Homemade Kidney Table

This is What I've Been Waiting For

I have been trying to get a kidney table for years.  There was an antique, horseshoe table with attached seats in my classroom when I first started teaching.  First I posted a project on Donors Choose.  I didn't have any luck with that.  I had mentioned to my daddy that we might need to build one. I was determined to get a table, so I got rid of the "dinosaur".  When a friend transferred to another school, I thought I would be able to get the one in her old room.  Someone else beat me to it.  I tried working at a rectangular table, but it was not effective.

Making a Template

 I priced the materials to build one, took measurements of the chair and carts that I wanted to fit under the table, and then checked the prices of assembled tables.  I found one that was about $50 more than what I had priced the materials for.  I placed the order, and then the shipping charges were applied a day later.  Because of the size and location, the shipping charges were over $100.  CANCEL that order!

I presented the original plans to Daddy.  We made a trip to Lowe's Home Improvement to get the lumber.  I wasn't happy with any of the legs that were available.  Daddy said that he had some folding table legs that he could cut down.  That was even better.  I really wanted a laminate table top, but we decided to paint it for now.  I can add the laminate later. 

Almost Ready for the Paint

I wanted you to see how Daddy signed the bottom, but I realized that he put his full name.  He's not ready for big orders yet. ;)  He added the date and put "For my no. 1".  I am his first child, so it works. LOL!

Primed

Painted

Delivered 

On the last day before we got out for Winter Break, I saw a familiar face at my classroom door.  I started jumping up and down, and screaming.  The students probably thought Santa Claus was coming.  Yep!! Santa came early.  The students had heard so much about my table, they were almost as excited as me.

Close-up of the Frames

The reading strategies were taped to the other table, but there will be none of that on this table.  The table is perfect.  My nieces helped me rearrange the furniture.  I will switch my leveled books to the bookcase behind the table, and make a few more changes on our workday.