Plans for a play table with storage compartment hidden beneath acrylic glass.

Preparation
1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1/4" plywood 19" x 19"
1/4" acrylic glass 19" x 19"
4 - 2x2 @ 20 3/8" (Both ends cut at 5 degree angle/5 degree bevel off square - ends are parallel to each other)
4 - 1x4 @ 19" (Short point to short point, both ends cut at 5 degree angle off square, ends are NOT parallel)
4 - 1x4 @ 5 1/2" (Both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, ends not parallel, long point to long point)
2 - 1x3 @ 19"
3 - 1x3 @ 17 1/2"
2 - 1x3 @ 8 3/8"
1/4" plywood @ 19" x 19"
2 - 1x4 @ 19"
2 - 1x4 @ 24"
1 - 1/4" acrylic glass @ 19" x 19"
Read through plan and cut all angles carefully.
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
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 7
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.
Comments
lkuchinskas
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 12:49
Perfect for storing legos!
Ana, this is awesome as usual. Although my boys do love arts and crafts, this is perfect for organizing and storing tiny lego pieces so the baby can't get to them. Way to go!
Crystal R (not verified)
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 13:53
I think I may, no, definitely
I think I may, no, definitely MUST make this. Except, I'll have to make it taller (and maybe longer) for my 7 year old who is the size of an 11 year old.
Chelsey Sullivan (not verified)
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 14:20
Love it!
This is a fantastic idea. Any mother that struggles with tiny toys or messy toys will want one of these. I was thinking this would be great for my all my daughters little polly pocket pieces. Wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing!
LizC (not verified)
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 14:43
I'm worried about the long term tidiness.
While I love this idea for displays, or for toys that get played with elsewhere, I don't like it for stuff that's used on the table.
When they get out supplies, the only place to set them (and the paper) is on the floor or the chair. When it's time to clean up, first they have to clear the table, then lift the lid, then finally put away the supplies and replace the lid.
I'd love to see each child have a work space next to this storage table (maybe attached to either side) so they can take the lid off and then use supplies right from the table as they work, putting each item back as they're done.
Using the table as a raised caddy rather than a workspace would also mean you wouldn't have to keep the area under the table free for knees and you could mount shelving for paper, coloring books, or whatever.
beingbrook
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 14:48
Love it!
So cute!! What a great way to store all the art supplies or other special treasures.
LisaT (not verified)
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 19:55
GREAT IDEA!
This is such a cute idea! It would make clean-up even more fun because the children can see the fruit of their labor and it looks pretty when their done with all the colors and items visible! Thanks, Ana, for all the great Christmas projects!
MamaJo (not verified)
Mon, 12/19/2011 - 21:07
Awesome
I don't know if I would store supplies in view like that. I would frost the acrylic glass so I would not see the mess. But I think this would be a great light box table. If you don't put in the dividers and put in a rope light with the acrylic glass frosted. Thanks for the plans.
In reply to Awesome by MamaJo (not verified)
loniwolfe
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 04:47
Fantastic!
That's a great idea! I didn't even think about that, and I need one! (Ok, I don't know why I need it, I'm a printer, I really really want it, lol)
Thanks!
biz_kid1
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 08:20
Whiteboard and chalkboard paint
Would work on either side of the lid, too. And keep both sides perfectly usable, too!
Jim (not verified)
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 09:06
Craft table
I'm confused on the legs can you go into more details?