How to Make a Lemonade Stand

Build the Framing

To begin building the lemonade stand:

• Gather all 2×4 parts A, B, and C from your cutting list and assemble them as shown below.
• Attach the framing members together with three-inch screws or framing nails.
• Construct one front frame and two identical side frames.

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Attach the Bottom

• Once you’ve built the frames, screw or toenail them together to form a “U.”
• Ensure the stud (C) inside the side framing sits centered when the framing components are together.
• Screw the 3/4-inch plywood bottom (D) to the bottom of the framing using exterior grade wood glue and two-inch screws.
• Make sure the outside of the framing is attached flush to the outside edge of the bottom (D).

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Attach the Bottom Skirt and Casters

• Using two-inch screws, glue and secure the skirt front (E) and skirt sides (F) flush to the outside of the plywood bottom (D).
• Bolt the casters to the bottom (D) using 1-1/2-inch long, 1/4-inch bolts. Tighten them down with washers and nuts inside the casework cavity.
• Fit fixed casters to one side, and swivel casters with a brake to the other.
• Mount the swiveling casters with enough room for the caster to rotate without hitting the 2×2 skirt pieces (E or F).
• Before flipping the casework over onto its wheels, cut a hole on the break-side of the inside caster. Use a hole saw large enough to accommodate the fingers comfortably. Cutting the hole lets you access the inside caster’s brake lever without tipping the lemonade stand up on its edge.

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Attach the Beaded Paneling

• Before you cut the beaded paneling front (G), sides (H) and backs (J), measure both diagonals across your front and sides to make sure the framing came out square. If it didn’t, cut the beaded panels large and trim them flush with the framing components with a wood router and flush trim bit.
• Cut and attach the paneling front (G) and backs (J) using wood glue and 1-1/2-in. finish nails. Be sure to keep the bead direction in mind when making your cuts.
• Once the paneling front (G) and backs (J) are secure, attached the sides (H) with finish nails and wood glue so they overlap the edges of the adjacent panels.
• Trim or sand the panels so all edges are flush.

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Attach the Countertop

• Attach the top (K) to the top side of your framing components with glue and two-inch screws from inside the lemonade stand cavity.
• The top sits flush or slightly proud of the paneling on all four sides.

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Attach the Uprights and Plywood for Chalkboards

• Attach the two uprights (L) to the center internal stud (C) on the framing sides using wood glue and three-inch screws. Use a framing or speed square to make sure the uprights are perpendicular to the countertop top plywood (K) surface and flush to the bottom edge of the paneling.
• Secure the top chalkboard (M) to the tops of the two uprights (L) with wood glue and countersunk two-inch screws.
• Mount the front chalkboard plywood (N) on top of the front beaded paneling (G) in the same manner. Make sure the screws hit the internal framing studs (C) behind the beaded panels.
• The front chalkboard plywood (N) should be centered left to right on the stand with the top edge 3-5/8-inches lower than the countertop top (K).

Note: Make sure the smoothest side of the plywood for the top (M) and front (N) chalkboards faces out so that you’ll have the best writing surface after applying the chalkboard paint.
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Trim the Edges and Corners

• Wrap the top’s plywood edge in the 1×2 pieces (P) and (Q). Miter the corners and attach them flush to the top edge of the countertop (K). Secure with wood glue and finish nails.
• Cut and install the 3/4-in. by 3/4-in. outside corner molding pieces (R) to the four corners of the stand with wood glue and 18-gauge finish nails.

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Fill, Sand and Finish

• Fill the countersunk screw head holes in the front (N) and top (M) chalkboard plywood pieces. Complete the job with non-shrinking exterior grade wood filler like Bondo Wood Filler, pictured below.
• Sand the entire surface, including all edges where kids may run their hands.
• Paint the chalkboards (M and N) with chalkboard paint.
• Paint or seal the rest of the stand with exterior paint or finish of your choice.
• After everything dries, enjoy a cold glass of lemonade on your deck or patio while watching the kids have the time of their lives.

Note: Though designed for outdoor use, we don’t recommend this stand outside in the elements. Store it in a shed or garage to ensure its longevity.

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