For this post, I have put together a collection of the 10 best stands to use with a Tuff Tray (also called Tuff Spot), currently available on the market.
Also see my guide to the Best Tuff Trays.
Recently we have seen a huge growth in popularity in the use of Tuff Trays in schools and Early years settings, but we are now seeing them in homes and children’s groups.
They are so versatile and have a wide range of uses. I use a Tuff Tray daily in my Early Years setting as well as at home and find they are perfect for small world play, messy play and sand and water play or for just filling up with Lego, to keep it all in one place!
Tuff Trays are great for placing on the floor or table, but having it on a stand can bring a whole new experience to the activity, as well as making it more accessible for some.
There are many variety’s to choose from, so take a look at my Top Picks.
Our Top Picks
- Best Wooden Stand: Super Tuff Spot Stand
- Best For Small Spaces: No products found.
- Best For Storage: Self Select Storage Stand
- Best For Versatility: Height Adjustable Tuff Spot Stand
In this article I’ll go over:
- My selection of the 10 best Tuff Tray Stands currently on the market.
- A review of each stand including what I love and the key information along with an alternative suggestion.
- What to consider when buying a stand
- FAQ’s about a Tuff Tray Stand
Also see my top picks for the best tuff tray covers, the best tuff tray mats and best tuff tray ideas.
Super Tuff Spot Stand
Product Description :
Tuff spots are ideal for small world scenarios and water play, but it can be frustrating trying to create height around them. Handy shelves underneath to store resources so children can access them easily. Designed so the tuff spot tray can be taken in and out easily.
Why We Love It:
What is not to love about this stand? Not only does it look highly inviting and very impressive but it is made with exceptional quality.
This is absolutely ideal for adding different resources at different heights such as ribbon, guttering, or just as a way to store items without having them out of view.
The possibilities of this stand are endless, and it has plenty of storage space underneath which is essential in an Early years setting,
Key Features:
- Designed so the tuff spot tray can be taken in and out, for easy cleaning.
- Handy shelves underneath to store resources so children can access them.
- Self Assembly
Brand: Cosy
Measurements: H1.48m x W1.18m x D1.1m.
Alternative: Wooden Tuff Spot Stand
Round Mini Tuff Tray and Stand
No products found.
Product Description :
Our Multi-purpose Mini Round Play Tray with Height adjustable Stand is a must for all children.
Why We Love It:
I love this tray and stand. It is smaller than the general tuff trays so is ideal if you only have a small space, or maybe only 1 child.
It is waterproof so ideal for indoor and outdoor play making it multi purpose.
It would make a great mini sand pit or a super playdoh table. I love that you have the option for other colours.
Key Features:
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- 8 colours available
- Includes an adjustable stand with 3 different heights
- Tubular steel stand
Brand: Amazon
Measurements: Height 59cm, 50cm and 41cm. Tray is 60cm diameter
Alternative: Round Storage Table
Self Select Storage Stand
Product Description :
Give your invaluable tuff spot pride of place on this sturdy wooden stand with built in storage cupboard.
The Self Select Stand is perfect for providing storage for all your tuff tray essentials. Underneath is large enough to store a range of resources.
The Self Select Stand provides a brilliant base for the tuff tray and is ideal for group activities.
Why We Love It:
The Self Select Stand is at the perfect height for children to be able to access the storage underneath.
The storage underneath is low level which allows children of all ages to self select their own resources and make their own choices about what they would like to use in their tuff tray play.
This is a fantastic storage solution, but also great at encouraging independence.
Key Features:
- Makes a great base for water play, messy play and small world scenarios outside.
- Covered storage to give some protection from the elements.
- Self assembly.
- Tuff Spot (967) available separately.
- Treat regularly for longer life.l.
Brand: Cosy
Measurements: H 70cm X W 100cm.
Alternative: Self Select Storage Stand Medium
Height Adjustable Tuff Spot Stand
Product Description :
A metal height adjustable stand for a Tuff Spot play tray.
