We all have those unused toys sitting around that we thought would be a huge hit with the kids when we first purchased them. As the years go by, it seems less and less likely that they'll ever do anything but collect dust.
Instead of tossing these once-loved toys to the curb, one crafty DIY-er on Imgur opted for an upcycling project instead.
For years, an unused air hockey table sat in the basement. This DIY-er didn't see the old toy as trash, but an opportunity to create something great.
After cutting off a few inches of height, plugging up the small air holes, and slapping on a fresh coat of paint, the old air hockey table evolved into the kids' favorite new toy!
Curious about this clever DIY-er's creation? Scroll down to see more, and don't forget to let us know what you think of this cool upcycling project in the comments!
This air hockey table was sitting in the basement collecting dust for too long. Instead of allowing the unloved toy to take up space, this clever DIY-er decided to upcycle it into a one-of-a-kind train table!
First, the entire table needed to be shortened by a few inches to allow smaller children to reach across the top of the table. After unscrewing the hardware, the tops of the legs were shaved down and placed back under the table.
Next, the air holes and goals had to be plugged up and the surface smoothed over. Dry wall compound did the trick, followed by lots of sanding and smoothing.
Then came the fun part: painting! This is where you can really get creative. This DIY-er opted for a light blue for the outer rim of the table and the legs.
Next, it was time to rough out the design for the top. Pictured here are the beginnings of an outdoor scene. You can choose to paint a cityscape, a jungle, or whatever scene your imagination takes you to.
The table top really started taking shape. This DIY-er finished off the scene with some cute details and allowed the paint to dry.
The last step in creating this train table was adding the track and trains, of course. Now the fun can really begin!
Thanks to some clever upcycling, this simple project has been a household favorite for three years!
Do you have any old toys that you plan on throwing away? Consider an upcycling project instead.
Let us know what you think of this fun project, and please SHARE with anyone who may need some DIY inspiration!
