DIY Art Table

An art table is a great space for a child's imagination to roam free. Laminates designed for counter tops are a wonderful material to use for an art table because of their durability and ease of cleanup. These can be bought in a wide variety of colorful designs. Because storage of supplies is always a factor in making an art area, use portable wood storage units to support the table. These storage units can be bought prefabricated or as do-it-yourself kits at most building supply stores.

Instructions

1

Measure and mark a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood to a size of about 3 by 6 feet, depending on the size of art table required.

2

Measure and mark three sections on a 4-by-8 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood with a measuring tape and ruler. Make one 2 feet by 8 feet for the table top, another 4 inches by 8 feet and one 4 inches by 20 inches.

3

Cut the two front corners off with a saber saw. Then sand down the edges with sandpaper.

4

Measure and mark the position where you want the art table to stand against a wall. Place the wood storage units about 2 feet from the wall. Use a level on a 2-by-4 across both units to make sure they are level horizontally. Adjust the legs, if necessary, until they are both level.

5

Place the plywood table top on the storage units. Press the plywood against the wall. Mark any places where the plywood does not align perfectly against the wall. Trace a line beneath the plywood onto the wall. Then remove the plywood.

6

Even out the edge of the plywood with a hand plane so it will fit perfectly against the wall.

7

Place the plywood table on top of the laminate and trace its shape using a pencil.

8

Put on work gloves, then score the top of the laminate on the line with a sharp utility knife. Cut along the line several times to cut the laminate. Be careful with the edges, which can be very sharp.

9

Apply contact cement to the top of the plywood table and the bottom of the laminate. Do this in a well-ventilated room, opening all the windows if possible, and follow the instructions for the contact cement carefully.

10

Carefully place the laminate on the plywood. Use 2-by-4's and wood clamps to clamp it down tightly. Wait for the contact cement to set.

11

Cut a piece of 2-by-4 to a length of 3 feet. Then locate the studs on the wall where you traced the line of the table top. Use drywall screws to screw the 2-by-4 to the wall. This will act as a support for the table top.

12

Brush white glue to the top of the 2-by-4-support on the wall and on both wood storage units.

13

Place the tabletop on the storage units and supporting 2-by-4. Wait for the glue to dry.

14

Decorate the area around your art table with shelves, a whiteboard or other items useful to a budding young artist.