Sensory tables are great. You can introduce your littles to new and messy textures without worrying about the mess.
The bad news about sensory tables is they aren't cheap, they take up a lot of space when not in use, and can be cumbersome to clean.
The great news is I found a way that you (or your handy/not-so-handy husband) can build one in less than 30 minutes and for about $30.
Are you up for it? Let's do it!
Here’s what you'll need to tackle this project:
Tools:
Saw, Miter Box (optional, but helpful), Tape Measure, Marker
Materials
You're almost sure to find everything you need at your local hardware store. Note that all of the connectors should have a slip fitting, not threaded. This will ensure that everything will simply push together.
| 1 – | Sterilite 28-quart storage box (23-1/2" x 17" x 6") | $4.94 |
| 5 – | 3/4” x 5 feet PVC pipe | $1.63 each |
| 8 – | 3/4” PVC side outlet elbow/3-way connector | $1.60 each |
| 2 – | 3/4” PVC tee | $0.47 each |
| 2 – | 3/4” PVC elbow | $0.36 each |
| Total Cost Before Tax: | $27.55 |
(Never mind the extra pipe and unnecessary bag of couplers in the picture. My husband got a little carried away at the hardware store. You know how that is.)
STEP 1: Cut all of your pieces.
STEP 1: Cut all of your pieces.
Cut List
2 – 21”
5 – 14-1/4”
5 – 14-1/4”
4 – 10”
2 – 3-1/2”
4 – 18-1/4” or to your desired height. These are your uprights customized for your child's height.
STEP 2: Pause for a silly photo with your child.
STEP 3: Put it all together. Seriously, it's that easy. Don't use any adhesive, so you'll be able to take it apart when you're done with it.
We wanted some extra support on the bottom, so all of the weight was not resting on the rim. Depending on what you put in your sensory bins or how rough your kids get you might need the additional reinforcement. So we added the extra cross piece.
See? Wasn't that easy?
Now, your sensory table is ready to roll.
BONUS: Your table collapses all the way down so you can store all of the parts within the box when you're done with it. (Of course, if you make your table taller the legs may not fit.)
DOUBLE BONUS: At only $5 or $6 for the storage box you can put together multiple sensory experiences and stack them away when not in use.
Follow 2 Teaching Mommies's board Sensory Play on Pinterest.
What are you going to put in your sensory table?
