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Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart

Create hours of imaginative play with this charming DIY vendor cart, perfect for kids who love pretend play! Whether they’re selling bakery treats, fresh flowers, handmade crafts, or pretend produce, this versatile cart brings creativity to life. Featuring, the cart includes a striped canopy, chalkboard sign, and spacious shelves for displaying goodies. It’s ideal for indoor playrooms and makes a memorable handmade gift. Sturdy, stylish, and completely customizable — download the and start building your little one’s dream market stand today!

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart

Specifications

Project typeToys
RoomKids and Toys
StyleChildren's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
DifficultyBeginner Projects
Estimated cost$50 - $100

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 8 - 1x3, 8 feet long (can use furring strips, just make sure good quality and straight)
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 18-1/2" x 30-1/2" or you can use 1x3s
  • 1 dowel rod, 3/4" diamenter, 18" long
  • 2 - wheels, may also need a bolt to hold wheels on
  • 1 - 1/4" screws
  • 1-1/4" brad nails may be used in some places
  • For awning, you'll also need 1-1/4" pocket holes screws.

Cut List

FRAMES

  • 4 - 1x3 @ 29"
  • 5 - 1x3 @ 18-1/2"
  • 1 - 1x3 @ 17"
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 35-1/2"

LEGS

  • 4 - 1x3 @ 48"

TOPS

  • 8 - 1x3 @ 18-1/2"
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 18-1/2" x 30-1/2" or you can use 1x3s

AWNING

  • 1 - 1x3 @ 30-1/2"
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 8"
  • 4 - 1x3 @ 12-3/8" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, not parallel

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • compound miter saw
  • nailer
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Build the frames for top and bottom, and middle shelf. I recommend using a Kreg Jig here on 3/4" setting, with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws to attach.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 1
2

Step 2

Then add the legs to the frames with 1-1/4" screws from insides (yes, you can use Kreg screws here too to avoid buying more wood screws)

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 2
3

Step 3

The slats can be nailed and glued down unless you are using outdoors in wet weather that may cause the wood to swell, and pull the nails out - then use exterior grade wood screws, 1-1/4" to 2" length.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 3
4

Step 4

Measure and cut the hande and attach either by drilling holes or screwing from outside.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 4
5

Step 5

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 5
6

Step 6

Attach top to middle frame. You can also use 1x3s as Jaime did.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 6
7

Step 7

For the awning, attach to top with pocket holes on 3/4" setting.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 7
8

Step 8

For awning sides, attach angled boards with glue and brad nails.

Kids Pretend Play Vendor Cart — step 8
9

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/diy-kids-pretend-play-vendor-cart-free-building-plans