Changing Table

I knew that we didn’t have an ideal spot or enough space really for a changing table.  I also knew I didn’t want to just get a towel or blanket and get down on the floor to change a diaper 10 times a day right after giving birth.  We were working on rearranging the nursery and discussing how to fit in a changing station, and Robert came up with the idea of having it on top of the vanity in the nursery.  It would be a table that would stay there from day to day but could be moved when needed.  It would be tall enough to still give us access to the sink and faucet.  We had planned to get it done in June, but Ray came to town the weekend before Memorial Day, and decided he was up for helping Robert work on it.

The three of us went to Home Depot to purchase the supplies.  I was in charge of picking out the paint while the guys got everything else.  They went with ¾” plywood in pine, and had the worker cut it to the necessary dimensions (52” x 20”).  They also purchased 2 pine 1”x6”x 6’ boards and 1 pin 1”x2” with one beveled edge.  Other supplies included wood glue, 1 ¾” screws, a paintbrush, and a quart of paint. I chose Glidden Duo (Paint + Primer) in Orchid Oasis.

Went with the top color

Before the changing station

The base of the table sits on the small backsplash of the vanity.  The base has three sides put together with wood glue and screws.  Wood glue went on the top edge of the base, and then they put down the sheet of wood and screwed it down.  The measured out 8” from the sides and 10” from ends to select their spot for handles for easy removal.  They drilled out circles with a bore and cut out the remainder with the jigsaw.  Then they added the 1”x2” to add a lip to keep it more secure.  The foam changing pad will fit perfectly inside the handles.

Then they sanded, and sanded, and sanded.  Thank goodness for the electric sander!

After my nap, it was time for me to go to work painting it with Robert.  We did two coats.  The color reminds me a lot of my bedroom in high school.  Robert says we’re getting in some early SBU brainwashing for Baby V .  4^th generation Bearcat?  Works for me!

Robert says this project was not difficult and says the project took about six hours from start to finish and cost about $80, less than what one could easily spend on a regular changing table.  Obviously, this is a pretty specialized item, but hopefully we’ll be able to repurpose it in the future.