DIY - Chinese Checkers Nesting Table

Beat Summer Boredom with a DIY Chinese Checkers Nesting Table (Plus 11 More Fun Games!)

As the kids prepare for their final months of school, the excitement for summer break is palpable! But let's be real, those "lazy summer days" can quickly turn into "I'm bored!" days if you don't have a plan. This is the perfect time to brainstorm and execute some fun, engaging activities that will keep them entertained and learning throughout the summer.

And today, you guys are in for a fabulous treat!

We're diving headfirst into our monthly DIY challenge and the theme? Summer Fun Games! 

You'll discover 11 incredible projects, each designed to keep those kids (and adults!) busy and having a blast. From outdoor adventures to indoor creativity, there's something for everyone. Check out all the fantastic, easy-to-follow game tutorials linked at the end of this post!

My contribution? A unique and practical DIY Chinese Checkers Nesting Table! This isn't just your average game board; it's a multi-functional piece that adds a touch of whimsy to your living space. Imagine a vibrant Chinese checkers board that seamlessly transforms into a stylish nesting table, perfect for indoor game nights or outdoor picnics. This project is ideal for families seeking a space-saving, dual-purpose solution that encourages interactive play. I'll walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right materials to painting the iconic star pattern. Get ready to unleash your inner crafter and create a fun and functional centerpiece.

Before we dive into this build, I have to tell you a little story about this project:
Three years ago, I was rushing to finish the final details for the Home Depot Patio Style Challenge. I had completed the deck's construction but had completed many other smaller decorating projects for that same challenge.

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I went the easy route, using a thrifty set of nesting tables and focusing on how to incorporate the games the kids could play while enjoying our new outdoor space.

If you have gotten into one of these challenges, you know how crazy that final week is. As the final deadline approaches, your problems somehow multiply. We even had a good amount of snow that made us stop construction!

I was super busy, so I asked the mister to drill the holes for the Chinese checkerboard. He gladly accepted the task, but boy, oh boy, his attention to detail was less than desirable. 😒

Three years later, I'm finally giving you all the details about this project after fixing many imperfections created during construction.

Again, I used a set of nesting tables I bought at a thrift store for five dollars. However, you can follow the complete plans for building the tables right HERE.

I made the Chinese checkerboard template fit perfectly on the top of the larger table. You can skip all that measuring by downloading the free template here.

Center the template on top of the large table, tape it in place and mark the location of the holes using an awl tool and a hammer.

|  Awl Tool  |  

At that time, the mister made the holes using a spade bit. He even added tape to determine how deep to drill.

But, as you can see in the picture below, the spade bit didn't produce a smooth surface on the bottom of those holes.

THE PEGS

Instead of marbles, I used wooden dowels to create the 60 pegs you need to play the game. A 1/2" dowel was used for the heads and 1/4" for the bases.

At that time, my daughter was in charge of painting the entire project, and she chose bright colors.

The picture below was the only one that made it to the final reveal. I didn't dare take a close-up shot.

However, the tables were used as tables, and the kids also played the games many times, but after a while, the tables were forgotten in the basement.

When the DIY-Game Challenge arrived, I knew it was time to give them a second shot.

A 5/8" Forstner bit was the perfect tool to smooth out all those holes. A sanding drum on my Dremel fine-tuned those edges.

|  Diablo 5/8" Forstner Bit  |  DREMEL 4300 Series Variable Speed Corded Rotary Tool   |  

Look at the difference! Talk about using the right tool for the job.

Some of the holes suffered so much damage that it was impossible to erase some of those marks. But overall, it looks way better.

The yellow was changed to a bright white, and the holes were painted blue and green.

Oh, and the small table has a chessboard painted on it.

Here's a step-by-step photo tutorial on how it was done.

The tables are being used in our living room and work perfectly with that room's decor.

When not in use, the pegs go inside this little basket.

Another good thing about using pegs is that they don't move easily! You need to take them out and put them in a new spot. The Chinese checker's rules are right HERE.

The movers for playing checkers are regular metal washers.

Well, if you're looking for a nice set of nesting tables that also double as games ready to be played, this is the project for you!!

But I also have ten more awesome game ideas you would love to try:

• DIY - Backyard Chip Shot Golf Game  - Addicted 2 DIY
• DIY - Chinese Checkers Nesting Table  - Remodelacasa
• DIY - House-Shaped Dress-Up Wardrobe  -  The Created Home
• DIY - Ring Toss Game - Anika's DIY Life
• DIY - Ring Toss Game -  The Inspired Workshop
• DIY - Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe Game  -  The Awesome Orange
• DIY - Outdoor Scoreboard  - Stacy Risenmay
• DIY - Molkky Game for Camping -  My Repurposed Life
• DIY - Wooden Puzzle  -  Ugly Duckling House
• DIY - Sliding Puzzle  -  100 Things 2 Do
• DIY - Chalkboard Tutorial  -  Joyful Derivatives

For more DIY - ideas, check these out:

Father's Day Football Toss

DIY - Little Wooden Buoys

Coastal Votives with Tray 

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