Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Jul 16, 2005 04:32pm | #1

   If you have a "Toys-R-Us" store (or some place that sells kids play furniture) nearby, you can probably get a lot of your answers.  Just make sure that your tables and benches are really stable.  Kids that age don't get the concept of sitting still - lol.

   I think I would do the tables around 30" wide by 4' long by 24" high.  Individual benches or stools might work better than trying to get the kids to share a bench.  Two kids on a bench may work but more than that will probably be a hassle.

2. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 16, 2005 06:05pm | #2

   Here are the anthropometric data from the AIA's Architectural Graphic Standards.  These are recommended dimensions.

   Seat height:  5 year olds 10.4", 7 year olds 11.4"

   Table height:  5 year olds 17.5", 7 year olds 18.9"

   It doesn't give suggestions for bench seating for children, but it gives chair seat widths of 5 year olds 11.0", 7 year olds 12.0", and basic table widths of 5 year olds 21.0" and 7 year olds 24.0".  With a seat width of 12" I'd think two kids in 36" sounds tight since that gives only 6" spacing between the kids.  For adults the seat spacing at food counters is 24" to 26", for bleachers, 18".

   Make sure the benches have wide, flared bases so they aren't easily tipped.  And really rounded edges.  To this day I still have the scar in my eyebrow from when I ran into a chair in my aunt's kitchen.

1. 
   Janine | Jul 17, 2005 12:04am | #3

   Thanks,  those measurements are very helpful.  I had thought that that there must be some standard measurements for age groups.  We're just going to use sheets of plywood for the table tops,  so maybe if they're kept whole at 4'x8' I could make a 40" bench (for 2 kids) at an end,  and then put two of those 40" long benches along a side.  We at first discussed making chairs for the 20 kids,  but there won't be time for me to do it before class starts (she actually hopes that it will be done mid-august).  And while I used to work in a shop,  now I'm a stay at home mom with a table saw, plunge router, biscuit jointer, and sabre saw,  so I'm kind of limited.  But I plan to make the chairs slowly to replace the benches. 

   For the benches,  I was thinking of using a shaker style,  but without the through tenons.  Maybe two ends with knotches at the top corners for aprons to fit onto.  The pictures of ones I've seen have been made with 3/4" wood,  but that doesn't seem quite thick enough,  so I'm thinking of getting 2x6 lumber and gluing them along their sides to make it wide enough.  But I'd rather use to 3/4" pine just because it would be easier.  The teacher seems to think it would need to be thicker.  Would that really be necessary? Thanks, again

   Janine

1. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 17, 2005 05:35am | #4

   I'm not sure if 3/4" is thick enough.  Hopefully others will offer their experience.

   Dimension lumber (e.g. 2 x 8 and such) looks quite nice when planed and squared up.  If you could find some nice dry stock and have it jointed and planed it would definitely be thick enough.  Since you are volunteering for a school, maybe you could find a local shop that would joint and plane the stock for free.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 18, 2005 07:47pm | #6

   I could make a 40" bench (for 2 kids) !

   I had three daughters.. They loved each other BUT could throw things further than THAT!

   Seating should be AT LEAST 12 feet away EDIT:  IF.. none of them a pitcher in girls softball!

   Edited 7/18/2005 12:48 pm ET by Will George

   Edited 7/18/2005 12:48 pm ET by Will George

2. 
   JasonQ | Jul 17, 2005 06:19pm | #5

   WAYNEL5 wrote:

   To this day I still have the scar in my eyebrow from when I ran into a chair in my aunt's kitchen.

   Yeah, I have the same thing.  Problem is, I was 23 when it happened.  : )

   Jason (beer will do that to you)