Easiest DIY Kids Table

Learn how to easily build a DIY kids table or DIY kids desk!

Today I’m sharing how to build a DIY kids table that is really easy, simple and budget friendly to build!

This kids table can be used as a DIY kids desk, DIY kids play table or DIY kids craft table too.

We built this table for our son Jackson so he has his own toddler sized table. He isn’t ready for a big kid sized table, so this is perfect for him now (he’s two years old) and will be a great size for the next few years!

Also, now that we have another little boy on the way, it will be perfect for him in a year or two as well!

If you want to see more DIY kids furniture ideas, that go great with this table design, make sure to check out my DIY toy box and DIY bookshelf!

Kids Table Plans

Get the printable DIY kids table plans here for this build!

FINAL DIMENSIONS OF TABLE: 24″ long x 24″ wide x 20″ tall

Note, this post contains some affiliate links. For more info see my disclosures here.

**The actual width of our panel board was 24″ wide but some 24″ panel boards actual width is only 23 1/2″ or 23 1/4″. Make sure to check this and adjust measurements for any differences!

DIY Kids Table Video Tutorial:

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1. Make the lumber cuts for the kids table

Use a miter saw and make the lumber cuts from the 1×3:

• (4) 1×3 @ 19″ (table aprons)
• (1) 1×3 @ 19 1/2″ (middle support board)

Make the following cuts from the 2×2:

• (4) 2×2 @ 19 1/4″ (table legs)

Cut the panel board to size with a table saw or circular saw and straight edge guide. Or have your home improvement store make the cut for you!

• (1) 24″ x 24″ edge glued panel (table top)

2. Add pocket holes to the 1x3s for the table aprons

Use a Kreg Jig and add pocket holes to each end and along one side of the of the 1x3s @ 19″ as shown here for the four table aprons.

For the 1×3 middle support board @ 20 1/2″ just add pocket holes on the two ends.

If you’ve never used a Kreg Jig before, it’s the best! Check out my how to use a Kreg Jig tutorial to learn how to use it!

3. Build the DIY kids table frame

Start by adding some wood glue to the ends of one of the 1×3 @ 19″ apron boards.

Use 1/2″ thick scrap boards (or wood shims) and place them under one of the table aprons, between two of the 2×2 legs @ 19 1/4″.

Make sure the pocket holes are facing upwards as these will be used to attach the table top.

For the side frames of the table, we want our 1×3 desk aprons to be inset 1/2″ from the table legs edge, so that’s why we used 1/2″ scrap wood under the apron.

Clamp everything in place and attach with 1 1/4″ Kreg screws.

Repeat the above steps to build the second table frame side.

Here is how the side frames will look from the front!

Now we can attach the sides together and create the front and back sides of the DIY kids table.

Place another 1×3 @ 19″ table apron between the two assembled sides. Clamp in place and attach together with wood glue and Kreg screws.

Flip the kids table over and attach the last 1×3 apron the same way.

Note, make sure to watch all of this in action in the DIY kids table VIDEO tutorial!

The completed DIY kids desk frame:

4. Attach the table top to the table frame of the DIY kids desk

Mark 1″ in from each of the four 24″ x 24″ table top board corners.

Add some wood glue to the top of the table frame.

Then, place the table frame upside down on top of the bottom of the table top, making sure to line up the 2×2 table legs with these 1″ corner marks, so the frame is centered on the table top.

Clamp one side in place and attach the frame to the table top with 1 1/4″ Kreg screws. Repeat again on the opposite side, making sure the legs are still aligned with the 1″ marks.

Finish attaching the last side aprons to the table top.

5. Add the table top support board

The last step is to add the middle 1×3 @ 19 1/2″ support board on the underneath side of the table top in the middle of the table. Use 1 1/4″ Kreg screws again.

Flip your DIY kids table build over and now it is all ready for paint or stain!

6. Paint or stain the kids table

We wanted to paint our table, so we first primed all of the bare wood.

For paint, we used Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin Williams in eggshell. It’s the same color we used on Jackson’s DIY toy box and DIY bookshelf and DIY wall bookshelves.

Note, there were a few small knot cracks on the table top board that we filled in with some light spackle before painting!

Chairs for the Kids Table

I thought about building matching chairs for this table, but honestly, for more comfort and time savings, I decided to just buy these adorable toddler chairs! I bought my set on sale and they come in multiple colors!

I also found a few other chair options that are the same size and fit the table! There really are lots of options online but here are the three chair options I considered:

• Chairs option #1 (the ones we bought)!
• Chairs option #2
• Chairs option #3

I love how our DIY kids table turned out! I think it’s just so cute and adorable! Jackson loves it too!

Do you know any kids who would enjoy this simple and easy DIY kids desk? Don’t forget to get the printable DIY kids table plans!

And if you want more DIY kids furniture ideas, make sure to check out my DIY toy box and DIY bookshelf!

Follow along for my latest projects and sneak peaks on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest!

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