DIY School Table

For the past five months, we’ve made due with our little folding table in the school room. It was fine for actually getting work done on, but there was very little room to spread out and the kids’ supply caddies always threatened to crash onto the floor because they kept sliding too close to the ends.

The three of us inevitably got a little cranky sometimes being in each other’s way, which puts a damper on the whole learning process.

We had talked about purchasing an old dining or kitchen table, but after I mentioned this one from Confessions of a Homeschooler, my husband was sold on the idea of building a similar model. So this weekend, we went to Lowe’s and bought all of the supplies: 4 shelves in espresso color, 4 Closet Maid Storage Units, 4 studs, and hardware.

The four storage units became the table “legs”.

The hubs building a frame out of the studs to attach underneath the tabletop.

Here it is all put together!  The table top, made from the four shelves side by side, ended up being 4 ft. x 6 ft. wide, more than enough room for us.

After everything was built, the kids added shelves to each of the four storage units and put their books inside.  My teacher’s guides are now stored in the unit on Colton’s left, much more convenient than having them on the kitchen desk.

It ended up being higher than we anticipated, but we plan to get counter stools sometime soon. Until then, the kids will sit on pillows atop their chairs to add height!  We’re nothing if not resourceful.  🙂

Overall, I am very happy with how it turned out. This allows the kids plenty of space to spread out while they’re working, and I have an entire side for my binder and even my laptop! And no more diving to catch a caddy before it crashes to the floor, either.

The kids were so excited about our new table that they wanted to start school this morning, even though it’s Sunday. I sure hope that excitement lasts for a while!