DIY IKEA Lego Table for Kids (Lego Desk w/ Base Plates) • Kids Activities Blog
Let'due south talk about the easiest way to build a LEGO table that will grow with your kids. I originally wrote this article in 2011. At that time I congenital 3 of these LEGO tables as Christmas gifts for each of my iii boys who were ages six, 8 & 10.
10 years later on, the LEGO tables nosotros congenital are still functioning proving that this uncomplicated DIY LEGO table project volition stand the examination of time and grow with your kids.
Let's start at the beginning way back in 2011…
Large LEGO Table Needs
When my married man and I started looking for a LEGO building table sized for older kids, nosotros were surprised that in that location wasn't much available. Every LEGO tabular array we found was sized for the toddler crowd, but our boys' LEGO bricks needed a space for storage, building and display.
At ages six, 8 and ten the boys were gear up for a regular acme table and chairs! They have already grown out of the basic kids LEGO tables with child-sized chairs and table height. In fact, they viewed the smaller LEGO tables equally things for "little kids" and my playroom floor was over-run by various LEGO building projects in various stages.
We decided to build our own LEGO tabular array.
How Practice Y'all Make a Bootleg LEGO Tabular array?
Afterwards doing some research, we decided modifying an IKEA table for Lego purposes would be our cheapest option. IKEA had the all-time selection of inexpensive tables in different sizes and also had a wide variety of chairs and benches that could be used with the finished kids LEGO tabular array.
At IKEA nosotros did a lot of LEGO math!
What We Needed in a DIY LEGO Tabular array
We wanted the largest LEGO edifice surface area that wouldn't take upwardly more than space than we have in the room. None of the tables/table tops/desks nosotros constitute had exactly the right measurements to add together LEGO baseplates without alteration and it was our goal to take a portion of the LEGO building surface permanent.
This is what nosotros ended up choosing to create our LEGO tables at domicile:
DIY LEGO Tabular array Instructions
You lot can encounter in the graphic higher up the supplies we used to build this full size LEGO tabular array. Oh, and the 2011 prices are there also just for fun!
To Build this LEGO Table, You Will Need:
- 1 – IKEA Vika Amon Table Top {in cherry-red} – dimensions: 59″ x 29 1/2″
- 2 – IKEA Moliden Underframe – each underframe was 2 tabular array legs at a height of 27 one/2 inches
- eight – LEGO baseplates {light-green}
- 2 – LEGO baseplates {blueish}
- 4 – LEGO road plate packages {two pack}
The entire project cost a fiddling less than $200 in 2011. We could have saved an boosted $forty by choosing a cheaper leg option for the table at IKEA and an additional $twenty by going with a solid color vs. road baseplates.
LEGO Base Plates
LEGO base plates can be purchased at whatever LEGO shop or online. Since they are not as readily available every bit popular LEGO sets, y'all might non always find them in the toy alley of your favorite big box shop or toy shop. You lot tin can purchase them individually in colors like green, blue, white, sand and gray.
What size are LEGO base plates?
Classic LEGO baseplates are ten″ square (25 cm) and measures 32 10 32 studs. Occasionally LEGO releases smaller or limited release baseplates that are available for a limited time.
What'due south the biggest LEGO base plate?
The classic baseplate is ordinarily the largest baseplate available for purchase outside of a LEGO set.
How Many LEGO Baseplates Do You Need for Table Top?
The IKEA tabular array top measured 59″ x 29 i/ii″ and the LEGO baseplates are 10″ square. To encompass the tabular array completely, we purchased 18 baseplates.
Our plan was to glue down the baseplates around the edges of the LEGO table allowing flexibility of the total size base of operations plates in the centre to exist exchanged out every bit desired. The center baseplates shown here in grey and blue were left intact and non glued down. I can say that this plan withstood the test of time and worked peachy over the last 10 years. The kids did not change out the baseplates very often so if it is easier to gum everything downwards, I don't think that would exist an issue for play in the future.
Tin can Y'all Cut LEGO Baseplates?
I had no thought how controversial it would be when I get-go wrote this DIY LEGO table tutorial to cut LEGO baseplates. If you look at the comments below or find information nigh this ready of LEGO table instructions online, there has been an outcry because nosotros cut the outer perimeter of baseplates a size that immune the use of total size (uncut) baseplates in the middle. I would like to defend myself and explain why cutting LEGO baseplates for a LEGO table is actually a really skilful idea:
- I only cut the baseplates that I concluded up gluing permanently to the tabular array. It actually worked out really well that by doing so it allowed the majority of the baseplates used on the table to be intact and removable.
- I couldn't find a table that was scaled exactly for the ten″ square baseplates. So, if I wanted the entire tabular array to be covered with studs for LEGO building, I was either going to have to build my own table (no thanks) or cut LEGO baseplates.
