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Project Description
If you're looking for a practical DIY project for your nursery, this simple changing table might be perfect. Store-bought changing tables can easily cost several hundred dollars, so I wanted to see if I could build one myself using affordable materials from Bunnings Warehouse.
The result was a sturdy, functional table built for roughly $120, using common timber and basic tools. If you're new to DIY, don’t worry; the steps below explain the process in detail.
Materials
Timber
- 2 × 35 x 70mm 2.4m Untreated Pine Framing Timber (used to create the legs)
- 1 × Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel (used for the table top and side rails)
- 1 × 1200 x 400 x 7mm Project Plywood Panel (used to create the shelf frame and shelf slats)
Fixings and Adhesives
- 1 × Selleys Aquadhere Interior Wood Glue 250ml
- 1 × Zenith 8G x 50mm Countersunk Timber Screws
- 1 × Zenith 30mm Bullet Head Nails
- 10mm Timber Dowel pieces
Finishes
- 1 × Dulux Duramax 325g White Gloss Spray Paint (for the frame)
- 1 × Cabot's 400g Clear Gloss Spray Varnish (for sealing the table top)
Optional
- Selleys No More Gaps Interior Gap Filler 475g (for filling any small gaps in joints)
- Wood Filler
Tools
Cutting tools
- Table Saw (for ripping timber strips)
- Drop Saw / Mitre Saw or Hand Saw
Assembly tools
- Drill/Driver with drill bits
- 10mm Drill Bit (for dowel holes)
Finishing tools
- Orbital Sander or Disc Sander
- Sandpaper (60 grit, 120 grit, 240 grit)
Fastening
Optional tools
- Router (for rounding edges)
- Wood Clamps (helpful when gluing)
Step 1
Prepare and Cut Your Timber: Start by cutting your materials into the sizes needed for the project.
Cut the plywood shelf pieces: Using your table saw, cut the 7mm plywood panel into 35mm wide strips. These strips will be used later to build the shelf frame and shelf base.
Tip for beginners:
Set the fence on your table saw to 35mm and keep it locked in place while cutting all strips to ensure consistent sizing.
Create square timber legs: Take your 35 x 70mm pine framing timber and run it through the table saw to split it lengthways. This will give you two 35 x 35mm square lengths. These will become your table legs.
Cut the table top: Using the Specrite pine panel, cut a section for the table top. Recommended size: 480mm x 740mm. This size fits most standard baby change mats.
Cut the safety side rails: From the same pine panel cut:
- 2 side rails – 740mm long
- Height – approximately 100mm
To make the table safer around babies, cut 45-degree angles on the ends of each rail to remove sharp corners.
Optional:
Use a router to round over the top edges, or sand them smooth using your sander.
Step 2
Attach the Side Rails: Apply
wood glue along the bottom edge of each side rail. Position them on the table top so they sit flush with the edges. Before screwing them in:
- Drill pilot holes through the table top into the rail.
- Space three screws evenly along each side.
Then secure using 50mm timber screws. Pre-drilling is important as it prevents the timber from splitting.
Step 3
Cut and Assemble the Legs
Cut your 35 x 35mm timber legs to 1050mm length using your drop saw or hand saw. You should now have: 4 legs – each 1050mm long
Build the shelf frame:
From your plywood strips cut:
- 2 pieces at 370mm
- 2 pieces at 630mm
These pieces form a rectangular frame that connects the legs and supports the shelf. Attach these pieces between the legs using:
- Wood glue
- 50mm timber screws
Tip:
Pre-drill all screw holes first.To ensure the shelf frame sits at the same height on every leg, place a temporary spacer (such as a milk carton or timber offcut) underneath while fixing the strips.
Step 4
Create the Shelf Base:
Measure
the inside width of your shelf frame. Cut additional plywood strips so they fit neatly inside the frame. Lay these strips side-by-side to form the shelf base.Secure each strip using:
- Wood glue
- Nails (hammer or nail gun)
Allow the glue to dry before moving on.
Finally, use some wood putty or wall putty to fill in any screw holes to ensure the legs have a clean finish.
Step 5
Prepare the Dowel Joint
This step helps attach the table top securely while hiding screws. Place the table top upside down on your workbench. Position the leg frame on top and centre it. Use a pencil to trace a square around each leg. Remove the frame. Draw an X inside each square to find the centre point. Repeat this process on the top of each leg.
Drill dowel holesUsing your 10mm drill bit, drill:
- 20mm deep hole in each leg
- 15mm deep hole in each matching spot on the table top
Glue the dowels into the table top only and allow them to dry.
Step 6
Sand All Timber
Sand
every part of the table to ensure smooth surfaces. Work through sanding stages:
- 60 grit – removes rough timber edges
- 120 grit – smooths the surface
- 240 grit – final finish for painting
Round over any sharp edges for safety.
Step 7
Paint and Seal
Take your project to a well-ventilated area before spraying. Paint the frame: Use white spray paint on the legs and shelf frame.
Apply:
- 2 light coats
- Allow drying time between coats.
Seal the table top: Spray the table top with clear varnish to protect the timber. Avoid spraying the dowels or the marked leg areas underneath. If you accidentally do, simply sand lightly before assembly.
Step 8
Final Assembly
Apply wood glue to:
- The top of each leg
- The dowel holes
- The marked square areas
Carefully lower the table top so the dowels slot into the leg holes. Press firmly.
Secure using:
- Wood clamps if available
- Or place a heavy object on top while drying.
Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth. Allow the table to cure for 24–48 hours.
Optional: Fill Small GapsIf any small gaps appear in joints, apply a small amount of Selleys No More Gaps Interior Gap Filler 475g. Smooth with a damp finger for a clean finish.
Step 9
Add Your Change Mat
Once the table is fully dry and aired out, place a standard baby change mat on top.
Set up your shelves with nappies, wipes and supplies, and enjoy your handmade nursery furniture.
