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Play Stand

Build your own play stand with! Your child will love this pretend play stand that becomes a play market, play post office, puppet theater, lemonade stand - or much more! Built by Jaime Costiglio for Handbuilt Holiday

Play Stand

Specifications

Project typeGrace's Town
RoomKids and Toys
StyleChildren's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
DifficultyIntermediate
Estimated cost$20 - $50

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Play Stand dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 1 - 1x6 @ 10 feet long
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1/4” plywood 24” x 24”
  • 1 - 3/4” dowel 30” long
  • Cardboard or foam board for signs
  • 1 1/4” finish nails
  • Chalk board paint or chalk board decal

Cut List

BASE

  • 2 - 1x6 @ 24”
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 25 1/2”
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 24”
  • 3 - 1x4 @ 24”
  • 1 - 1/4” plywood 24” x 24”
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 12”
  • 1 - 1x3 @ 25 1/2”
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 27 1/2”

HUTCH

  • 2 - 1x3 @ 30”
  • 1 - 1x3 @ 25 1/2”
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 25 1/2”
  • 1 - 3/4” dowel @ 30”
  • Thick cardboard or foam board for signs 7 1/2” x 25 1/2” (you want these to be lightweight to prevent falling hazard)

Tools

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by making the basic box with the top and sides.

Play Stand — step 1
2

Step 2

Add the rungs for the back shelves.

Play Stand — step 2
3

Step 3

And then the back shelves themselves - notice they sit flush to the 1x2 rungs, but don't make it to the front of the 1x6 sides.

Play Stand — step 3
4

Step 4

Jaime also recommends adding a fourth 1x2 at the top - flush with the 1x4 shelf backs - to give the plywood (next step) something to attach to at the top.

Play Stand — step 4
5

Attach with nails and glue to the 1x4s.

TIP: Mark location of 1x4s FIRST with a pencil on the sides, then place the plywood on top, and transfer the marks on top of the plywood.

Play Stand — step 5
6

Step 6

You'll need something to keep the play stand from tipping forward or backward - these guys will do the trick. NOTE: If you go higher, you may need to make these wider - use your best judgement here.

Play Stand — step 6
7

Step 7

Now for the top - find the center, and attach the short 1x3 in the center.

Play Stand — step 7
8

Step 8

Then attach the longer 1x3s on either side, overextending equally.

Play Stand — step 8
9

Step 9

Now for the sides of the hutch top - those get attached in the notched area on the ends.

Play Stand — step 9
10

Step 10

Next, attach the top shelf...

Play Stand — step 10
11

Step 11

And then the sides for holding the signs...

Play Stand — step 11
12

Step 12

Then add the dowel..

Play Stand — step 12
13

Step 13

And finally, it's time for the signs - I recommend lightweight foam board just to prevent any injury and because it's cheap and easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors.

Play Stand — step 13
14

Step 14

Jaime has free patterns for the buntings here - so check them out too!

Play Stand — step 14
15

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/play-stand