Low Cost Train Table.

When my four year old son asked for a train table this Christmas I thought surely I could find a suitable set for an affordable cost even if I had to buy a plastic one from Walmart. Then, I began shopping and let's just say I had no idea the cost of a train table these days! So, you guessed it...I decided to make one.
Here's where it all began...a $6.00 thrift store end table! I painted it black (paint I already had) and cut the legs and castors off to lower the heighth. Then (with my dads help) I took an old used round table with a laminate top on it (great for cleaning) and cut it into a square. My dad then cut trim to fit and nailed it in. Then I began to work out a layout for the track using existing pieces I had at home and some my dad picked up at a thrift store for $3.00. Once I had the layout arranged where I wanted it we (my dad and I) mounted the table top to the end table with screws.

Here is the finished product. I painted all the tracks and some of the pieces black as well because I didn't love how the wood looked against the tan laminate and I felt a colored track might be too busy (even for my little boys). Then I painted the trim a bright blue and glued (epoxy) it all in place...I know that most train tables come with tracks unattached but I didn't want to be picking up pieces all of the time and since this gift was for a 1 year old and a four year old to use together I thought it would be best to keep it all in one place.

Notice the built in drawer for added storage. I took the old hardware off and tied a red rope at both ends for easy accessability.

Well, that's it. Not fancy, I know but I think my boys will just love playing with this table and track set. Can't wait to see their faces in the morning! Oh, I almost forgot...total cost for this project was $30.00! Can't beat that :)!