Plans

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a Vintage Schoolhouse Small Play Table

11.27.11 By //
Project Image

This play table is on my list to build for Monster Mash's new room! I splurged and purchased the chairs that match this piece since they would be very difficult to duplicate, but the table… the price is simply hard to swallow at almost $400 for a few boards, a couple casters, and thin sheet metal tacked onto the top. I mean seriously…

If you prefer to apply a thin sheet of metal over the top boards, you can purchase any type of metal (zinc, steel, copper) sheeting online and at many big box hardware stores.

Estimated Cost 

Under $25

Dimensions 
Dimensions for This Project

Tools 

Safety Gear

Tape Measure

Drill

Saw

Kreg Jig

Nail Gun – optional

Lumber 

1 – 4×4 at 8'

2 – 2×8 at 8'

1 – 2×4 at 8'

1 – 2×4 at 6'

Materials 

2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws

2 1/2″ Finish Nails

4 – Locking Casters at 2″

Wood Glue

Wood Filler

Sanding Supplies

Finishing Supplies

Cut List 

4 – 4×4 at 19 1/2″ Legs

2 – 2×4 at 20″ Side Aprons

2 – 2×4 at 35″ Front and Back Aprons

4 – 2×8 at 44″ Top

Instructions 

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials!

Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices.

Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Step 1 

Cut the Legs to Size: Each leg should be 19 1/2″ in height.

Step 2

Step 2 

Fasten the Aprons in place: Use your Kreg Jig set for 1 1/2″ stock and your 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue to fasten the aprons to the legs. Set the aprons in 1/4″ from the outside edges of the legs.

Step 3

Step 3 

Join the Table Top Boards together: Use your Kreg Jig set for 1 1/2″ stock and your 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and glue and join the boards as shown.

Step 4

Step 4 

Tack on the Top: Use your 2 1/2″ finish nails and glue to attach your top panel. Be sure to secure the panel unit to the legs, and aprons all the way around and center the top on the base unit. You should have about 1″ overhang all the way around.

Step 5 

Attach Thin Sheet Metal and Casters: Purchase sheet metal large enough to cover the surface and the edges of the table top panel. This is going to be roughly 47″ x 32″ after you factor in the 1 1/2″ thickness of your table top boards.

Finishing Instructions 

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

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**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

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