How to build tabletop game boards
| 4 hours | Play elements |
| 3 volunteers | Easy |
Games like chess and/or checkers can be played by people of all ages, and providing this opportunity will encourage youth, teens, adults, and seniors to frequent the playspace. These games can also be a perfect catalyst for playspace programming! They can also add to the beautification of a playspace. Ideally, this project involves adding a twist to existing, ordinary picnic tables.
Materials & tools
| Materials | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ¾"x4x8' sanded plywood board | 1 |
| Paint supplies | Adjust as needed |
| Sandpaper sheets | Adjust as needed |
| Primer | Adjust as needed |
| 1 ⅝" deck screws | ½lb |
| Yard stick | Optional |
| Tools needed |
|---|
| Circular saw |
| Pencil |
| Tape measure |
| Chalk line |
| Exterior paint |
| Painter's tape |
Preparation instructions
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Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
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Measure the surface that the table-top game board will be attached to.
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Using the measuring tape and chalk line, measure a rectangle on the plywood board with matching dimensions to your table-top surface.
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Using the circular saw, cut the plywood down to match your table-top measurements.
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Sand all edges until smooth.
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Prime both sides and all edges.
Build instructions
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Inventory and sort all of your materials.
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Decide what type of game board you would like to make. Popular choices are chess/checkerboards, Chutes and Ladders, tic-tac-toe, or Dots.
- If you are making a board for a game that requires players to write or draw (ex. Tic-tac-toe), use chalk paint on the game board and provide chalk for players!
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Use the yard stick, painter's tape, and pencils to create the outline for your game.
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Fill in your game using exterior paint and painting supplies.
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When the piece is dry, attach it to the table top surface using the 1 ⅝" deck screws.