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Overview:
This project will show you how to build a baby changing station. Save your back and the expense of buying another piece of infant furniture by building this simple changing station that can sit on top of a dresser or bed for quick and easy pit stops.
Materials:
Baby changing pad, 1" x (depends on the size of the pad) lumber, screws, nails, dowels and plugs, wood glue, sandpaper, tack cloth
Tools You'll Need:
10ft. or 25ft. tape measure, power-lite cordless drill, 7oz. or 16oz. hammer
Before You Begin:
Baby-changing pads come in different sizes, so you'll need to custom-fit your table to the particular pad you choose. Take into account the length, width and height of the pad itself. Add at least 1/4" all to each of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the box. Calculate the amount of wood you'll need by determining the total height of the box, plus the thickness of the flooring material, plus the height of the space you want underneath the floor of the box, plus the height you want the sides and back to extend up from the box floor.
Barbara's Tips:
When sanding wood, rub the surface lightly with a damp cloth. The water will cause some of the grain to swell. Once the wood dries, you can sand again until perfectly smooth.
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Step 1: A Dry Run
Using a table saw, cut the five pieces of the changing table (bottom/floor, 2 sides, back, and front rail) to the correct size based on your calculations above. It's likely that the floor need to be deeper than the boards you are using. If this is the case, use two or more pieces to match the floor width and glue them together. You can use dowels or biscuits in the edges of the boards to strengthen the glue joints.
Step 2: A Dry Run - cont.
Using the height of the space you want under the floor, measure the side and back panels from the bottom up to the floor level. Mark the panels. During assembly, the bottom edge of the floor should align with these marks. Dry fit all the pieces and mark the joints where the boards meet.
Step 3: Smooth Sailing
Use a router to round the corners of the boards that won't be covered by joints. Use sandpaper to smooth the boards. Follow with the tack cloth to remove dust.
Step 4: Putting it all Together
Use the marks you made during the dry-fit to align the pieces for assembly. Drill pilot holes for finish nails. If you choose to assemble with screws, countersink the so you can cover them with wood buttons. Assemble the changing table in this order: back edge of floor to face of the back sides to the floor and back, front rail to front edge of floor and sides.
Step 5: Ready for Diaper Duty
You did it yourself! Now you've got a safe and secure place for a quick change. Remember to never leave your baby unattended on any high surface, not even for a minute!
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