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How to make a water table for toddlers

Introduction

Learn how to build the frame to support a large plastic container and create a fun activity center for your backyard.

Step 1

How to make a water table for toddlers

Measure to determine the list of cuts

Measure the dimensions of your plastic bucket. Ours is a 32-quart measuring 23-5/8" x 16-3/8". To ensure that the rim of the container rests on top of the wood frame, use the dimensions of the base of the container, which is 22-1/2" x 15".

The entire frame for this toddler activity board can be cut into two 2x4 boards.

Develop a cut list. To fit our container specifications, our cut list is as follows:

• (3) 22-1/2” boards

• (4) 15” boards

• (4) 18” boards

The 10' board was cut into (3) 22-1/2" pieces, (2) 15" pieces, and (1) 18" piece. The 8' board was cut into (2) 15" pieces and (3) 18" pieces.

Step 2

How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers

Create pocket holes

You don't need a template to pre-drill the pocket holes, but it makes the job easier and the holes are more precise. Add one pocket hole to each end of the 15" boards and two pocket holes to each end of the 22-1/2" boards.

Step 3

How to make a water table for toddlers

Sand All Boards

Sanding along the surface and on the cut ends of each board helps smooth out any chipped pieces. Use a palm sander to make the process easier.

Stage 4

How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers

Prime and Paint

It is easier and quicker to paint, prime and paint all the boards before putting up the frame. Use a paint roller for fast, consistent coverage.

Step 5

How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers

Use pocket screws to build two ends

Assemble the two ends of the frame first by attaching the 15" vertical boards to the 18" horizontal boards.

Step 6

How to make a water table for toddlers

Attach Horizontal Braces

The two ends of the frame will be joined using the 22-1/2” boards. To form the top of the frame that will hold the plastic container in place, spread two of the 22-1/2” boards between the corners.

Step 7

How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers

Install the third plate to reinforce the base

The third 22-1/2” board will fit along the base of the frame, promising to keep the table legs square to the ground, and the frame strong and wobble-free.

Overall frame size measures:25-1/2"L x 18"W x 22"H

Step 8

How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers How to make a water table for toddlers

Create insert area for container

At this point, your table frame is ready for use. Make sure the container you have slides into the top opening and sits snugly on the edge of the frame.

If you want the tray to be inserted into the table, this is the most efficient time to route the top edge of the table. Remove the bowl and cut a 1/2" x 1/2" overhang on the top inside surface of the table using a router bit and a router bit.

Step 9

How to make a water table for toddlers

Touch up paint

Sand the edges where the router chipped the wood, then use a brush to touch up the finished paint.

Step 10

How to make a water table for toddlers

Fill and play

Fill the table with sand or water and toys and let your child play! The lid that came with your container will double as a cover to keep the litter clean. Empty any water and refresh between uses. The empty container can also be used for convenient toy storage.