Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by teamobn
Here’s a great DIY storage system for your creative kids, a folding Lego table. It’s a space saver and it can easily fold away once the kids – small and big, are done playing.
This DIY table with an organizer is indeed the perfect place for your kids to play Lego! It helps keep the pieces together which helps prevent the pain that comes from stepping on one of those pieces, especially in the middle of the night! Your children will definitely enjoy the wide surface they have for building their Lego creations. But what we love most about this DIY project is that you can set the desk at a height that’s perfectly comfortable for your kids whether they are sitting or kneeling.
Unless your kids have a mountain of Lego pieces to keep, you can also use this table to store and display other small toys that can also cause accidents when left on the floor.
But hey, this isn’t just for kids! If you like how it looks, you can also build one for your arts and crafts studio… or for your own Lego creations!
Building a Folding Lego Table
The folding Lego table is not a difficult DIY task that every parent can do. Building a DIY folding Lego table can be a bonding moment with your kids, or better yet, keep this a secret and show this project to them as a Special gift on birthdays, Christmas or any occasion.
Materials
- (1) 2′ x 6′ Ponderosa panel (solid pine edge-glued panel)
- (5) 6′ long 1 x 8
- (9) 6′ long 1 x 4’s
- (2) 10′ Plastic gutter (We got ours at Lowes)
- 6 x 1/2″ Metal screws
- (2) Exterior hinges
- (2) Interior hinges
- Latch
- Wood glue
- Brad Nails 1″ or 1 1/4″
Tools
- Kreg Jig
- Kreg self-tapping pocket-hole screws (sizes used were 2 1/2″ for mounting to the wall. For everything else 1 1/4″)
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Level
Instruction
Step 1: Prepare the Table Top
- Measure and Cut: Use the circular saw to cut the Ponderosa panel to your desired size if it’s not already 2′ x 6′. This panel will serve as the tabletop.
- Smooth Edges: Sand the edges of the panel to remove any splinters or rough spots.
Step 2: Construct the Frame
- Cut the Lumber: Use the 1 x 8 lumber for the table’s frame. Measure and cut four pieces to create a rectangle that matches the dimensions of your tabletop.
- Assemble Frame: Drill pocket holes in the ends of the shorter frame pieces. Connect all four sides using wood glue and 1 1/4″ Kreg screws to form a rectangle.
- Attach the Frame to the Tabletop: Align the frame with the tabletop. Secure it using wood glue and brad nails for an initial hold, followed by drilling in screws for a stronger bond.
Step 3: Adding the Legs
- Cut Legs: Use the 1 x 4 lumber to cut four legs to your desired height.
- Attach Legs: Drill pocket holes at the top end of each leg. Attach each leg to the inside corners of the frame using wood glue and Kreg screws. Ensure they’re perpendicular using the square and level.
Step 4: Incorporate Folding Mechanism
- Install Hinges: Attach exterior hinges to the top edge of two opposite legs, then secure the corresponding sides to the underside of the tabletop. This allows these legs to fold inwards.
- Install Interior Hinges: Use the interior hinges to connect the remaining two legs with a support beam made from 1 x 4 lumber. This beam will fold inside when the table is collapsed.
Step 5: Adding Storage Gutters
- Measure and Cut Gutters: Measure the length between the legs on the long sides of the table. Cut the plastic gutters accordingly.
- Attach Gutters: Secure the gutters to the underside of the table using metal screws. They will serve as storage for Lego pieces.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Sand and Paint: Sand the entire table smoothly, then paint or varnish as desired. Allow to dry completely.
- Install Latch: Attach the latch mechanism to keep the table securely folded when not in use.
Step 7: Mount to Wall (Optional)
- Wall Mounting: If you want to mount the table to a wall, use the 2 1/2″ Kreg screws to secure the table to wall studs. This step is optional but can save space and add stability.
Benefits of Having a Folding Lego Table at Home
You’re folding Lego table is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a versatile addition to you’re home, offering numerous benefits for both children and adults alike. Whether you’re dealing with limited space or looking for a way to keep those tiny Lego pieces organized, a folding Lego table presents a perfect solution. Let’s explore the various advantages of incorporating one into your living space.
Space Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of a folding Lego table is its ability to save space. When not in use, you’re kids can easily fold it up and store it away, making it ideal for small apartments or rooms where space is at a premium. This functionality allows you to have a dedicated area for play or work without permanently occupying valuable floor space.