- LEGO baseplates are like shooting fish in a barrel to cut with a circular saw and the cut edge is non sharp which makes information technology ultimately flexible to create the exact size studded surface you want for your DIY LEGO tabular array!
- I had a friend who decided not to cut the baseplates merely followed these same instructions for making her LEGO table. She glued all the base of operations plates starting in the center of the tabular array so a consistent band of non-studded space surrounded her baseplate center. It worked for her, simply she did accept a band effectually the unabridged studded surface that was non LEGO building surfaced.
How do y'all attach LEGO plates to a table?
We constitute the all-time way to adhere LEGO plates to a table superlative was with Elmer's Glue. Use enough so that the entire back of the baseplate is covered, only doesn't squish out when applied to the tabular array. Allow information technology dry completely before play.
The Best Place to Buy LEGO base plates?
The largest choice is through LEGO.com. You may accept luck finding used baseplates, just probably not in bulk or withal colour.
Steps to Building the IKEA LEGO Table
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Step 1 – DIY LEGO Table
Lay out the baseplates on the table peak and determine the size you need for the outer border of baseplates in society to create a glued perimeter of cut baseplates to corral the inner full size baseplates. Yous tin can use a marker on the back of the baseplate to keep track of what needs to exist cut and label where on the table that piece volition be glued because that portion will not show in the final LEGO table.
For our table with the dimensions: 59″ x 29 1/2″:
- The dark-green baseplates that ran along the long sides of the tabular array were cut to a depth of 14 studs. This involved cutting v plates into 10 14 stud pieces.
- The dark-green baseplates that ran along the shorter sides on each cease of the table were cut to a width of 13 studs. This involved cutting two plates into four 13 stud pieces.
- The green baseplates that sat in the four corners of the table were cut from one baseplate into four 13 ten 14 stud corners.
Step ii – DIY LEGO Tabular array
OK, at present that we take the table laid out and the green LEGO baseplates marked on the underside, we used a circular table saw to cut the baseplates with a fine tooth blade.
One time the baseplate was cut, I gently sanded the cutting border with sandpaper.
Step 3 – DIY LEGO Table
Next, lay out all the LEGO baseplates on the LEGO tabular array how you want them to exist arranged when finished. I ever faced the cutting border on the outside edge of the table which will keep the gaps between baseplates consistent so LEGO bricks tin can exist applied across gaps.
In fact, this is really 1 of the virtually important steps. You have to brand sure that the next baseplates are positioned so that kids can create buildings across different baseplates.
To easily accomplish this goal, once you take the baseplates in desired system, identify bricks across each gap connecting all the baseplates into ane moveable slice the size of the tabular array top. These bricks straddling each baseplate connection is primal to getting a functional studded play base.
Step 4 – DIY LEGO Table
Once the unabridged layout was one unit, we lifted up the green border pieces around the perimeter slightly and squirted Elmer's glue underneath making certain it was liberally covering the area.
We placed books on top of the glued edge until dry out. Once it was dry, the interior plates could be removed and rearranged as desired for play.
What Glue is Best for Making a LEGO Table?
I tried multiple types of mucilage over the three LEGO tables I built and the numerous LEGO tables friends, family and readers accept built and if you are gluing baseplates onto a finished surface like an IKEA tabular array, hands downwardly the glue that held the most consistently was but regular old Elmer's gum!
This is good because every once in awhile during play, you may find a glued baseplate piece pops off and it is easy to repair it quickly with gum you already take on hand.
Finished DIY LEGO Tabular array for Kids
I can say without reservation that this was one of my most successful DIY projects…ever! This was the first one I built and so I did two more. Nearly every family whose children came to play ended up making a variation of this LEGO table for their ain habitation.
The reason is elementary. It is an piece of cake LEGO tabular array to make and information technology grows with kids equally they grow, simply even so love to build LEGOs.
Over the years, I constitute some clear plastic bins with lids that fit really well in the space under the LEGO table and we used those to store LEGO bricks and LEGO sets with instructions. In that location were times when all 3 LEGO tables were pushed upwards next to each other for a massive edifice surface in our playroom and there were times when each boy had their ain LEGO table in their room.
Practise you need chairs for a LEGO tabular array?
You practise not demand chairs for a LEGO table at tabular array acme. They are just too restrictive and have up space that kids want to utilize for moving around while building. I call up that chairs at a LEGO table is a toddler thing because it just makes adults feel ameliorate nearly it being a table they are spending money on! But I would say even the toddler LEGO tabular array we had when the boys were younger, they rarely used the chairs.
LEGO Desk FAQ
Does IKEA have a LEGO table?
IKEA does non have a LEGO table at this fourth dimension. The closest they have is a Bygglek box fix which are LEGO storage boxes with LEGO plate tops for building. IKEA does have a lot of diversity of table tops in unlike sizes that are appropriate to be used like nosotros did to brand your own LEGO table the size and shape you desire.
