 1x4s that are 24" long. Nail together three of the boards in a U shape with 1-1/4" nails and glue, keeping all outside edges flush, with pocket holes on the outsides.

Make two trays.

Step 3

Attach the trays to the side aprons with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue, outside edges are flush.

Step 4

Cut the 24" x 48" project panel down in size to 40". Drill 3/4" pocket holes along the underside of the 40" long sides, spacing about every 6-8". Place panel inside frame, with pocket holes on underside, checking to make sure trays are positioned correctly, and attach with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue. Leave 1/4" gaps on ends of panel to allow paper to feed through.

Step 5

Attach legs to the underside of the play table. You must also screw to the sides of the tabletop.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Kids Tables and Chairs

Room

Kids and Toys

Craftroom

Kids and Toys

Style

Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

handmadewithash

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 18:23

I love this table! I was

I love this table! I was really hoping you'd make plans for it. :)

badg0003

Wed, 12/21/2016 - 22:26

Converted Lego table

First, a huge thanks for the awesome plans!

I took your original design and made a few minor changes to convert this into a Lego table as I have three young boys under the age of 8. As shown in my photos the two main differces are the dividers I inserted on either end to be used as storage compartments for the various types/sizes of Lego. The other change was to shift the table piece (3/4" plywood) to be down slightly to create a lipped edge so that the pieces would stay on the table easier.