The play table has become a staple in most households with kids and today I’m sharing this diy play table in a slightly petite size at 24″ x 36″. This version is a modification of Ana White’s play table here, I scaled the size down a bit and simplfied the building process using pocket hole joinery.
With two huge storage bins on wheels below this table is not only functional for play but great for clean up too!
Plans to build this play table are down below but first some more beauty pics!
Clearly I am lacking the toy trains department (my son is too old now) however this is for my nephew who has a large Thomas collection so he will easily fill the space. You could always paint the top play surface with a fun landscape scene but I rather like it plain.
I highly suggest using rigid casters (wheels that don’t swivel) on the bins. The rigid casters allow the bins to simply pull in and out, there’s less mobility and it’s much easier for kids to push the bin back under the table.
The cut out handle pull is easy and generous for kids and you could also add cute chalkboard labels to the front.
Below are step by step instructions to build this play table and storage bins. Please read through all instructions and always follow all safety precautions when using power tools.
Supplies:
- 3 – 2x2x6 boards
- 2 – ¾” plywood handy panels
- 2 – 1x2x8 boards
- 1 – 1x10x8 board
- 1 – 1x10x6 board
- 8 – 1 ½” ridgid casters
- 1 ¼” & 2 ½” pocket hole screws
- 2” wood screws
- 1 ¼” finish nails
- wood glue
Cut List:
TABLE:
- 4 – 2×2 @ 13 1/2” (legs)
- 3 – 2×2 @ 21” (short aprons &
center support) - 2 – 2×2 @ 33” (long aprons)
- 1 – ¾” plywood @ 24” x 36” (top)
- 2 – 1×2 @ 24” (short trim)
- 2 – 1×2 @ 37 1/2” (long trim)
STORAGE BINS:
- 2 – ¾” plywood @ 14” x 21 ¾”
(base) - 4 – 1×10 @ 21 ¾” (long sides)
- 4 – 1×10 @ 15 1/2” (short sides)
Step 1: Attach
short aprons to legs using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws. Make 2.
short aprons to legs using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws. Make 2.
Step 2: Attach long
aprons using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws.
aprons using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws.
Step 3: Attach center support to long aprons using wood glue and 2 ½”
pocket hole screws.
Step 4: Attach top to base using wood glue and 2” countersunk screws.
Step 5: Attach trim to table top using wood glue and 1
¼” finish nails. Keep a ¾” lip.
¼” finish nails. Keep a ¾” lip.
Step 1: Attach base to long side using wood glue and 1
¼” pocket hole screws.
¼” pocket hole screws.
Step 2: Cut out handle from short sides using a jig
saw.
saw.
Step 3: Attach short sides to base using wood glue and
1 ¼” pocket hole screws.
1 ¼” pocket hole screws.
Step 4: Secure short sides to long sides using 2”
countersunk screws. Add ridgid casters
to underside.
countersunk screws. Add ridgid casters
to underside.
Sand well and finish as desired.
Cheryl Bowman says
March 19, 2016 at 4:40 PMLove this my going to share it with my son so he can make it forhis sons 1st. birthday ! Thank You for sharing
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
March 24, 2016 at 12:19 AMThis is the coolest! I wish we would have made something like this for Henry – it's such a great transitional piece. It can work for trains, cars, legos …. has a lot of longevity. And I'm obsessed with those drawers. SO MUCH SPACE.
Mark Sindone says
July 12, 2016 at 6:49 AMThis would make an excellent LEGO table! All you need is the base plate up top and perhaps to segregate the storage bins more so you can compartmentalise all the different bricks!
samm m says
January 1, 2017 at 11:51 PMSamm M
Is there a typo in the cut list for the short apron pieces? The cut list says they are 23" long, which is what I cut and installed, but now the table is too big….in going back to figure it out I noted that the diagram shows the board as 21".
Did I miss something?
Thanks!
jcprime1 says
August 10, 2017 at 10:47 AMYes you are correct. Thank you for finding the error. I have updated the post and plans to reflect 21".
Courtney Thomas says
August 9, 2017 at 5:15 PMWhat was your estimated cost?
jcprime1 says
August 10, 2017 at 10:41 AMI would estimate just under $100 but prices for lumber vary. Also it depends a lot on what type of wood you choose. Hope that's helpful.
Yodelayheewho says
September 5, 2018 at 12:39 PMI can’t seem to locate the plans for the DIY PLAY TABLE (24″ X 36″) WITH STORAGE BINS.
Jaime says
September 5, 2018 at 12:59 PMHi Lori, the plans are up above within the post and also a link to the PDF printable version here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B85dRd-BoH0wWHFONjl5MTI0OXc/view Hope that helps.