How to build a 35" toddler table with separate benches

Cut list

Step by step

1. Bore the shade openings

   Bore matching 1 1/2" openings in the center tabletop slat and lower lengthwise board.

   • Mark the top opening 17 1/2" from an end and 1 3/4" from a side.
   • Mark the lower opening 14 1/2" from an end and 1 1/4" from a side.
   • Clamp each board flat over a sacrificial backing offcut.
   • Bore each opening with the cordless drill and a 1 1/2" hole saw.

2. Smooth the wooden parts

   Sand all components and ease exposed edges before assembly.

   • Clamp each component on a supported work surface.
   • Sand broad faces with the random orbital sander and 120 grit discs.
   • Ease exposed edges to about a 1/8" radius.
   • Smooth all surfaces with 180 grit abrasive.
   • Hand-sand both opening rims with a folded abrasive disc.

3. Assemble the table ends

   Assemble both table end frames with flush upper rails and level narrow lower rails.

   • Clamp each pair of uprights on a flat supported surface.
   • Align the upper rail with both upright tops.
   • Position the lower rail bottom 4" above the upright bottoms.
   • Drill pilot holes at the 4 marked positions on each rail.
   • Drive the 2" screws flush with the outer rail faces.

4. Attach the long aprons

   Connect the table end frames with the two long aprons.

   • Stand both end frames on a flat surface.
   • Clamp the 29" aprons against the outside upright faces.
   • Align all upper rail edges with the upright tops.
   • Drill 2 pilot holes through each apron at each upright.
   • Drive the 2 1/2" screws flush.

5. Attach the lower board

   Center the 1x3 lower board across the table's narrow lower end rails.

   • Center the 2 1/2" wide board across the lower rails.
   • Align its ends with the outer end-rail faces.
   • Clamp the board against both lower rails.
   • Drill the 4 marked pilot holes with the cordless drill.
   • Drive the 4 screws 1 1/4" long flush.

6. Attach the tabletop boards

   Fasten the five tabletop boards with uniform 1/8" gaps.

   • Center the boards lengthwise for a 3" overhang at each end.
   • Space the 5 tabletop boards with 1/8" gaps.
   • Clamp the boards against the upper end rails.
   • Drill the marked pilot holes above each end rail.
   • Drive 4 flush 2" screws into each board.

7. Assemble the bench ends

   Assemble both front bench end frames with flush upper rails and level narrow lower rails.

   • Clamp each pair of uprights on a flat supported surface.
   • Align the upper rail with both upright tops.
   • Position the lower rail bottom 1" above the upright bottoms.
   • Drill pilot holes at the 4 marked positions on each rail.
   • Drive the 2" screws flush with the outer rail faces.

8. Attach the long aprons

   Connect the front bench end frames with the two long aprons.

   • Stand both end frames on a flat surface.
   • Clamp the 29" aprons against the outside upright faces.
   • Align all upper rail edges with the upright tops.
   • Drill 2 pilot holes through each apron at each upright.
   • Drive the 2 1/2" screws flush.

9. Attach the lower board

   Center the 1x3 lower board across the front bench's narrow lower end rails.

   • Center the 2 1/2" wide board across the lower rails.
   • Align its ends with the outer end-rail faces.
   • Clamp the board against both lower rails.
   • Drill the 4 marked pilot holes with the cordless drill.
   • Drive the 4 screws 1 1/4" long flush.

10. Attach the seat boards

    Fasten the two seat boards with a uniform 1/4" gap.

    • Center the boards lengthwise for a 3" overhang at each end.
    • Space the 2 seat boards with a 1/4" gap.
    • Clamp the boards against the upper end rails.
    • Drill the marked pilot holes above each end rail.
    • Drive 4 flush 2" screws into each board.

11. Assemble the bench ends

    Assemble both rear bench end frames with flush upper rails and level narrow lower rails.

    • Clamp each pair of uprights on a flat supported surface.
    • Align the upper rail with both upright tops.
    • Position the lower rail bottom 1" above the upright bottoms.
    • Drill pilot holes at the 4 marked positions on each rail.
    • Drive the 2" screws flush with the outer rail faces.

12. Attach the long aprons

    Connect the rear bench end frames with the two long aprons.

    • Stand both end frames on a flat surface.
    • Clamp the 29" aprons against the outside upright faces.
    • Align all upper rail edges with the upright tops.
    • Drill 2 pilot holes through each apron at each upright.
    • Drive the 2 1/2" screws flush.

13. Attach the lower board

    Center the 1x3 lower board across the rear bench's narrow lower end rails.

    • Center the 2 1/2" wide board across the lower rails.
    • Align its ends with the outer end-rail faces.
    • Clamp the board against both lower rails.
    • Drill the 4 marked pilot holes with the cordless drill.
    • Drive the 4 screws 1 1/4" long flush.

14. Attach the seat boards

    Fasten the two seat boards with a uniform 1/4" gap.

    • Center the boards lengthwise for a 3" overhang at each end.
    • Space the 2 seat boards with a 1/4" gap.
    • Clamp the boards against the upper end rails.
    • Drill the marked pilot holes above each end rail.
    • Drive 4 flush 2" screws into each board.

15. Protect the outdoor wood

    Apply an exterior finish to all faces and end grain according to its label.

    • Remove all sanding dust from the assemblies.
    • Brush exterior spar urethane over all exposed surfaces.
    • Coat the end grain and shade-opening rims.
    • Apply subsequent coats according to the finish label.
    • Allow the finish to cure fully before use.

16. Position and inspect

    Position the separate benches and inspect all three assemblies before supervised use.

    • Place all three assemblies on firm level ground.
    • Position one bench beside each long tabletop edge.
    • Inspect every screw head and wooden contact surface.
    • Check each assembly for rocking or loose joints.
    • Remove any unstable or damaged assembly from use.