Inspiration
I was inspired to create this stand from the TARGET DOLLAR SPOT!! Can you believe it?! I was shopping one day and spotted all the decor items featured on the stand. I thought to myself omgosh, I NEED EVERYTHING! (as one does at Target). LOL
I quickly texted my good friend/neighbor, Jen. I gushed to her how cute the items were at Target. With my fingers crossed, I asked if her husband could assist my hubby in building the stand! (Her husband has produced lots of woodworking projects, so I knew he would be extremely helpful to my also handy hubby!)
Once it was green light go… my imagination started to run! School recently was let out, and us moms needed activities to fill the hot summer days. I decided I would host a “welcome summer” party for our little ones.
I purchased water toys, a blow up pool, filled the water table with water beads, decorated the lemonade stand, and DONE! WELCOME SUMMER! I also included a mimosa bar for the mamas to stay cool in the hot Texas heat. 🙂
DIY
Materials
Tools used:
Miter saw
Air compressor
Nail gun
Cordless drill
Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Wood screws
White primer
2x2s
Fence planks
1×10 panels
Steps
1) Plan Dimensions
I decided on 36” L x 18” D x 24”h
I first sketched the stand on paper based on the measurements from the famous Ikea play kitchen. I modified a few inches here and there but overall it was a great guide for the size.
I wanted it to be tall enough to grow into. Deep enough to be stable if kids climb or sit on it. Long enough for 2-3 kids to stand side by side under the banner. The banner is another 24” off the top of the counter making total height just over 48”.
2) Buy Wood
I used 2×2’s for the frame to keep weight down while still being solid enough to screw shelves and exterior panels into. Depending on your final dimensions you can use anywhere from (3-6) 8 foot long 2×2’s. I chose standard cedar fence planks as my side paneling and was able to use less by not letting any scraps go to waste; 6 should be plenty. For the counter we used a super smooth 1”x6”x8’ panel board cut down and layered on top of the frame.
3) Measure And Cut
I had the lumber department make a lot of the cuts for me. Below is the quantity of each size for frame and paneling.
2×2
(4) 36” length
(4) 18” length
(2) 24” length
(2) 48” length
Fence plank (Cut into 12-15 24” long planks)
Panel Board (single ply wood sheet can be substituted)
(4) 38” length
4) Assemble
We used a finish nail gun to lightly tack the frame together while we figured out the best design. We kind of winged this one. Once the basic shape was sorted out we used a cordless drill and wood screws to tighten it all up. The frame shape is fairly self-explanatory – a big box; however, the (2) 48” pieces are used as the front vertical supports as they will hold the banner and signs for the front of the stand.
After the frame is complete, the side paneling is fairly easy. Determine your gap between posts and start laying the fence post all the way around. Here we used a nail gun to quickly adhere the planks to the frame. This is really where some rigidity is added to the stand.
The top paneling is last because you want to use it to hide any imperfections on the stand being square. Use long enough top to give a slight overhang on all sides. Fasten using a nail gun again.
Finally use a level to mount your sign to the top of the 48” vertical supports. You should have a fence plank or counter top panel left over to make this.
Sand all rough edges and corners so little hands don’t get scratches and splinters.
Paint
The wood all together cost us about $30 dollars and the paint was a few bucks more.
I used a white primer because I knew it would sit in the sun and I would probably repaint it in the future. I suggest painting with a roller for a fast full coverage. I also used a smaller brush for the tiny corners.
Extended Play
I stated above that I was inspired by the lemonade decor, however; this stand can be repurposed for so many other things. Endless pretend play options including store/cash register, puppet show, school, hot coco stand etc. It also makes for a cute holiday prop for mini photo shoots! 🙂 I hope you attempt to build your own! Please tag me on Instagram if you do! I would love to see your creation!
Photo above by The Summer Days
The gift that keeps on giving…
This stand is so much fun to style for mini photoshoots!