Work your jigsaw puzzles in style with this quick portable DIY work station and storage set. (You might recall our mini puzzle holder and mat post.) We feature a 1000 piece puzzle. The main board is made from an old large dry erase board and a foam sheet to create extra working mats. When your not using it you can slide it under the couch or bed!
Jigsaw puzzles are great for learning to focus and pay attention to detail. They promote patience, goal setting, collaboration and concentration, qualities which are important for kids and adults alike. When I was younger my dad always had a large family puzzle in the works on a card table and we would sit down and work on it anytime we felt like it. It was a relaxing activity that gave a sense of satisfaction and brought the family together. Roy and I have done puzzles with our kids and my dad and mom now have the pleasure of doing puzzles with their great-granddaughter. Traditions are awesome things!
Jigsaw Puzzles Work Station Supplies
NOTE: We used an old dry erase board we had lying around. Because the front was worn and also because the frame had gaps around the edge we chose to use the back for our puzzle mat so we painted it white. You can use the front if you purchase a new board for your puzzles and then no white paint is needed.
- Wood Framed Dry Erase Board. For a 1000 piece puzzle you need a 36" x 24" size.
- Handles (these are mainly for decor)
- E6000 Glue for handles
- White acrylic paint (see note above)
- Silver paint for frame, if desired
- 1 white foam sheet
- Utility knife to cut the foam sheet
- Roll of Washi tape (we used this one to match our silver frame)
Instructions
This post features Ravensburger Bizarre Bookshop 2 1000 Piece Puzzle.
This 35" x 23" wood framed dry erase board was perfect for my main puzzle mat. I had painted the frame around it at an earlier date for another purpose.
The front had a gap around the edge and I was concerned about the puzzle pieces sliding under it. 
The frame on the back of the dry erase board was snug so that was used for the front of the mat. 
Two coats of white interior paint was used to cover the back of the board. 
The frame itself was painted silver to match our living room. I protected the inner white mat with sheets of paper taped into place.
The frame was then spray painted.
Two silver drawer handles were added to the ends, mainly for looks.
The handles could not be attached in the typical way so small holes were drilled down into the frame on each end. One end at a time was completed. The holes were filled with E6000, a very strong glue, and the holes in the handle was also filled. The handle was then put into place and the board stood on end and allowed to dry overnight. This was repeated the next day for the other handle. 
A piece of white foam board was used to make two extra working mats.
Measure and cut the foam board into two pieces that are the size you desire.
A strip of matching Washi tape was cut for each side. 
The tape was folded over onto the back on each side to give it a finished edge.
Any extra was snipped off.
The work station is now ready to use!
We found all the edge pieces first.
We then put the frame together by matching it up to the photo.
Next we decided to find certain colors and gather those.
The extra mats come in very handy!
When not in use you can slide your puzzle under the bed or couch.
20 responses
I was thinking of making one, similar to this so this is great to know someone else has same ideas.
I am thinking of getting a turntable to put under it so I can turn it. I saw turntables at the dollar store that is flat with no sides, so I might try it, at least it won’t cost too much
Can I just glue the handles straight onto the side of the board? I’m not handy, and don’t even own a drill!
Hi Laura!
Sorry for the late response. You definitely good but I’d suggest using epoxy or something very strong so they don’t pop off. Thanks for visiting! Ü
Do you cover it when you put it under the sofa? Love the idea but TONS of fluffy dog hair here! Any ideas for a cover?
Hi Julie!
Sorry for the delay in response. Had some illness (non-covid related). You’re right about the dust bunnies and hair under the couch. We did our puzzles regularly so they didn’t have a chance to get stuff on them but if we didn’t I woudl have made a light fabric cover to place over it.
Thanks for visiting!
Maybe cover with a sheet for a baby pack n play
Does the 36” x 24” include the frame? Some 1000 piece puzzles are 24” high or wide.
I love this board idea! Currently we keep a puzzle going on the kitchen table and use Dollar Tree cookie sheets for the puzzle pieces waiting their turn….
I love this, and can’t wait to try this one out. Thanks for the simple explanations on how to make this.
You’re so very welcome Cindy. Ü
When you glued the handles in did you glue the screws in or just set the handles in abit?
Hi Brenda! We removed the screws and filled the handle holes and the holes we drilled with epoxy then just set it in place standing on its side while it dried. The epoxy is strong enough alone as you are not pulling on the handles hard enough to dislodge them.
However, if you wanted added security I’d find a small dowel that fit into the holes then cut maybe 1/2″ pieces… smaller if needed so it sits flush. I’d then put the epoxy in the handle holes and stick in the small dowel pieces. Then fill the holes in the tray side and stick handle with the tiny pieces of dowel in place down into the tray. That would give it added support.
Good luck!
Great idea. I have one of the carry cases but the material will not stay lay flat and keeps wrinkling up. Going to have a go at this. Thanks
Do you sell this – as I am not good @ making – am looking to buy – just what I am interested
See my email address — thank you sooo much
Hi Nancy! what a great idea! I love doing puzzles, but hate it when they take over the dining table for a week or so… This is an awesome solution! Thanks for sharing and linking up at DI & DI 🙂
You’re welcome Lori. Thanks so much for visiting!
Love this idea! Especially since every time we start doing a puzzle together I end up having to spend hours finishing it just so we can free up the table! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
lol! Yep its helpful when you don’t have an extra table you can tie up for a puzzle. Thanks Sara!
I love putting together jigsaw puzzles but just don’t make it a priority right now. Love that it can be stored away out of site. Very creative. #FridayFavorites
Thank you Karen. Ü