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How to make a play table for kids

A blue table with a mini train set and toys on top and two storage tubs underneath

Overview

Kids love having a place of their own to play and this toy table fits the bill. They can play with their toys on the table and neatly put them away in storage tubs underneath when they're finished. It's easy to make and will may even save you some cleaning up time.

Steps

1Pre-cut the timber to size

To make this project easier, you can have your ply panel pre-cut to size at your local Bunnings. We had ours cut to 2 lengths of 400mm x 1000mm for the front and back, 2 lengths of 400mm x 765mm for the sides, 2 lengths of 1000mm x 762mm for the top and base and 1 length of 240mm x 765mm for the central divider.
Panels of ply timber on a workbench

2Mark up the inside corners

On the ply for the front and back, the two 400mm x 1000mm lengths, measure in 150mm from each side and 70mm up and mark out your cutout on both sides then connect them with a straight line. For the sides pieces, the two 400 x 765mm lengths, mark in 134mm and 70mm up and mark up and connect with a straight line. You can make round edges at the corners by tracing around something circular like a spray paint can.
Person tracing can on ply panel to mark circular cuts

3Cut out the inside corners

Clamp each panel to the workbench and use the jigsaw to cut out the inside corners.
Person using jigsaw to cut ply panel

4Measure and mark for the storage tubs

We want to cut out two cavities on the front panel for the storage tubs. To measure and mark for these, find the centre of the front panel and measure 8mm either side of this point, which will be the divider between the tubs. Now measure and mark for the cavities according to the size of your tubs. Be sure to measure at the widest part of the tub and also allow a little space above the tub so you can get them in and out easily. Use the spray paint can to round all of the corners like the previous steps.
Person measuring and marking ply panel with tape measure and pencil

5Cut out the storage tub cavities

Clamp the front panel to the workbench. Use a large 13mm drill bit to make holes large enough to fit the jigsaw blade. Then insert the jigsaw blade into one of the holes and cut out the cavities where you've marked.
Person drilling hole in ply panel

6Sand the panels

Hand sand with 180 grit sandpaper all of the internal edges that you've cut with the jigsaw for a smooth finish. It's easier to do this before the table is assembled.
Person sanding edges of ply panel

7Measure and mark for the table top

We want the table top to be recessed so that toys don't fall off it. Measure 50mm down from the top of the panels for the position of the table top and mark with a straight line.
Person measuring and marking ply panel with ruler and pencil

8Fix the two sides, back and top together

To assemble the table, run glue around the edges of the panels before you fix them off with your nail gun. You should clamp the side panels as you go to keep them secure. For more support, you can brace the panels with an offcut of timber to ensure it stays secure while working.
Person connecting pieces of ply panel using glue

9Fix the bottom shelf

Now it's time to glue and fix off the bottom shelf. Remember, it should sit flush to the cut out that you made to create the legs at the base of the unit.
Person using nail gun to nail piece of timber together

10Fix the central divider and front panel

Before securing the front panel, fix the central divider into place. Glue and use the nail gun to secure it. A handy tip when securing the divider is to measure and mark the centre of the table top so that your nails are inserted in a straight line. Now, glue and fix the front panel into place. Remove excess glue as you go.
Person using nail gun to nail piece of timber together

11Putty and sand the table

To give the table a great finish, fill any nail holes and gaps with putty. Leave to dry before sanding until it's smooth with an orbital sander and 180 grit sandpaper. You can use a 180 grit sanding block for any spots that are difficult to reach with the sander.
Person adding putty to fill holes in timber

12Paint the table

Now it's time to paint your table. We chose blue for the panels and green for the space between the table top and the top of the panels. We also spray painted the cavity for the storage tubs black. When using spray paint work in a well ventilated area, follow the instructions on the can and apply as many coats as needed. Don't forget to mask up any areas of the toy table where you don't want paint to go.
Person painting timber blue using roller brush

13Glue felt to the table top

Once your paint is dry, measure and mark the felt to fit the table top you've made. Cut the felt to size with a utility knife and a straight edge. Once it's cut to size, use glue to fix it into place. Use plenty of glue so the felt doesn't move when the kids are playing on it.
Person gluing felt to table top

14Time to play

Now it's time to move the toy table into position. Fill the storage tubs with the kids' favourite toys and they'll be happily playing for hours.
Kid's toy table in a child's bedroom
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.