Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Bigger Kid Play Room Table or Desk

You remember my new DIY'd playroom table (and it's cute little DIY stool), right?



Well, I have to tell you all that the requests for plans for the chair were expected, but the requests for the modifications to the play room table were mind blowing. Thank you all for this overwhelming interest!

This table is a modification of Ana White's Triple Pedestal Farmhouse table (which is a substantial dining room table). View that, here!

After doing some research, I learned that the ideal height for a desk is around 25"-27", give or take a little for personal preference. This table's main use is for homework, so I knew I wanted to stay around desk-height. With that in mind, the finished dimensions of the table are as follows:

29 1/2"W x 21 1/2"D x 26 1/4"H

Lumber Shopping List:


  • 4 - 1 x 3 x 8
  • 2 - 1 x 2 x 8
  • 1/4 Sheet of 3/4" Plywood


Cut List:


  • 4 - 1 x 3 @ 22 1/2" (legs)
  • 4 - 1 x 3 @ 10" (legs)
  • 2 - 1 x 3 @16" ends cut 30*, not parallel (top of the footer)
  • 4 - 1 x 3 @17" ends cut at 30* not parallel (tops and footers)
  • 4 - 1 x 3 @ 4" ends cut at 30* not parallel (feet)
  • 1 - 1 x 3 @ 25 1/2" (stretcher)
  • 2 - 1 x 2 @ 21 1/2" (table top trim)
  • 2 - 1 x 2 @ 28" (table top trim)
  • 1 - 3/4" ply @ 20" x 28" (table top)
  • 4 - 3/4" ply @ 7 1/4" x 4" (decorative pieces)


Directions:

I strongly recommend that you sand your boards well before making any cuts. This makes finishing your table much easier. 

1).  Begin by building the legs as shown. Make sure your stretcher will fit in the hole before gluing. Use glue and 1 1/4" finish nails. You'll make two of these.


2). Attach the tops of the legs and the top footer using glue and 1 1/4" screws (the top is 17" and the bottom is 16")

3).  Cut the decorative pieces as shown. I suggest cutting one and using it as a template for the rest. Sand well before proceeding. 

4).  Attach decorative pieces by either gluing and clamping, or gluing and using 1 1/4" finish nails on the smallest parts of the arc. 

5). Attach the bottom of the footer (17") with glue and 1 1/4" finish nails. 

6).  Attach the feet, using 1 1/4" finish nails and glue. 

7). Space the legs 19" apart and insert the stretcher. There should be 3/4" sticking out of both sides. 

8).  Build the table top as shown. You can either attach the trim pieces using pocket holes on the underside of the table top or by using 1 1/4" finish nails and glue. 

9).  Attach the table top by screwing from underneath through the top of the legs.


Sand and finish as desired. I finished mine with General Finishes Gel Stain in Brown Mahogany.

Use common sense when building and finishing, making sure to exercise caution when using power tools and seeking help when necessary. I, Gina at LadyGoats.com, am not responsible for any liabilities that occur when building this table or with the finished product (yes, I had to put that!). If you have any questions, shoot me an email! I'll be glad to help! 

Just because the plans for the table are up does not mean that I'll be able to figure out how to draw up plans for the chair. Please be patient with me... Drawing up plans takes me longer than actually building a piece! 

Oh! And if you do end up building this, post a brag post on Ana-White.com (as this table is a modification of her Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table) and comment here with a photo! I'd love to see!



1 comment:

  1. So awesome! Thanks for writing up the plans Gina, I know that is a lot of work! Not sure when I will get to this build, but it is pinned for sure!! And for the chair, I am being patient, but I am super excited! You rock!

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