How to Build a Lemonade Stand out of PVC Pipe (in 6 easy steps)
Since Lemonade day is coming up soon and summer is not far behind; I thought it would be helpful to share what I learned when I built my lemonade stand booth that I used a recent trade show. Many of the attendees were interested in how to create the lemonade stand so here are the instructions. I also created a YouTube video which you can watch below.
Supplies you need (for a 6 foot wide by 6 foot tall in front, 7 foot tall in back and 2 foot deep stand):
- 35- 2 feet sections of 3/4” pvc pipe (can buy precut at hardware/lumber store) One of the sections needs to be cut in half (they can cut at the hardware store)
- 4 – ¾” coupling connectors
- 14 – ¾” t-connectors
- 2 – ¾” elbows
- 6 – ¾” male adapters
- 6 – ¾” side outlets
- Sandpaper
- Material or poster paper for awning
- 2- Sandbags if need to weigh down for windy location
NOTE: If you are making 4 feet wide – then you can eliminate 4 of the 2 foot sections and 4 of the coupling connectors. Tip: Print this list out and take with you to the store!
Dollar Saving Tip: Approximate cost of PVC pipe and connector parts is: $68.72. You can save quite a bit of money if you have someone who can cut the PVC pipe as it is much less expensive in larger lengths.
Step 1: Sand the ink off of the PVC pieces
- Use the sandpaper to sand the ink off of the PVC pieces (this step takes the longest). Also you may want to rinse the PVC pipe inside and out since when it is cut – it leaves a residue.
NOTE: the pieces that are being used for the base or the top that the awning will hide do not have to be saved. The other option is to spray paint the PVC pieces – make sure that you purchase a paint will adhere to the PVC.
Step 2: Assemble the base
- This part goes underneath the table and stabilizes the sides and the top of the stand.
- To create the base, use 10 sections of PVC pipe, 4 T Connectors, 4 male adapters and 4 side outlets.
- You will be creating a ladder type base with the PVC pipe- the T Connectors in the middle and the Side Outlets at the corners with Male Connectors screwed in so the opening faces upward.
- Connect together as shown in photo – be sure to push in where connecting so they don’t fall apart.
Step 3: Assemble the sides up to 2 rungs high
- Each of the sides will go into the sides of the base – the reason for not assembling the sides to full height is that it is easier to put the top on.
- Each side needs 8 sections of PVC pipe and 4 T Connectors
- Connect together as shown in photo.
- Connect each of the sides to the base.
Step 4: Assemble the top
- This is probably the hardest part of the assembly.
- To assemble the top you will use the rest of the remaining parts.
- The front of the top will have a PVC pipe vertical on each end, with the front outer corners each having a side outlet and a male connector with opening facing down. Then 3 PVC pipes going across the front connected with coupling connectors.
- The back of the top will have will have a PVC pipe vertical on each end with the outer corners having a T connector, the shorter 1 foot pieces will go be connected up from the T connecter. Then the Elbows are connected at the top of the one foot pieces with 3 – 2 foot sections going across connected by 2 coupling connectors.
- The front and the back of the top are connected in depth with a 2 foot pipe.
- If you have an awning or poster for your stand – put it on before attaching the top to the bottom and side portion.
- Step 5: Connect the top section to the bottom section
- Use two people to lift the top portion and connect on each side of the bottom portion.
Step 6: Add the finishing touches
- Once it is assembled – you can add your table, signs, decorations and lemonade and you are ready to go!
