DIY Kids' Tables & Chairs

Preparing the Lumber

• 1

  Cut the 4-by-4 post into four sections that are each 24 inches long. Cut the 1-by-12-by-96-inch plank into eight sections that are each 12 inches long. Cut the two shorter planks into two sections each; all sections should measure 36 inches long. Cut the four beams into eight sections each with each section measuring 12 inches long.

• 2

  Sand the faces of all of the lumber pieces until they are smooth enough to avoid splinters as your children will be playing on this furniture.

• 3

  Apply one coat of paint to the lumber pieces. For a fun design, make each piece of lumber a different color. For best results while painting, dip the bottom third of your paint brush into the paint, then swab the paint onto the wood in long, individual strokes.

• 4

  Allow the paint to dry.

Table Assembly

• 5

  Lay the plywood sheet on the ground. Set the four posts on end in the square, one post per corner. Trace the edges of each post with a pencil, drawing four squares on the plywood.

• 6

  Remove the posts. Drill four pilot holes into each square you've drawn on the plywood. Use a drill bit the same diameter as the shafts of your wood screws. Drill so that the four holes form a square, with each corner 1/4 inch in from the corners of the penciled square.

• 7

  Widen each pilot hole by a depth of 1/8 inch, using a drill bit the same diameter as the heads of your wood screws.

• 8

  Attach your posts to the plywood by driving wood screws through the pilot holes and into the ends of the posts.

• 9

  Set the table upright by placing the four posts onto the ground.

Chair Assembly

• 10

  Arrange two 2-by-2-by-12-inch beams into an L-shape. Connect them by driving a 2-inch wood screw through the face of one beam into the end of the other. Drive the screw deep enough that the head is below the surface of the wood.

• 11

  Repeat step one with two more beams.

• 12

  Assemble the two L-shapes into a square. Attach the free corners as you did the corners of the Ls.

• 13

  Repeat steps one through three to build a second square.

• 14

  Set the two squares upright, parallel and about 12 inches apart. Connect them by setting a 12-by-12-inch plank section on top and screwing it into place using one wood screw per corner. This forms the seat and side legs of the chair.

• 15

  Set a 36-inch plank at 90 degrees to the plank in place; this will form the back of the chair and run along the box formed by the beams. Screw it to the beams with two lines of three wood screws each, running along the length of the beam.

• 16

  Attach a 12-by-12-inch plank directly opposite the bottom of the back plank, forming a cover that rests over the front legs of the chair. This helps stabilize the chair. Use one screw per corner.

• 17

  Repeat steps one through seven three more times to build a total of four chairs.

Finishing

• 18

  Putty over all of the screw heads. Wipe off any excess and allow it to dry.

• 19

  Sand the dried putty. Apply a second coat of paint to all exposed surfaces of the table and chairs. If you want, you can skip painting interior surfaces, such as the underside of the table. Allow the paint to dry.

• 20

  Place colorful decals wherever you want on the painted surface of the table. You can buy decals, or print images your children find or create on your computer.

• 21

  Apply one coat of varnish over the tabletop and the backs and seats of the chairs. This will protect the decals and help the furniture resist spills.