Encourages Creativity and Organization
A folding Lego table provides a specific spot for building and creativity, encouraging children to focus on their projects. It also helps in teaching them about organization. By having a designated area for their Lego pieces, children learn to sort and store their pieces properly, reducing clutter and the risk of losing important pieces.
Versatile Usage
The versatility of a folding Lego table extends beyond Lego play. It can also serve as a workspace for arts and crafts, a temporary desk for homework, or even a table for small gatherings. This multipurpose nature makes the folding Lego table an invaluable addition to any home, adaptable to various activities and needs.
Enhanced Safety
Folding Lego tables are designed with safety in mind. The ability to fold and store the table reduces the risk of tripping over scattered toys or the table itself. Additionally, a dedicated table for Lego play keeps those notorious foot-injuring Lego pieces off the floor, reducing the likelihood of painful accidents.
Promotes Social Interaction
A folding Lego table can become a centre for social interaction among children. It provides a communal space where kids can collaborate on building projects, share ideas, and develop their social skills. This aspect of the folding Lego table is invaluable for fostering teamwork and friendship.
Customization and Personalization
Another significant advantage of a folding Lego table is the ability to customize and personalize it to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s adjusting the size, choosing a color scheme, or adding storage options, a folding Lego table can be tailored to reflect personal style and functional requirements.
A folding Lego table offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond just being a play surface for Lego enthusiasts. Its space-saving design, versatility, and the way it fosters creativity, organization, safety, social interaction, and personalization make it a must-have in any home. Whether you’re a parent looking for a solution to keep your home organized or a Lego aficionado seeking a dedicated space for your creations, a folding Lego table is an investment that promises to enhance your home life in numerous ways.
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Top 5 Must-Have Features in Your Folding Lego Table
When it comes to selecting the perfect folding Lego table for your home, certain features stand out as essential. These must-have characteristics ensure that the table is not only functional for Lego play but also versatile, durable, and safe for users of all ages. Here are the top five features to look for in your folding Lego table, guaranteeing that it meets all your creative and practical needs.
Sturdy Construction
Durability is key when choosing a folding Lego table. It should be capable of withstanding the enthusiastic play of children and the occasional leaning or support needed by adults during assembly. You’re looking for tables made from solid wood or heavy-duty plastic that will not easily collapse with heavy usage.
Additionally, the mechanism for folding should be robust. You’re ensuring the table can be used and stored repeatedly without wear and tear compromising its stability.
Easy-to-Clean Surface
Lego play can get messy, with stickers, paints, and the occasional snack spill. An easy-to-clean surface is, therefore, a crucial feature of any folding Lego table. Surfaces that are resistant to stains and can be wiped down with a simple cloth make cleanup a breeze, ensuring that the table remains hygienic and ready for use at any time.
Adequate Storage Solutions
A top-notch folding Lego table offers clever storage solutions to keep Lego bricks organized and accessible. Built-in storage bins, drawers, or compartments under the tabletop are ideal for sorting pieces by color, size, or set. For those who take their Lego building seriously, consider a table with customizable storage options to accommodate an ever-growing Lego collection.
Safety Features
Safety cannot be overlooked. A folding Lego table should have smooth edges and corners to prevent injuries during enthusiastic play. The folding mechanism should also include a secure locking system to avoid accidental collapses, ensuring that the table remains stable during use. Non-slip feet or pads are a bonus, keeping the table in place on various flooring types.
Portability and Ease of Storage
The essence of a folding Lego table lies in its ability to save space. Therefore, portability and ease of storage are vital. The table should fold to a compact size, making it easy to store in a closet, under a bed, or behind a door. Lightweight designs are preferable, especially if the table needs to be moved or transported frequently. Additionally, models that can be adjusted to different heights or configurations offer added versatility, catering to various activities beyond Lego play.
Choosing a folding Lego table with these five must-have features will enhance your Lego building experience, promote the organization, and ensure that your creative space is both functional and safe. Whether you’re a young builder or an adult enthusiast, the right table can significantly impact your enjoyment and comfort during play and assembly sessions.
Conclusion
Building a folding Lego table is an enriching project that combines functionality with creativity, providing a dedicated space for play and learning. It not only encourages organization and cleanliness but also ensures that your living space remains versatile and adaptable to your family’s needs. Ultimately, a folding Lego table is a valuable addition to any home, enhancing both playtime and practicality with its unique blend of features.
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