Why We Love It:
This stand is designed so well, In fact I have 3 myself! It is made form strong metal, and is so easy to assembly together.
I love the height adjustability meaning it can be accessibly for even the smallest children up to older children.
The highest level is tall enough so the tray and stand can be turned into a den, with plenty of room under the tray to play.
The metal stand is versatile, it can have paper wrapped around it, or material attached on, for a painting activity.
The main thing about this stand is that it folds up so easily, like a concertina, meaning it can be slipped under a table or in a cupboard when not in use.
Key Features:
- Available in 2 sizes for a 70cm diameter tray or 100cm diameter tray
- The stand is manufactured from powder coated tubular steel and featuring non-scratch plastic feet.
- Works to 3 heights with no extra parts required. Keeps everything tidy and away from messes
- Foldable
Brand: Simpahome
Measurements: 47cm/57cm/67cm
Alternative: No products found.
Early Years Wheelchair Friendly Tuff Spot Tray Stand
Product Description :
An adaptable height tuff spot stand perfect for messy play and gardening too.
Why We Love It:
This is Fantastic. The wooden stand legs can be adjusted to fit any wheelchair or mobility aid meaning it is highly inclusive for all, so all children can join in with the fun.
Made from a aesthetically pleasing wood, this stand would look wonderful in any setting.
Key Features:
- Adjustable legs
- Self- assembly
- Supervision recommended
Brand: Cost Cutter UK
Measurements: Height 65- 95cm, Depth 95cm
Alternative: Tuff Spot Picnic Bench Stand
Tuff Spot Tray Stands Set of 3
Product Description :
Super stands that can be combined creatively to create different worlds at different heights or create car parks or cascading waterfalls. Good for all sorts as you know!
Why We Love It:
I like that these can be used at three different heights or simply adjusted to have them all the same. Great for variety of activities.
They can be linked together to create one big small world or construction area, or spread out across the setting for mixed age groups and abilities of children.
Key Features:
- Suitable for indoor use only
- Pack of 3 stands
- Includes 3 different height stands, making it inclusive for all.
Brand: Cost Cutter UK
Measurements: All 3 adjustable to H45cm, H55cm or H65cm.
Alternative: Early Years Mini Tuff Tray Silver Stand
Playground Outdoor Small Wooden Tuff Tray Table
Product Description :
An extremely versatile wooden tray suitable for a variety of resource requirements.
Ideal for sand and water, messy play, art and craft and various role play scenarios.
Why We Love It:
This is the perfect Tuff Tray stand if your looking for an outdoor play table. The shape is perfect for fitting a standard tuff tray securely.
It looks beautiful, it is sturdy and waterproof. It also comes in a smaller size, at 34 cm high.
Key Features:
- Assembly required
- Tuff Tray and accessories not included
- Suitable Age: 3 years
Brand: Cost Cutter UK
Measurements: Height: 54cms Width 97cm
Alternative: Playground Outdoor Small Wooden Tuff Tray Table with Tray
Early Years Indoor Wooden Tuff Spot Stands Pack of 3
Product Description :
A lovely, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing alternative to plastic and metal tuff spot stands.
This set includes three different heights allowing for multiple tuff spots to be set together for a large play invitation, to be spread across different learning areas.
Why We Love It:
These lovely wooden stands are perfect for providing a new experience to tuff tray activities.
Coming in 3 different heights means you can use them separately around the setting, or together for a whole new perspective. These could even be used across mixed age settings to suit every little one’s needs!
I use these stands with water and guttering pipes in between them, giving children hours of fun watching the water travel down each level.
Key Features:
- Suitable for indoor use only
- Pack of 3 stands
- Includes 3 different height stands, making it inclusive for all.
Brand: Cost Cutters UK
Measurements: Height 66cm, 50cm, 40cm Trays not included
Alternative: Playground Outdoor Small Wooden Tuff Tray Table with Tray
Millhouse Outdoor Play Tray Activity Table
Product Description :
The play and learning possibilities are endless with the Play Tray Activity Table.
