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Library Catalog Play Table

to make a cute play table with colorful library catalog style drawers! Make this play table from solid wood boards!

Library Catalog Play Table

Specifications

Project typeDesk, Desk Systems and Project Table Plans
RoomKids and Toys
StyleChildren's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Library Catalog Play Table dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

1 – 1x12 @ 10 feet long

1 – 1x6 @ 12 feet long

1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long

1 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long

2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long

2 – 16” white euro style bottom corner mount drawer slides

Scrap ¼” plywood for drawer bottoms

6 drawer pulls with labels

1 1/4” pocket hole screws

1 1/4” finish nails

2” screws or finish nails

Cut List

2 – 1x12 @ 52” (top)

1 – 1x6 @ 46 1/4” (back apron)

2 – 1x6 @ 22” (side apron)

1 – 1x6 @ 21 1/4” (center divider)

4 – 1x2 @ 22 3/4" (front trim)

2 – 2x2 @ 17 3/4" (front legs)

2 – 2x2 @ 23 1/4" (back legs)

DRAWERS – CHECK CUT LIST TO FIT

4 – 1x3 @ 20 1/4"

4 – 1x3 @ 16 ½”

2 – 1/4” plywood @ 21 3/4" x 16 1/2"

4 – 1x6* @ 3 3/4" (drawer false faces)

2 – 1x12* @ 3 3/4” (drawer false faces)

*Assumes 1x6 is 5 1/2" wide and 1x12 is 11 1/4" wide

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • sander
  • level
  • countersink drill bit

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Start by building the main drawer box as shown in diagram.

NOTE: You may wish to drill pocket holes facing upward on the insides of aprons for later attaching top through.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 1
2

Step 2

Then trim out front.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 2
3

Step 3

We'll add our legs to the front trim. If you don't have a Kreg Jig, consider attaching front legs first to bottom trim before attaching.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 3
4

Step 4

Now the back legs. These extend all the way to the top of the table for added support.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 4
5

Step 5

Library Catalog Play Table — step 5
6

Step 6

It is ALWAYS easier to do these things before the top is on!! Install drawers using the white euro style bottom side corner mount drawer slides. IMPORTANT: The drawer faces need to be installed 3/4" inset to give room for the false drawer faces.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 6
7

Step 7

Remove the drawers and attach the top. Top can also be attached through the top with screws into aprons if you did not go the pocket hole route.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 7
8

Step 8

And now the super fun part! Attach the drawer faces to the drawers. What I do is position so there is an even 1/8" gap on all sides, then nail on with a few finish nails (1 1/4") and glue. Then I open the drawer up and from the inside add a few screws just for extra measures. Remember, the drawer faces are supposed to look like individual drawers, so allow gaps between the drawer faces too.

Library Catalog Play Table — step 8
9

Step 9

Jaime opted for a little taller height, so I suggested adding some supports at the base of the legs. This one's up to you, but it won't hurt!

Library Catalog Play Table — step 9
10

Step 10

And don't forget, there's lots more details and tips and tricks available to you in Jaime's blog post as well. Good luck building!

11

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/library-catalog-play-table