CHEAP & FUN DIY Sensory Table
Hey, y’all! We’re in the thick of summer and this North Carolina weather has made it abundantly clear, lately. Since we’re still very much in the heart of the pandemic and other activities haven’t opened up I started scouring the internet for ways to keep Miss. Jordan engaged. I wanted to buy her a sensory table but quickly realized these things are usually $100+, so, um, yeah, that’s a no. So, I did what any other millennial mom would do. I asked my best friend Google for the solution and she did not disappoint. I stumbled upon this DIY sensory table idea on Pinterest and it made me feel as if this was something I could handle. I am not handy by ANY stretch of the imagination. Emanuel does all of the handy things around our house, but this project seemed doable. It took about three hours from start to finish, although I did it over a few days. This is definitely something you can knock out on a Saturday morning, shopping included, with your kiddos playing by lunch. I’ve made some tweaks to the DIY project and shared them below.
Shopping List:
5 - ¾” 5 feet PVC pipe
2 - ¾” PVC Tee (SLIP)
8 - ¾” PVC side outlet/charlotte pipe/3-way connector (SLIP)
2 - ¾” PVC elbow (SLIP)
1 - Sterilite 28-quart storage box (23-1/2″ x 17″ x 6″)
2 - Cans of spray paint (optional) I used satin ballet pink
PVC cutter (GAME CHANGER)
Play sand
Toys
Items needed:
Tape measurer or ruler
Sharpie/marker
Dropcloth or trash bag to cover the floor if you spray paint
Obviously, if you’re going to make a water and sand table you’ll need to double this list.
Cut List
2 – 21”
5 – 14-1/4”
4 – 10”
2 – 3-1/2”
4 – 18-1/4” or to your desired height. You can change this measurement based on your child’s height.
Steps:
Make all of your cuts (please see measurements list above) The original poster recommended a saw. The handheld cutter was easier for me. It also felt less dangerous. Write the lengths on each piece, especially if you’re making two tables.
Connect the two 21.5” (length) with two of the 14.5” (width) using four of the 3-way side outlet connectors. This is your base.
Place the four 18.25” in the up-facing 3-way side outlet connectors. These are the legs. Depending on how tall or short your kiddo is you may need to modify this height.
Use the two PVC Tee connectors to connect the four 10” cuts. These pieces represent the length and should go above the 21.5” base. Make sure the tee outlet is facing down.
Connect the four 10” cuts with the two remaining 14.5” width pieces. Bring these together with the remaining 3-way side outlet connectors.
Now, take your two 3.5” pieces and place them in the tee outlets.
Attach the two elbow connectors to the 3.5” pieces.
Connect the elbow pieces with the remaining 14.5” piece. This is your stabilizer to support your container.
Spray down your table. You will need to do at least 3 coats if you want the make the text on the PVC pipe to disappear. I let it dry for 15-20 minutes between coats.
Once it’s dry, put in your container. DO NOT overload the container with sand or water. It can’t hold A LOT of weight. I learned this the hard way. 🤦🏾♀️
HAVE FUN!
Let me know in the comments below if your little one has a sensory table or if you will make one for them.