A versatile product, this unit is ideal for messy play, small world and much more.
Why We Love It:
This is a sturdy and robust stand, which features a removable tray making it easy for cleaning. Essential in an Early years setting.
I also appreciate that this comes fully assembled, meaning one less job that we have to do when trying to occupy busy little minds.
I like that the stand is a little deeper, unlike some stands where the tray sits on top. This gives another dimension to play, and would be ideal for materials like sand, keeping it in the tray.
Key Features:
- Made using premium quality Scandinavian Redwood
- Freestanding and sturdy construction
- Removable, easy clean tray
- Smooth finish – soft to touch and no splinters
- Rounded edges for added safety
- Manufactured in the UK
- Fully assembled
- Specially treated timber guaranteed for 10 years.
- Age suitability 3 – 7 years
Brand: Millhouse
Measurements: L1000mm x W125mm x H1000mm
Alternative: Outdoor Play Tray Stands
Outdoor Play Tray Stands- Set of 3
Product Description :
These stands fit standard play trays perfectly and come in three different heights. The set can be used together for water channelling activities or separated for use in different aged nursery rooms.
Why We Love It:
These look amazing, so inviting and I would be excited to play. They are sturdy, and can be kept outdoors for quick and easy play experiences.
I love it comes with 3 different stands, at different heights, making it a good option for a early years setting to purchase.
I feel these would be so worth the money, and would be a valuable resource in any outdoor area or forest school.
Key Features:
- Made from Scandinavian Redwood.
- Suitable to be left outdoors -12 month product guarantee
Brand: Hope Education
Measurements: 270mm, 370mm and 570mm.
Alternative: Outdoor Duo Sand & Water Unit
What To Consider When Buying A Stand.
To Buy Or Not To Buy?
Stands for a tuff tray can be a great resource for children of all ages and abilities, but there are a few things to consider before you make that purchase.
- Size– You need to be sure you are buying a stand that will fit your tuff tray securely. Tuff trays can come in various sizes, some are 70cm, 90cm or 100cm so be sure that you measure the tray and the stand correctly. There is nothing worse than a tray that tips over due to poor fitting. The best option for this, is to buy the stand and tray together as a set. Not only will you know for sure that it fits, but you will also save some pennies as this option is usually a little cheaper.
- Space– Do you have the space for a stand? Remember a stand can take up space in a room, and you need room around the tray for children to be able to freely move. A plus point to having a tuff on a stand is that you can make the most of the space underneath the tuff tray, utilise it as a den or extra play zone. Also think about when the stand is not in use, do you room to store it? Metal stands can fold up so think about this option too.
- Indoor/outdoors– Where is the tray going to kept? If you’re looking for an outdoor stand, you need to ensure it is made of suitable material’s. Some wooden stands that state they are for outdoor use have been treated and normally come with a warranty. Metal stands will eventually rust if left outside in all weathers.
- Storage– Investing in a stand is a great idea, but think outside the box.. do you struggle with storing the tuff tray resources? Could a stand incorporate these items? Stands that come with storage drawers, or shelves and hooks are maybe worth paying the extra for.
FAQ’S About Tuff Tray Stands
All You Need To Know
- What are the benefits to a stand? Putting your tuff tray on a stand allows you to use the tray at different heights, making it accessible for all children of different ages and abilities. It also adds to the play experience, giving more scope for activities and resources. Having a stand is also a good option for children who may like to sit in the actual tray, if there is more than one child attempting to play.
- Can my stand me kept outdoors? If you have a wooden stand that has been specially treated with a waterproof weather coating then generally they will be safe to leave outside. You could add extra protection with a Tuff Tray cover. The metal ones however are not recommended to be left outdoors over night or for long period of time.
- Are stands expensive? Prices vary, so it is best to shop around. I have found them cheaper online but do your research. Some stands come with a tray, making it a cheaper option. Remember to check the size of the stand. If you think it’s extremely cheap- check the measurements- there are now mini tuff trays on the market, with mini stands!
