Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- (2) 2” x 2” x 8’ select pine stock
- (1) 1” x 2” x 8’ select pine stock
- (2) 24” x 36” x ¾” birch plywood
- (3) 1” x 10” x ¾” select pine
- (8) 1-½” non-swiveling casters
- (500) 18 gauge 2” brad nails
- (150) 2-½” wood screws
- (1 pt.) wood glue
- Power drill
- Table saw
- Chop saw
- Speed square
- Measuring tape
- Grip clamps
Step 2: Cut Wood to Size
Pro tip: Sanding boards prior to assembly will be easier than upon completion.
Table:
- Four (4) 2x2 at 13 ½ inches (legs)
- Three (3) 2x2 at 21 inches (short aprons and center support)
- Two (2) 2x2 at 33 inches (long aprons)
- One (1) ¾-inch plywood at 24x36 inches
- Two (2) 1x2 at 24 inches (short trim)
- Two (2) 1x2 at 37 ½ inch (long trim)
Storage Bins:
- Two (2) ¾-inch plywood at 14x21 ¾ inches (base)
Four (4) 1x10 at 21 ¾ inches (long sides)
- Eight (8) 1x10 at 15 ½ inches (short sides)
Step 2: Assemble the Legs
Assemble two sets of legs. Each pair is connected by the “short apron.” Use pocket holes to secure legs to apron. Attach both pairs of legs with the “long apron.” Screw long apron pieces into legs using 2 ½-inch pocket hole screws.
Step 3: Attach Tabletop
Complete the table by attaching 24x36-inch plywood directly to the top. It should fit squarely. Screw from bottom. Attach 1x2 trim to edge of plywood. Trim should overlap plywood ¾-inch above it to create a small enclosure. Trim can be attached with screws or finish nails using a compressor and a nail gun.
Step 4: Assemble the Drawers
Make pocket holes into the long sides of 14x21 ¾-inch pieces of plywood. Three holes each side should suffice. Attach bottom to long drawer sides using 1 ¼-inch pocket hole screws.
Step 5: Create Handles
Before attaching front and back pieces carve out semi-circular “handles” using a jigsaw. Draw the circle by centering a protractor on one of the long edges of the board. Draw a circle with a 3-inch radius and 6-inch diameter. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut along the drawn line. This can take skill and multiple tries to get right (yes, even for someone with experience). If you nail it on the first try, give it a sand to soften the edges and attach directly to the rest of the drawer with screws. If your semi-circle needs some help, give it a more thorough sanding or use a router with a rounding bit to make the imperfections less noticeable. Then attach to the rest of the drawer.
Step 6: Add the Wheels
Add 1-inch casters to the bottom corners of each drawer (four per drawer) and sand the edges. Now, get ready for (self-contained) play time.
