Coffee Table with Train Table/Storage

By The Learner Observer
diy-train-table-and-coffee-table-14
diy-train-table-and-coffee-table-31
diy-train-table-and-coffee-table-8
diy-train-table-and-coffee-table-30
diy-train-table-and-coffee-table-19
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

In this plan you’ll see how to build a coffee table with a simple, modern base and train table on top, which can also be used as storage. This can also be used without the storage above, but it makes a great place to store things like board games and other things not used daily.

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver

Materials

Wood Products

  • 4 Board , 2x2 , 96"
  • 2 Board , 1x2 , 96"
  • 1 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Full Sheet

Hardware & Supplies

  • 30 1-1/4" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • 50 2-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • 1 Black paint
  • 1 Sanding block - 60 grit
  • 1 Sanding block - 120 grit
  • 1 Wood stain in colour of choice
  • 18 1-1/2" Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
  • 5 Small craft paintbrushes
  • 1 Variety of acrylic paints (I used light green, dark green, blue, charcoal, and white)
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 4 Base , 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 12"
  • 4 Base , 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 45"
  • 4 Base , 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 21"
  • 3 Support , 1/2" x 1-1/2" x 21"
  • 2 Lid stopper , 1/2" x 1-1/2" x 44"
  • 2 Tabletop surround , 3/4" x 43-1/2" x 4"
  • 2 Tabletop surround , 3/4" x 24" x 4"
  • 1 Tabletop , 3/4" x 45" x 24"
  • 1 Train table base , 3/4" x 21" x 42"
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Prepare base

    Once pieces are cut to size according to cut list, drill pocket holes into all of the 1-1/2"x 1-1/2" pieces for the base, except the 12" ones. Sand all pieces.

    Step 1

  • Prepare tabletop surround

    Drill pocket holes into all four pieces, plus an additional two holes on the sides of the longer pieces to create a "box." Attach all four pieces using 1-1/4" pocket screws.

    Sand all pieces smooth with 120 grit sandpaper.

    Step 2

  • Build frame base - part 1

    Using 45" and 21" pieces of the 1-1/2"x1-1/2" boards, create two frames as illustrated in image using 2-1/2" pocket screws.

    Step 3

  • Build frame base - part 2

    Attach 1-1/2"x1-1/2"x21" pieces to the frames using 2-1/2" pocket screws.

    Step 4

  • Build bottom supports

    Attach the 3/4"x1-1/2"x21" boards to the base frame to create a support for the bottom of the tabletop.

    Step 5

  • Add plywood bottom

    You can use screws for this, but it should be a tight enough fit that you don't need to.

    Step 6

  • Attach train table surround

    Stain the entire thing in the colour of your choice, then, using 1-1/2" pocket screws, attach top piece.

    Step 7

  • Prepare tabletop

    Add stoppers to the tabletop so that the top doesn't slide around. Stain in colour of choice.

    Step 8

  • Paint base

    Using a matte black paint of your choice, paint the base.

    Step 9

  • Draw train table landscape

    Using a pencil, draw a road, lake, trees, and whatever else you'd like as part of your train table landscape on the plywood base.

    Step 10

  • Paint lansdcape

    Using acrylic paint and small craft paintbrushes, paint the grass, water, road, etc.

    Step 11

  • Add trains!

    Add in your trains and let the kiddos play! When they're done, just add the top back on!

    Step 12