Tabletop Play Kitchen

Join the 1x4 base pieces into a low three-sided frame with glue and either 1-1/4" brads or small self-tapping screws (2" length works if you predrill to avoid splitting this thin stock). Keep the corners square.

Attach the top and bottom 1/2" plywood panels to the 1x4 frame with brad nails and glue. These close in the base and give the hutch a solid surface to sit on.

Assemble the hutch from the 1x3 sides and top with the plywood back, using the same glue-and-nail construction as the base. Always use glue with the nails — on parts this small, glue is what actually holds it together; the nails just clamp it while the glue cures.

Drill matching dowel holes in the bottom of the hutch and the top of the base. Make the holes a little larger than the dowels so the hutch seats and lifts off easily — that looseness is the feature, so a child can assemble it unaided.

Sand every edge and corner smooth, then paint or leave raw. Add burners, knobs, or a sink cutout to bring it to life.