DIY Network

Outdoor Play Station (Part 1) Kids get outdoors and enjoy their creativity with this open-air play center. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-141

This open-air "kitchen" makes the best mud pies in town!

Outdoor play has everything: fresh air, sunshine and keeping the mud pies out of the house. Michele Beschen shows how to build this fabulous outdoor play center that will keep little hands busy and young imaginations growing.

Built from cedar 2x4s, this simple outdoor workbench is easy to dress up with sunken bowls, tool hooks and other extras you'll see in Part 2 of this project.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Materials:

4 cedar 2x4s, 8 feet long
1 cedar 4x4, 8 feet long
7 cedar 1x6 decking boards, 6 feet long
3" decking screws
1 5/8" screws

Note: Michele recommends cedar for this project because it's both beautiful and weather-resistant.

• Cut two of your 2x4s to 70" long, then cut two 18" pieces from the scrap ends. Lay out the pieces into a basic rectangle (figure A).

• Screw the pieces together with 3" decking screws. It will be easier to drill pilot holes and drive the screws if you set the frame up on its side (figure B).

• Cut the cedar 4x4 into equal lengths. These will be 23 7/8" long each.

• Place each of the 4x4 pieces flush against an inside corner of your rectangular frame. Secure them to the frame with 3" decking screws, screwed in from the side (figure C).

• Flip the base right side up. You now have a rectangular frame standing atop four legs.

• Cut four 24" lengths of cedar 2x4. These will be the slats that support the bench's backsplash.

• To attach each slat, align the bottom of the board with the bottom of the rectangular frame. Clamp the board into place and secure with 3" decking screws (figure D). Attach one board at each end of the frame, and space the remaining two evenly in between.

• Build the bench's "countertop." Position four of the 1x6 decking boards flat on top of the rectangular frame so they have an inch of overhang all the way around. Screw them in place using 1 5/8" screws (figure E).

• Install the remaining three 1x6 boards as the backsplash. Position the first board resting on the bench, lined up with the countertop, and screw it into place with 1 5/8" screws. Rest the next board on top of the first one and screw into place; repeat for the final board (figure F).

Now your play station is beginning to take shape.

Go to Part 2 of this project to add the details that make it special.