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How to Build a Train Table for Kids

A great train table can add hours of fun to your child's playtime. When you create a table yourself, you also have the opportunity to save on what is otherwise an expensive item to provide. Older children can help to build this easy and fun train table, and in no time you'll be ready to paint. Whether your family will be playing with a classic electric train or a standard and timeless wooden train and tracks, this table can support your child's imagination.

Things You'll Need

Four 4-by-4-inch legs, 1 foot long
One 40-by-30-inch piece of plywood
Hammer and nails
Sander or sandpaper
Four 8-by-1-inch boards for sides, two at 40 inches long, and two at 32 inches long
Ruler
Wood glue
Paint, optional

Instructions

- 1
  Stand the legs of the table upright, spread apart about the width of the plywood. Set the base down on the legs with each leg flush along the edges of the base. Nail the legs in place.
- 2
  Sand the top of the base and the edges of the legs, as well as the boards for the sides of the train table. This will prevent any splinters from getting into little fingers and make the table easier to paint.
- 3
  On the 40-inch-long boards, mark a line on the width of the board three inches from the top. The 3 inches will give the table a lip to keep trains, tracks and accessories on the table. Align the side boards against the base, with the marked line along the upper edge of the plywood. This should leave 3 inches above the top edge of the plywood and 5 inches hanging beneath. Nail to secure.
- 4
  Mark a 3-inch line in the same way along the 32-inch end boards. Add the end boards by nailing into place in the same manner as the side boards. Use wood glue along any cracks and joints. Allow to dry.
- 5
  If desired, paint the table a solid color (green is suggested), or create decorative designs that resemble a landscape. Consider painting water features to give the opportunity to build bridges.

Model Railroads