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Sand & Water Play Table
Your kids will love playing with this sand and water table.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4.3–8 hours
- Cost
- $$$
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 18 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Box Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 47 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Slats | 9 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/4" | — | ☐ |
| Divider | 1 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 17 1/4" | — | ☐ |
| Legs | 8 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 22 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Shelf Rails | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 49 1/4" | — | ☐ |
| Shelf Slats | 17 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 13 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Top | 1 | 1/2" × 20 1/4" × 50 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 50 3/4" | — | ☐ |
| Trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/4" | — | ☐ |
Materials
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Board, 1x8 96" | 2 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x6 24" | 1 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x3 96" | 4 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x2 96" | 7 board | ☐ |
| Plywood, 1/2" Thick Full Sheet | 1 board | ☐ |
| Torsion Hinges | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1-1/4" Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket Hole Screws | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1-1/4" Exterior Wood Screws | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1-1/4" Brad Nails | 1 each | ☐ |
| Chalkboard Paint | 1 each | ☐ |
| Exterior-Grade Finish | 1 each | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools
- Brad Nailer
- Circular Saw
- Drill / Driver
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
- Tape Measure — optional
Instructions
1. Build the Box
Drill 3/4" pocket holes as shown and construct the box with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

2. Add 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.

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

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

5. Construct 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.

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

7. Attach 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.

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

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

10. Sand, 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.