How exercise you stick LEGO base of operations plates to woods?
Nosotros tried many different ways to stick LEGO base of operations plates to wood or other solid surface table tops like the IKEA table top used and the best solution was the simplest, Elmer's Glue! Yes, after testing several different types of glue, we found that the Elmer's Glue worked really well and held the base plates onto the table surface for years. When they did popular off several years into the use, I simply simply added a footling additional gum under the wayward base of operations plate and held it in place until the glue dried enough to continue it in place and then had the kids avoid playing on the LEGO table for a few hours.
Prep Time 1 hour
Active Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost $200
Materials
- one - IKEA Table Top
- four - IKEA Table Legs
- 8 - dark-green LEGO baseplates
- 2 - bluish LEGO baseplates
- 4 - road plate packages of LEGO baseplates
Tools
- Elmer's Glue
- Sharpie
- Record measure
- Circular saw with fine tooth blade
- Sand paper
Instructions
- Lay out the baseplates to make up one's mind the nigh efficient use of baseplates.
- Mark whatsoever cuts yous are going to brand on the back of the baseplate with Sharpie.
- Using a circular saw, cut the baseplates equally needed.
- Sand the cut edge of the baseplate with sandpaper.
- Arrange baseplates on table in desired configuration and attach LEGO bricks that span the gaps between all baseplates for proper placement.
- Lift solid unit of measurement of baseplates you but made and glue underneath the ones y'all desire secure to table (reattach the LEGO blocks if they autumn off during that process).
- Let glue dry out then remove LEGO blocks between baseplates.
Notes
I created a perimeter of glued baseplate pieces that immune for total-size pieces to fit in the middle. Those I did not glue so the kids could commutation the type of baseplates during play. The exterior glued pieces kept them in identify.
Building LEGO towns on the LEGO table
After the appearance of the offset LEGO table, our boys built for days.
The roads were rearranged to create a main city street.
This street will eventually demand a featherbed because the traffic is TERRIBLE!
This style of DIY LEGO table has been a big hit. Since its appearance in the playroom, it has been used almost every waking hour for literally years and years.
Good LEGO Tables for Younger Kids
If yous have younger kids, I recommend a LEGO table that fits the standard size LEGO bricks instead of the larger brick size especially if there are older kids in the business firm. Those toddler brick size bricks quickly become "baby toys" for preschool builders who get very coordinated with the smaller bricks.
When information technology comes to choosing a LEGO table for younger kids, storage is key. Y'all need deep storage you can dump bricks into for clean upward quickly. As the kids get older, they will accumulate more and more bricks, but when they are piddling they will have a more manageable number! Here are some LEGO tables I like for younger kids:
- KidKraft ii-in-1 Action Table with LEGO base of operations and large storage area – information technology is probable y'all will never use this for anything other than LEGO bricks, just I like the ability to reach effectually any side of the table for building purposes and the storage is big!
- Utex ii in 1 Kids Structure Play Table with Storage Drawers – this is a overnice looking table that is super functional although those storage drawers volition fill up quickly. If you lot want the version with the chairs (you don't need the chairs!), you can see that here.
- The GOLOHO Large 2 in 1 Kids Action Table with Storage is probably my favorite because it is adjustable for the height of the table all the way upward to 22.5″ which gives you lot a little more flexibility for growing LEGO builders. The LEGO tabular array we built to a higher place is standard tabular array tiptop at 28 inches for comparing.
I still can't find a full size regular tabular array height LEGO table for sale anywhere. Which seems super weird over 10 years after we built these DIY LEGO tables. This production which is a belfry of baseplates for edifice and storage is about the tallest matter I take seen.
It just confirms that I was right not to wait around for someone to brand what we needed for our kids and just make the LEGO tables ourselves!
More LEGO ideas from Kids Activities Blog
- All sorts of LEGO ideas hacks and building tricks
- How to build a LEGO pokemon creation
- All my LEGO storage secrets revealed {giggle}…did I mention I raised 3 LEGO loving boys?
- We beloved the LEGO ISS — soooooo cool!
- And how to make a LEGO infinite send which is super fun with bricks you already have
- Demand a LEGO table with storage…we have some smart solutions beyond what we talked about hither.
- Fortnite LEGO is a friction match made in heaven!
- All the fun behind LEGO blocks!
- Oh, and we need this Yoda LEGO set because information technology is super fun!
- And permit's brand a LEGO costume!
- Did you know that Costco LEGO is a thing?
- You are going to need this LEGO waffle maker…right?
Please tell me about your LEGO table experience in the comments below. And if yous want to yell at me for cut up LEGO baseplates…I can handle it!
Source: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/8741/how-to-build-a-lego-table/
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