DIY Outdoor Nesting Activity Table (Coffee, Play, Storage)
Quick answer: This cedar outdoor coffee table is really three tables that nest into one: a full-size outdoor coffee table on top, a kids’ sand-and-water play table beneath it, and a dry-storage table under that (three 40-quart bins drop right in). Built from 5/4×6 and 2×4 cedar with pocket holes and exterior screws. Build video below; the printable plans are $5. Designed, built, and documented by Jamison Rantz.
Okay, so “Outdoor Nesting Activity Table” doesn’t quite do this one justice — but I couldn’t call it the outdoor coffee table with nesting sand-and-water play table and dry storage. This build solves several problems at once: the sand and water table gives the kids something to do outside all summer, the dry-storage level keeps anything you want out of the weather, and the best part is that everything nests into one clean, full-size outdoor coffee table when the day is done.
Nesting Outdoor Activity Table Plans
All three nesting tables in one printable PDF — full cut list, dimensioned diagrams, and step-by-step assembly.
The three tables
Pull the top off and the middle table is the play station — the bins hold sand on one side, water on the other, and the kids hold court. The bottom level is dry storage for toys, cushions, or anything else that shouldn’t live in the rain.
Tools & materials
Dimensions
Every part dimension, the complete cut list, and the assembly diagrams are in the printable plans — and the video above walks the full build. This project was originally a Ryobi collaboration; you can still find more free project ideas over at Ryobi Nation.
Nesting Outdoor Activity Table Plans
All three nesting tables in one printable PDF — full cut list, dimensioned diagrams, and step-by-step assembly.
Need a different table? We compared all five of our outdoor tables — cost, time, and use — on the outdoor table plans page.
Questions? Comments?
As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below — and don’t forget to post pictures of your finished tables (and sandy kids) in the comments! ENJOY!
This is awesome! Unfortunately my kids would be like “Dirt? Dad we have tablets.”
Going to build this table but have a question about dimensions. You show the tabletop length as 36.5 both above and in the pdf plans, but the plans say to cut the lumber for the top at 45.5. 36.5 seems like it would be a really tight fit, but 45.5 seems to long. Can you clarify?
Curious how heavy these would be to slide the tables in and out once they are filled with sand/water?
Question on the storage bins: The link goes to some “Hi-Rise bins” but they look like taller lids than the bottom one shown in the pictures. Would the Hi-Rise one work down there?