DIY Network

Changing Table From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-108

Dan and Emily are expecting their first daughter, but her nursery if filled with old furniture that leaves no room for baby gear. Host Karl Champley helps Emily get rid of the standard changing table and build one that folds into the wall and takes up zero floor space.

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	This changing table is ready for a baby! There are no more Wasted Spaces in this bedroom!
	The finished table is not only functional, but also adorable.

Breaking Down the Project

• The upstairs room is approximately 12'x15'. It is carpeted and there is one dormer window. The changing table was placed on an interior non-load bearing wall.
  
  
• This fold-away changing table is great for anyone with kids in diapers, but it doesn't have to be in a bedroom. It would work in a family room, kitchen, play room or even at grandma's house. The design is meant to grow with the child, so that after Baby Madeline is out of diapers, she can use it to store girlie-stuff like jewelry, hair ribbons or to hide her brother's toys. All that is needed to create this changing table is a wall with studs and enough clearance to allow the table to unfold.

Materials:

tape measure
hammer
drywall saw
4' level
pry bar
circular saw
gloves
utility knife
framing square
table saw
tin snips
nail gun
wood glue
chop saw
drill
countersink bit
tape measure
router
1"x6" pine
sheet metal
1/8" birch plywood
1"x4" pine
1"x2" pine
carpenter's glue
trim
3" drywall screws
finish nails
vinyl trim
magnets
glue
cork
spray contact adhesive
piano hinge
chain
kitchen cabinet knob
wood putty

All the dimensions for the changing table are taken from a standard changing pad. How much storage space you want around the table is up to you.

Cutting Drywall

1. Measure a changing pad then add two inches to the height and width to determine size of changing table.

2. Transfer the dimensions to the wall with a pencil and a four foot level. Make sure to center the dimensions on a stud.

3. Following the lines, use a drywall saw to cut out the drywall between the studs.

4. Leave the small drywall strip on the center stud; it will be used as a spacer later.

	Everything was cut from 1/4" birch ply with the exception of the shelves which were 1/2".
	Trim the rest of the now connected boxes with thin plywood. The plywood will keep the shelves from slipping into the wall, and will cover the drywall cuts once installed.
	Because the insert was built to fit the existing holes, it should slide right in place.
	The changing table box holds the changing pad and the baby. This is the actual part that will fold down from the wall. It is important that the box be built with safety in mind.

Building Wall Insert

1. Measure the holes between each stud.

2. Maximum depth for on wall storage is about three inches, so begin by using a table saw to rip down 1/4" plywood to three inches for the sides of the boxes.

3. Cut the ripped plywood to length according to your measurements.

4. Using glue and a pneumatic staple gun, build two boxes with shelves.

5. Connect the boxes with a center trim strip of plywood. This will also bridge the stud in between the holes and be the primary attachment point.

6. Fill the nail holes with wood putty. Sand and paint the wall insert.

Installing Insert

1. Set the insert in the wall and check for level.

2. Secure it with finish nails to the studs on the left, right and center.

3. Fill holes, sand and touch-up paint.

Building Changing Table Box

1. The changing table box will have four sides and a plywood and metal bottom. The frame dimensions will match those used for cutouts in the wall. So, if the hole you cut in the wall is 14" tall, cut the frame to 14".

2. Cut 1"x6" pine to length on the chop saw. For finished corners, cut the ends at 45 degrees. You should have two long and two short pieces.

3. Using a table saw, set the blade height at a 1/4". Rip a 1/4" dado 1/2" from the bottom, along the length of the box pieces. (The guard on the table saw must be removed to make the cut. Be sure to replace the guard prior to using the saw again). This dado is for the base of the box to slide into.

4. Glue and nail three sides of the box together, one long piece and two short. Make sure the dado grooves line up and that the corners join properly.

5. Cut a piece of sheet metal about 1/4" larger on all sides than the inside dimension of the box. Cut a piece of 1/8" plywood to match.

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