Play Stand

Assemble the two sides and the top into a three-sided box with glue and finish nails. This is the counter of the play shop — keep it square so the back panel drops in cleanly later.

Fasten the 1x2 rungs across the back of the box, then land the 1x4 back shelves on them. The shelves sit flush to the rungs and stop short of the front edge of the 1x6 sides — that setback leaves a lip that keeps small toys from rolling off. Add a fourth rung flush with the top shelf backs to give the plywood panel something to grab.

Mark where the shelf backs land on the sides in pencil, then set the 1/4" plywood over them and transfer the marks onto the panel so you nail into solid wood, not into gaps. Glue and nail the panel to the shelf backs. Coat it with chalkboard paint before or right after mounting — flat is easier to paint.

Add feet or a wider footprint so the stand can't pitch forward or backward when a child leans on the counter. If you build the hutch taller than shown, make these wider still. This is the safety-critical step — do not skip it.

Find the center of the base top and attach the short 1x3 there, then the two hutch uprights on either side, over-extending equally so the frame is symmetric. Land the hutch top rail and center piece into the notched ends. Work off a centerline the whole time or it'll come out lopsided.

Attach the 1x2 sign side holders and top rails to form open slots the signs slide into, then set the dowel across the hutch for hanging buntings or fabric. Cut the signs from foam board — cheap, colorful, and light enough that a dropped one won't hurt anyone. Prime and paint the whole stand in bright colors.