How to Build Your Own Built-In Seat for a Toddler Activity Table

Cut two pieces of 2-by-8-inch boards 18 inches long with a table saw. Sand the boards smooth on all sides with an orbital sander.

Prime and paint the boards in a bright color that matches the decor of the room or table. Paint several coats and allow each coat to dry completely to create a durable surface that will clean up easily. Allow your last coat to dry for 24 hours.

Turn the activity table upside down. Measure the width of the table top on the side where you want to install the seat. Divide the width in half to center the seat. Mark the table. Measure 8 inches away from the center to the left and mark with an X. Measure 8 inches away from the center to the right and mark with an X.

Position one of the boards on its 2-inch end on an X mark, so the board is perpendicular to the table edge. Overhang the board 6 to 8 inches over the edge of the table. Place two small shelf brackets on one side of the board 8 inches apart. Place one small shelf bracket on the other side of the board centered between the other brackets. Screw the bracket to the table with short screws that will not penetrate the table surface. Screw the bracket to the board with longer screws that will hold securely. Repeat for the second board over the second X mark.

Sit your toddler on a table so that his legs are dangling over the edge at the knee. Measure from his back to where his knee bends. This is the length of your seat. Place the child back on the ground. Measure the distance from the outside of one board to the outside of the second board and add three inches.

Cut one piece of canvas the outside board distance measurement in length and the length of the seat plus 1 inch for hems in width. Cut one piece of canvas the outside board distance measurement in length and 9 inches high for the seat back measurement.

Turn the edge of the canvas to the back 1/4 inch. Turn the fold to the back 1/4 inch and hem on all sides for each canvas piece. Cut two pieces of 1 inch wide pierced metal strip 7 3/4 inches long using a hacksaw. Metal strips have multiple holes along their length. Cut two pieces of 1 inch wide metal strips 1/4 inch less than your seat length measurement. File the ends with a metal file to make them smooth. Hang the strips from a wire and spray paint the metal straps a bright color. Spray several coats for a thick finish allowing each coat to dry. Allow the last coat to dry for 4 hours.

Place the seat back canvas face side down and horizontal on the table. Place the seat back metal strap aligned with the left edge and centered 1/8 inch from the top and bottom edges. Fold the fabric and metal 1 inch to the right so that the metal is sandwiched between the canvas layers. Place paper clips to hold the fabric in place. Repeat for the second side.

Lift the seat back and position it so the metal straps line up with the ends of the boards. Press a push pin through four holes in the metal strapping to hold the seat in place and to find the holes. Screw through the existing holes in the metal straps to attach the canvas seat back to the edge of the boards. Use this same technique to attach the seat to the bottom edge of the board. Keep the seat close to the seat back.