Are you a fan of model trains? Are you looking for an interesting way to display and showcase your miniature railroad setups? If so, building a train table is the perfect solution. Not only does it offer an attractive base for suspending railway tracks, but it can also be used to decorate other items in your home or office.
With minimal tools and materials required, it’s easy to create this fun and unique piece of furniture that children and adults love. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced modeler, the following guide will show you how to build your train table that’s perfect for your setup.
In this blog post, we will share step-by-step instructions on how to build train table that suits the aesthetic of any room! Keep reading if you’re ready to start crafting your interior design masterpiece!
What Will You Need?
Once you’ve decided to build your own train table, the first step is gathering the necessary materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plywood – two sheets, the size of your choice
- Wood Glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or Stain (optional)
- Paintbrush or Sponge
- Nail Gun
- Hammer & Nails
- Saw
- Measuring Tape
- Screwdriver
- Protective Gloves & Safety Glasses
- Countersink Drill Bit (optional)
Once you have all these materials, it’s time to get started!
Instructions
10 Easy Steps on How to Build Train Table
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Plywood.
Using your measuring tape, measure and mark the plywood for cutting it down to size. Then, use a saw to cut the wood into four pieces of equal sizes that will be used for the tabletop in your train table. Be careful not to splinter the wood while cutting.
Step 2: Glue the Plywood.
Once you have all four pieces of plywood cut out, apply wood glue to each side of the two pieces and press them together firmly. Then, clamp them together until they are securely glued. Repeat this step with the other two pieces of plywood as well.
Step 3: Sand Down Edges & Corners.
Using sandpaper, lightly sand down any rough edges or corners on both sides of your train tabletop to give it a smooth finish. If you have a countersink drill bit, use it to create a slightly sunken effect for the screws. You can also use a router for this step as well.
Step 4: Paint or Stain.
Once the table top is sanded down, it’s time to paint or stain your train table top. If you’re painting, use a paintbrush or sponge to coat the tabletop with the color of your choice and let it dry. For staining, simply apply the stain with a cloth and then wipe off any excess with a clean rag.
Step 5: Attach Legs & Supports.
Using your nail gun, attach four legs to each corner of your train table top as well as two support pieces in the center for extra stability. You can also use a hammer and nails if you don’t have access to a nail gun. Be careful not to drive the nails in too deep, as this can cause splitting or cracking.
Step 6: Secure Corner Braces.
To secure the legs and supports in place, use corner braces at each corner. This will provide extra support to your train table and make it more stable. Don’t forget to use a screwdriver to secure the screws tightly.
Step 7: Drill Pilot Holes & Screws.
Using a countersink drill bit, drill pilot holes in the wood before inserting screws into the legs and supports for added strength. Additionally, you can also use a router to create a slightly sunken effect for the screws. It will help to keep the screws from sticking out.
Step 8: Attach the Tabletop to the Legs & Supports.
Once all of your pilot holes are drilled, attach the tabletop to the legs and supports with screws or nails from underneath the tabletop. Make sure everything is securely fastened before moving on to the next step. Try to place the screws in different places to distribute them evenly.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches (Optional).
If you want to add a personal touch to your train table, add trim or other decorative accents. You can add trim along the edges of the tabletop or attach decorative knobs to the legs. Moreover, you can also customize the tabletop with stenciling or other types of art.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Train Table!
Your train table is now complete and ready to be used. Whether you plan on using it as a fun decoration or as a functional piece of furniture, you can enjoy your new creation with friends and family! Remember, if you ever need to adjust or repair something on your train table, always make sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
Following the steps outlined above, you can easily build a train table that kids and adults will enjoy. With a little bit of preparation, effort, and creativity, you can create an eye-catching piece of furniture that is sure to be the centerpiece of any room!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Make sure to leave enough room between the tracks and the edge of your table. This will ensure that your train has plenty of space to move around without hitting the edges.
2. If you’re using a pre-made track, ensure that it will fit correctly before cutting your table top.
3. Use power drill screws to attach the tracks to the tabletop for extra stability and strength.
4. Use hot glue or double sided tape to secure smaller pieces of scenery and buildings onto the tabletop. This will ensure they remain in place while your train runs around your layout.
5. Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Build something unique and entertaining for both you and your family members – this is what makes building a model railway so exciting!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create the perfect train table for your own personal railway enjoyment! Happy building!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Not measuring the area. Before you build your train table, measure the space where it will be placed. This will ensure that your table will fit perfectly and you won’t encounter any obstacles during the building process.
2. Not using quality materials. Building a train table with subpar materials can lead to it being wobbly or not being able to support the weight of your trains. Make sure that you use high-quality wood, screws, and nails for maximum durability.
3. Skimping on tools. Having the right tools is essential when building a train table, as using the wrong ones can damage your pieces or hinder your ability to build accurately. Invest in quality saws and drill bits so that you have everything necessary for a successful build.
4. Overlooking safety measures. As with any DIY project, safety should always be your number one priority. Make sure to wear safety glasses, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts when building your train table.
5. Not having a plan of action. Before you begin building, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you’re doing and how it needs to be done. Have a step-by-step plan in mind so you can stay organized and efficient throughout the process.
By following these tips and taking precautionary measures, you will be able to build your own train table in no time!
What is the Best Material for a Train Table?
When it comes to building a train table, the best material is wood. Wood is sturdy and durable, making it ideal for holding up your trains and tracks. It’s also relatively easy to work with – you can cut, sand, or drill it into whatever size and shape you need for your project.
However, there are other materials that can be used as well, such as plywood or MDF board. Plywood is lightweight yet strong, while MDF board is cost-effective and provides an even surface.
Ultimately, the choice of material depends on your preference, as each has its advantages and disadvantages.
No matter which material you choose for your train table build, make sure to use quality supplies so that it will be able to withstand the weight of your trains and tracks!
Conclusion
In the end, you can create your very own customized train table that is sure to impress family and friends. Not only will you have fun and learn something new about how to build train table, but your children and their friends will have hours of fun playing with their trains on the table you have made for them.
Take it as an opportunity to flex your DIY skills, share what you learned with others, and make something unique that wasn’t available in stores. Who knows – maybe you’ll be so inspired by this process that you take things to the next level with other woodworking projects!
Whatever happens, building a train table is no small feat and surely something worth bragging about. Thanks for giving your valuable time. Happy building!
