Learn how to build a DIY Toddler Table and Chair set that flips and converts to a bench and stools as well. There are so many configurations to use this!
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Look at this DIY toddler table and chair set! It can do so many things!
I am the admin of Facebook group for women woodworkers and DIYers and I love all the talented members in there!
Katie is one of them.
When Katie shared this simple and cute set she built for her kids, I just knew it was something I had to share with you!
It can be used as a simple table with stools
Or as a smaller table with little Montessori style cube chairs.
Or you can flip it completely and use the table as a bench!
There are so many combinations possible!
And what do kids like more than being able to flip furniture and still use it 🙂
Katie Says –
My two younger kiddos have already spent several hours playing on it, drumming on it, and making art on it. I’ve also frequented the chairs myself in the “side table” position, and even tested the table in all three positions to see if it could hold my weight, and it can. It’s easy enough to move that it’s been in several rooms in our house already. It’s definitely a piece that will be able to evolve with my children as they grow.
I used Katie’s input and details to draw up the plans and write out the tutorial for you so you can build your own.
It is a super easy build and uses 3 power tools!
DIY Flip Toddler Table and Chair set
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Materials to build the Toddler Table and Chair
- Lumber per the plans.
- Miter Saw
- Orbital sander
- Sand paper in various grits
- Clamps – pipe clamps or bar clamps are perfect
- Wood Glue
- 1-1/4″ finish nails and Brad nailer
- Stain and paint of your choice. Katie used this one.
Convertible Toddler Table and Chair Set Plans
You can download the step by step printable plans by clicking the button below.
Step by step instructions follow.
How to build a Montessori Style Cube Chair
Step 1: Prep the boards
- Make all the cuts per the cut list in the plans.
- Sand the boards.
Step 2: Attach sides
- Attach the sides to the back using wood glue and finishing nails
Step 3: Attach seat
- Measure 4” from the top and attach the seat using glue and nails
Katie Says –
Offsetting it at 4” allows for the seat to be flipped for two different seat heights, one at roughly 4” from the ground and the other 6” from the ground. (See below)
How to build a Flip Toddler Table/ Bench
Step 1: Prep the boards
- Make all the cuts per the cut list in the plans.
- Sand the boards.
Step 2: Edge glue boards
- Edge glue and clamp top boards to build the top
- Edge glue and clamp the sideboards to build 2 sides.
- Let the glue-ups dry overnight
Step 3: Attach Sides
- Attach the side pieces to the top using wood glue and finish nails.
Important – As you join the sides to the top, Stagger the two different dimensions of lumber for added strength: so the 1×10 side pieces attach to the 1×12 top piece, and the 1×12 side pieces attached to the 1×10 top piece. ( I think this was a really smart move by Katie! )
Step 4: Attach the 2×2 braces
- To help brace and hold everything together, glue and nail the 2×2 braces through the back and side edges of the desk piece (2x2s are visible when table is in bench position).
Step 5: Attach the desk
- Attach desk inset piece to the braces and the sides using wood glue and finish nails.
Finishing the DIY toddler table and chairs
- Use an orbital sander with 80 grit to round all of the edges and also to smooth any super rough spots. Then follow up with 150 grit and 220 grit.
Here is how Katie got a nice distressed finish –
I like a distressed look (and let’s face it, kids are hard on things and it’s easier to keep things looking “new” when they start out distressed already), so I distressed each piece before staining. I distress by beating it up with lengths of metal chain, files, bolts, hammer, and other random metal items including a tool I made to make “worm holes.”
- Finish with stain or paint of your choice. Katie used Puritan Pine stain that she already had laying around.
- Once the stain was dry, she used spray lacquer .
She says –
If I were to make it again, I would have used a brush lacquer instead for a more durable, even finish, but I think the spray will hold up decently too. The spray lacquer just doesn’t give the same oomph that a brushed lacquer would have.
As you know by now, I absolutely love this adorable set which can be used in so many different ways!
Remember you can get the printable plans for this cute little set by clicking below.
If you build it, I would love to see! Feel free to email photos to me at [email protected] or tag me on Instagram @anikasdiylife for a chance to be featured on social media! I can’t wait to see what you build!
More DIY Kids Room Ideas
Convertible DIY Toddler Table and Chair Set - With Plans
How to build a DIY Toddler Table and Chair set that flips and converts to a bench and stools as well. There are so many configurations to use this!
Instructions
How to build a Montessori Style Cube Chair
- Prep the boards by making all the cuts per the cut list in the plans.
- Sand the boards.
- Attach the sides to the back using wood glue and finishing nails.
- Measure 4” from the top and attach the seat using glue and nails.
How to build a Flip Toddler Table/ Bench
- Prep the boards by making all the cuts per the cut list in the plans.
- Sand the boards.
- Edge glue and clamp top boards to build the top.
- Edge glue and clamp the sideboards to build 2 sides.
- Let the glue-ups dry overnight.
- Attach the side pieces to the top using wood glue and finish nails. Important - As you join the sides to the top, Stagger the two different dimensions of lumber for added strength: so the 1x10 side pieces attach to the 1x12 top piece, and the 1x12 side pieces attached to the 1x10 top piece.
- To help brace and hold everything together, glue and nail the 2x2 braces through the back and side edges of the desk piece (2x2s are visible when table is in bench position).
- Attach desk inset piece to the braces and the sides using wood glue and finish nails.
Finishing the DIY toddler table and chairs
- Use an orbital sander with 80 grit to round all of the edges and also to smooth any super rough spots. Then follow up with 150 grit and 220 grit.
- Finish with stain or paint of your choice.
- Once the stain is dry, spray with laquer.
Notes
If you would like to create a distressed look, distress each piece before staining. Distress by beating it up with lengths of metal chain, files, bolts, hammer, and other random metal items.
Ryan Young says
Great work Katie and Anika that was nice of you to post Katie’s project on your own platform. Should b proud of yourselves #inspirationalwomen 🙌❤️