Easy-Build Lemonade Stand

Stand the two 1x12s parallel — one as the counter, one as the lower shelf — and attach two picket boards across each end to form the box. Screws, glue and brads, or even a staple gun all work; two fasteners per shelf per board keeps everything from racking.

Set the lower shelf a few inches off the ground so it clears wet grass.

Run the remaining 23-1/2" pickets vertically across the front, edges touching, fastened top and bottom into the counter and shelf. The cladding is what makes it read as a stand instead of a shelf unit — and it gives you the billboard for painting.

Attach the two 1x3 legs to the outside of the 1x12 ends with screws — screws specifically, not nails or glue, because these come OFF for storage and transport. Three screws per leg, into the counter and shelf edges.

Mark which leg goes on which end (a pencil letter inside works) so reassembly lines the same holes up every time.

Cut the sign picket to fit and screw it across the tops of the legs. Angled slightly is a legitimate choice — the source build did it on purpose and it reads as friendly, not crooked. Cut small signs from the offcuts if the crew wants a menu.

Sand everything a hand can touch, then hand the paint over. The paint job is not your department. Price of lemonade is also not your department.