How To Build a Lemonade Stand

Starting a lemonade stand is more than just a fun way for kiddos to spend a hot summer day. This family-friendly project gives kids a creative outlet and introduces them to basic money and business management skills.

If you want to learn how to build a lemonade stand for your kids, you’re in the right place. In this article and the video above, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions. This tried-and-true DIY project is easy to assemble, requires minimal tools, and only takes a few hours.

*Costs in this article reflect averages of prices sourced from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon.

Project Overview

This lemonade stand design uses a slotted construction method, so you don’t need any nails or screws for assembly, making it safe for kids to help. It also makes it easy to tear down and store in a garage or shed after you’ve finished selling lemonade for the day.

When you’re building your lemonade stand, be sure to cut precise slots that interlock to form a stable structure. If your slots are crooked or loose, they won’t function properly. Adults should cut the slots and notches themselves, but kids can still help with sanding, painting, and making the lemonade stand sign.

Safety Considerations

When working on your lemonade stand, prioritize safety, especially when children are helping. Here are some important safety considerations:

• Always wear safety glasses when using power tools, especially when cutting or sanding.
• Be mindful of pinch points during assembly to avoid injuries.
• Supervise when children are helping with the project.
• Use caution when handling sharp tools like the jigsaw.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when painting and allow proper drying time.

Following these safety measures can help make your DIY project go smoothly and teach your children the importance of safety when woodworking. For more woodworking safety tips, refer to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) woodworking standards.

Template, Materials, and Tools

You’ll need a few basic materials, tools, and our lemonade stand template for this project.

Materials

Make sure to have the following items on hand when building your lemonade stand:

• ½-inch birch veneer plywood (4×8-foot sheet)
• Cardstock or poster board for signage
• Clothespins
• Exterior latex primer
• Exterior paint in your chosen colors
• Markers for creating the sign
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller
• PVC pipes (2)
• PVC pipe caps (2)
• Safety glasses
• String
• Velcro tape

Tools

You’ll also need the following tools:

• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Combination square
• Drill/driver
• Jigsaw
• Random orbit sander
• Spring clamps
• Straight edge
• Tape measure

Design Template

Before you power up the saw, download our design template for the lemonade stand below:

Step-By-Step Guide To Building a Lemonade Stand

Now that you have your tools and materials, it’s time to start. Follow the steps below carefully to build your own lemonade stand to our specifications.

Step 1: Layout the parts

Using a tape measure and straightedge, lay out the stand’s five individual pieces on a 4×8-foot sheet of ½-inch birch veneer plywood: the front, two sides, the back-support crosspiece, and the top. If you want to involve your children, have them help measure the pieces before you cut them out.

Step 2: Cut out the panels and notches

Secure the plywood to the work table with spring clamps before you cut. Using a jigsaw, cut out the five parts. With a combination square, lay out the corner notches on the top piece. Then, cut the notches with the jigsaw. After that, cut out the ⅝-inch notches on the crosspiece and the top of the front panel.

Step 3: Cut the slots

Using a straightedge and combination square, mark slots 3 inches in from the edges on the front, sides, and crosspiece—down from the top on the sides, up from the bottom on the front and crosspiece (see design template). Make the long slots along the sides and front 14¼ inches deep. Make the short slots along the crosspiece and sides 2¼ inches deep.

Using a drill/driver, make ⅜-inch holes inside the corners of the slots. Then, cut the slots with a jigsaw, using the holes to turn the blade.

Step 4: Sand the wood

Using a random-orbit sander and 120-grit sandpaper, sand down all the pieces so they are free of splinters before you paint.

If you want your kids to help, hold onto the sander so they don’t lose control. Alternatively, you can use the 120-grit sandpaper and sand by hand, though this is more time-consuming.

Step 5: Paint the parts and make the sign

Prime the wood with latex primer on all the sides and edges. Allow the primer to dry completely. For faster drying, set the wood in a sunny area outdoors.

After it dries, use exterior paint to finish the stand in your favorite colors.

While the paint dries, make a sign by drawing the letters L-E-M-O-N-A-D-E on individual cards with colorful markers.

Step 6: Assemble the stand

Stand up the sides, slots facing up. Slide the front, slots facing down, onto the sides. Then, slide the crosspiece onto the back. Lay the top piece onto the stand, with the notches fitted around the interlocking side pieces.

This step may require several hands, so feel free to have your kids help hold the pieces steady. Be careful that they don’t pinch their fingers.

Step 7: Attach the signposts

Cut eight 1-inch tabs of Velcro tape. Keep both halves of the Velcro stuck together. Peel away one side of the paper backing and stick four tabs down each front corner of the stand. Peel off the other paper backing and push a PVC pipe into each corner.

Be sure to press hard so that the Velcro sticks to the pipe.

Step 8: Hang the sign

Cut a piece of string 1 foot longer than the distance between the pipes. Drop one end of the string 6 inches into the top of one pipe. Then, secure it with a pipe cap. Thread the other end of the string into the opposite pipe, and secure it the same way. Attach the sign cards to the string using clothespins.

Once your sign is up, your stand is finished, and you’re officially open for business.

Tips for a Successful Lemonade Stand

Making a lemonade stand is fun, but it’s also a business. If you want to get the most out of your lemonade stand, follow these tips:

1. Choose a high-traffic location for your stand, such as near a park or community event.
2. Offer a variety of refreshments, including classic lemonade and other flavors like strawberry lemonade.
3. Keep your prices reasonable and consider offering combo deals.
4. Make your stand visually appealing with colorful decorations and a clear menu.
5. Use disposable cups and keep your workspace clean so customers know your lemonade is clean.
6. Encourage your kids with their customer service skills, showing them how to interact with strangers.
7. Have a plan for handling money and making change.
8. Promote your stand through social media or community boards to attract more customers.

If you implement these tips, you can rest assured that your lemonade stand won’t be a flop. After a long day’s work, your kids may even turn a profit and enjoy some of their own lemonade as a treat.

Tools List