HOW TO: Wood Pretend Play Lemonade Cart for Preschoolers!
Make this adorable diy lemonade cart! Can also be used as a play cart bakery or popcorn stand! Free
Specifications
| Project type | Toys |
|---|---|
| Room | Kids and Toys |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Shopping List
2 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
5 feet of 3/4" wood dowel
1 – 1x12 @ 2 feet long
1 – 1x3 @ 12 feet long
1 – 1/4" plywood @ 25-3/4” x 8-1/4”
1 – 1x4 @ 21”
2 – 2” bolts with washers and nuts for attaching the wheels
Cut List
2 – 1x2 @ 28” - countertop front and back support
2 – 1x2 @ 9-3/4” - countertop side support
1 – 3/4” dowel @ 9-3/4” - handle
1 – 1x12 or 3/4” plywood @ 11-1/4” x 24” - Countertop
2 – 1x3 @ 20” - front legs
2 – 1x3 @ 20-3/4” long point to short point measurement, both ends cut at 15 degrees parallel – back legs 2 – 5” wheels (can be cut from wood or store bought 5” rounds)
2 – 1x2 @ 25-3/4” - tray sides
2 – 1x2 @ 6-3/4” – tray ends
1 – 1/4” plywood 25-3/4” x 8-1/4” – tray bottom
2 – 1x3 @ 22-1/2” – awning legs
1 – 1x4 @ 21” – awning sign
2 – 1x2 @ 6” – awning sides – back end can be cut at 15 degrees off square for an angled awning
2 – 3/4” dowels @ 19-1/2”
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- jigsaw
- compound miter saw
- table saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Build the frame for the top tray. I recommend using 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws here, but since the top will reinforce joints, you can also glue and nail. Use at least 1-1/4" length nails that fit your nailer (18 gauge brad nailer is recommended).
Step 2
Mark out notch outs in 1x12. Drill holes bigger than your jigsaw blade to start the holes. Then carefully cut out with a jigsaw. I know this is extra work to embed the awning in the tabletop, but with little kids, I wanted ot make sure the awning is secure and won't topple over in time. Make sure the cutouts will fit a 1x3 board through, but snug. Then attach the 1x12 to the top of the 1x2 frame with glue and nails at least 1-1/4" long.
Step 3
Attach the straight legs on the handle side with 1-1/4" screws and glue. You can use pocket hole screws so you don't need to go out and buy new screws.
Step 4
Add the angled legs on the opposite side, in the same manner as you did the straight legs.
Step 5
Step 6
Build the bottom tray - can be nailed and glued together. If you want to use a contrasting color on the tray, I recommend painting it now.
Step 7
Screw the tray to the bottom of the cart. Use 1-1/4" screws to attach. You can cut a scrap wood block to 4-3/4" long and place under tray as a spacer to help guide you when installing the tray.
Step 8
Build the sign by attaching the 1x4 to the two sides. I recommend pocket holes here because this joint will not be reinforced.
Step 9
Insert the sign into the tabletop and screw down on underside with 1-1/4" screws.
Step 10
If you'd like to add the awning, I recommend building it separately and then attaching. Jaime provides a tutorial for sewing the awning here.
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/how-wood-pretend-play-lemonade-cart-preschoolers