Train Table

My little one’s birthday is right around the corner and we’ve decided to do a Thomas the Train theme party. He has so many trains and I wanted to give him something fun that would get those trains all in one area off the floor. I’ve seen many train tables online, but most of them are super expensive or made of particle board, which won’t last long in my house! My husband suggested I make him a sturdy wooden one. It ended up being so easy and affordable, I’m so glad I did!

What I used for this project:

• Two 2″ x 4″
• Two 1″ x 4″
• 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/2″ Plywood
• Kreg jig
• 2″ screws
• Staple gun
• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• Miter saw
• Drill
• Sander

I wanted the table to be comfortable height for my little one, so I measured him and decided to make the legs of the table 16″ tall. The height of the table can be whatever you want, just remember to add 1 1/2″ to the legs for your final height number, for the plywood top and lip around the edge.

Each leg will be made of two 2 x 4’s in the shape of an L, therefore you will need eight total boards cut. Make sure to measure each board as you cut to get the most accurate measurements. Give the legs a good sanding to smooth out the roughness.

I wanted the least amount of screws to show so I used my Kreg jig to construct the legs. The Kreg jig allows for an extremely strong connection and hides the screw heads for a more flush look. I drilled near both ends of one 2 x 4, then screwed that board to another 2 x 4 forming an L shape. Don’t forget to use your wood glue! I did this for all four legs.

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Now that the legs are done, let’s move onto the table frame. I wanted to use a Thomas the Train play rug that my sister gave us on top of the table, so I used the rug measurements for the frame. If you are going to paint a scene on the tabletop or use a different play mat, the size can be whatever you want and you can totally customize it to your house or play space. The play rug I’m using is 44.5″ x 32″. I also wanted a more flush look for the frame so I decided to connect my boards at an angle on the corners.

Turn your miter saw at a 45 degree angle and cut along your marked measurement. If you don’t have a miter saw, you can just connect the frame together in an L shape with screws.

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Using lots of wood glue press the edges together and staple each corner together. I also like to tie a string around the frame to keep it tightly pressed together while the glue dries. Let the glue harden overnight.

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Now it’s time to attach the legs to the frame. I wanted a lip around the table to keep the trains from falling off the edge, so I measured 1 1/2″ from the top of the frame and screwed my legs in there. Don’t forget to pre-drill and use glue! Do this for all four legs. Remove the string and staples as well.

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Looking great so far! However, chances are it won’t be completely square, so you’ll have a better fitting tabletop if you wait to cut the plywood until the legs are on the frame. Measure each side and cut your plywood accordingly.

Now you have a perfectly fitted tabletop. Screw that bad boy into the legs at each corner.

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Let’s do something about those ugly corners. Get out some wood filler and, using your finger, fill in the holes from the staples and the seams. Let it dry (usually only takes about 10 minutes).

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Use a very fine sandpaper (I use 240) and sand over the dried wood filler. It may not be perfect but it will definitely look more smooth than before.

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And there you have it, a beautiful kids train table just waiting for the finishing touches!

I chose to stain mine with Minwax Honey wood stain.

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Then I simply placed the play rug on top and this Train Table is ready for my little one to enjoy! Just in time for his birthday.

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The best part about this table is it’s versatility. When my little one is not interested in trains anymore I can easily convert this table to something else. Whether it be Lego building, a place to read, eat or even become a chalk board, I know we will get so much use out of this table in the years to come!

Happy Building!