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This is really two builds sized to work together: a 2x2-framed play table with side rails raised just enough to keep small toys from sliding off the edge, and two open-topped rolling storage boxes on casters that slide in underneath it for cleanup. Building the table's leg-and-apron frame first, exactly as you would any table, then adding the raised rails afterward is what makes the "keep toys on the table" detail simple — it's just a strip of 1x2 held up 1/2" off the tabletop surface, not a routed groove or a raised lip requiring different joinery.
Size the storage carts to actually roll under your table's apron height with clearance for the casters — the plan leaves a 2" gap under the box bottoms specifically for this, so measure your actual casters before finalizing that gap rather than trusting the number blind.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 2x2 board, 8 ft | 3 each |
| 1x2 board, 8 ft | 4 each |
| 3/4" hardwood plywood or MDF, 4x8 sheetTabletop and both storage box bottoms. | 1 each |
| 1x12 board, 10 ft | 1 each |
| 1x12 board, 8 ft | 1 each |
| Casters, 2-1/2", plate mounted | 8 each |
| Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" | 80 each |
| Wood glue | 4 oz |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Legs2x2 | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 14 1/4" |
| Side leg supports1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 30 1/2" |
| Side aprons2x2 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 29" |
| Front/back aprons1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 45" |
| Tabletop supports2x2 | 5 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 30 1/2" |
| Tabletop3/4" plywood or MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 32" × 48" |
| Top rail, front and back1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 32" |
| Top rail, sides1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 49 1/2" |
| Storage box bottoms3/4" plywood or MDF | 2 | 3/4" × 18" × 28 1/2" |
| Storage box fronts/backs1x12 | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 18" |
| Storage box sides1x12 | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 30" |
Buy 12 boards at 8 ft.
3 boards
1 board
1 board
3 boards
4 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Fasten the legs to the side leg support pieces, leaving a 3/4" gap on the ends of each support board. Add the side aprons — if the leg supports are positioned correctly, the aprons will fit against them perfectly. Screw from the leg support and the legs into the side aprons.
Add the front and back aprons, screwing into them from the legs and also into the side leg support pieces.
Evenly space the five tabletop supports across the frame and screw or nail into place. Attach the plywood or MDF tabletop on top.
Add the side rails to the tabletop, leaving a 1/2" gap above the tabletop surface — this gap is what keeps toys from sliding off. Keep the rails flush at the ends and add a few nails from the rails into the apron below for extra hold. Fasten the front and back rails the same way.
Fasten the front and back of each storage cart to its bottom panel, leaving about a 2" clearance under the bottom for your casters — check your actual caster height and adjust this clearance if needed. Cut the top corners of the fronts and backs if you want a lower profile at the back for reaching in.
Fasten the sides of each storage cart to the bottom and front/back pieces. Mount the four casters to the underside of each cart, then sand and finish both carts and the table.
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