Do-It-Yourself Lemonade Stand

Cut 1/4" plywood to size for the shelves (F) (Drawing 4, Project Diagram). Use a jigsaw to cut the notches that fit around the legs and dividers. The legs measure 1-1/2" square, so cut the notches slightly oversized (1-9/16" x 1-9/16") for an easy fit. Sand the shelves before installing.

Cut the top (G) to and lid cleats (H) to size, from 1/2" plywood. Cut 1-9/16" notches at each corner for the legs. Layout the opening for the lid, drill a 3/8" clearance hole to slip the jig saw blade into the hole, and cut the lid opening. The lid will give you access to the handy cooler hidden inside the stand.

Glue the lid cleats to the underside of the top, they'll create a lip for the lid to rest on. Sand the top and secure in position with glue and nails.

Repeat the process off adding slats to the opposite side of the stand, then add the front slats. Align the edges of the front slats with the side slats, secure from the inside with screws.

Cut the lid (K) to size and drill two 1-1/4" finger holes. (Drawing 6, Project Diagram) Sand the lid and smooth the edges; set aside for painting.

Remove the casters and slats from the assembly and prime the wood surfaces with an exterior primer. Paint the surfaces of the stand and the trim of the sign white. Paint the slats red, and use Valspar interior/exterior satin black brushing enamel for the chalkboard sign. Apply two coats of each color paint; allow the finish to dry for 48 hours before reinstalling parts and hardware.

Install the roof by securing the window well with carriage bolts, washers, and nuts through the holes you drilled earlier (Drawing 5, Project Diagram).

Make a 1/2" fold along the long edges of each panel and press with an iron. Fold the 1/2" seam once again and iron. Stitch the seam to reinforce the sides of the canvas.

At the bottom of the canvas, create a 3/4" fold, press with an iron, fold the fabric again 3/4" in from the bottom, iron, and double stitch the bottom of the curtain.

At the top, create a 1/2" fold, press with an iron, and fold again 1-1/4" down from the top. Sew the top seam to reinforce for the curtain hooks. Lay out the holes for the curtain hooks and create 3/16" holes with a crafts knife.

Add the curtain hooks to the newly made curtains and slide the hooks on to the curtain rod. The extension curtain rod expands at the top of the lemonade stand legs to stay secure. Add some simple ribbons to hold the curtains back.