- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4.3–8 hours
- Cost
- $$$
About this build
Your kids will love playing with this sand and water table. Complete with a chalkboard lid, the possibilities for imaginative play are endless! This sand and water table accommodates two store-bought 28-quart tubs and the hinged lid covers the sand and water when not in use.
Tools
Essential
- Brad Nailer
- Circular Saw
- Drill / Driver
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
Optional / nice to have
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 1x8 96" | 2 board |
| Board, 1x6 24" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x3 96" | 4 board |
| Board, 1x2 96" | 7 board |
| Plywood, 1/2" Thick Full Sheet | 1 board |
| Torsion Hinges | 2 each |
| 1-1/4" Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket Hole Screws | 1 each |
| 1-1/4" Exterior Wood Screws | 1 each |
| 1-1/4" Brad Nails | 1 each |
| Chalkboard Paint | 1 each |
| Exterior-Grade Finish | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Box Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 18 3/4" |
| Box Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 47 3/4" |
| Slats | 9 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/4" |
| Divider | 1 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 17 1/4" |
| Legs | 8 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 22 3/4" |
| Shelf Rails | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 49 1/4" |
| Shelf Slats | 17 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 13 3/4" |
| Top | 1 | 1/2" × 20 1/4" × 50 3/4" |
| Trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 50 3/4" |
| Trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/4" |
What to buy
Buy 15 boards at 8 ft.
3/4" × 7 1/4"
2 boards
3/4" × 5 1/2"
1 board
3/4" × 2 1/2"
4 boards
3/4" × 1 1/2"
7 boards
1/2" × 20 1/4"
1 board
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 →
Instructions
1Build the Box
Drill 3/4" pocket holes as shown and construct the box with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

2Add the Slats
Drill 3/4" pocket holes into the 1x2 support slats and attach to the box with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. Space the slats approximately 4-1/4" apart.

3Attach the Divider
Drill 3/4" pocket holes into 1x6 divider and attach as shown with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

4Add the Legs
Pre-drill pilot holes and drive 1-1/4" wood screws to attach the legs to the box as shown.

5Construct the Bottom Shelf
Drill 3/4" pocket holes and construct the bottom shelf as shown with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. Space slats approximately 1-1/2" apart.

6Attach the Bottom Shelf
Attach the bottom shelf with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. The bottom shelf is 2" from the ground.

7Attach the Top
Install hinges to attach the top to the play table. Note: torsion hinges are recommended to keep the lid from slamming down on tiny fingers.

8Add Trim
Attach 1x2 trim to the top with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

9Visit JenWoodhouse.com
For more DIY project ideas and free building plans, please visit JenWoodhouse.com

10Sand, Stain/Paint, and Finish
Sand, stain or paint, and finish with an exterior-grade top coat as desired. Because plywood is not suitable for outdoor use, I recommend storing the play table in a garage or under a covered area when not in use to protect it from outdoor elements.

Tags
- Gifts
- Intermediate
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