When it comes to the at-home day between child care, or the dreaded two weeks of school holidays, finding new ways to entertain your children can be difficult. When you’ve got movers and shakers that just won’t sit still for a picture book or movie, it’s time to bring out the big guns with fantasy play scenarios.
And what better way to extend play than with equipment that actually looks like the real thing (or the kid version at least)? This DIY kids play kitchen ticks all the boxes for cognitive development and entertainment, and of course, occupies your little ones for a whole afternoon!
Pretend play is a game children love, and using their imagination helps littlies develop their creativity and communication skills. So grab a chair (make sure it’s sturdy, without wobbly legs), add some hardware basics, and create this play kitchen with all the trimmings.
A vent cover makes a realistic rangehood for your miniature kids play kitchen. It’s inexpensive and easy to attach.
Create a cooktop like the grown-ups use with a painted plywood panel and coasters. Milk bottle lids make great cooker knobs for youngsters to turn on and off.
hang out and play A key rack attached to the chair’s side is a great idea. It’s a handy place to stash play utensils and toy food when they’re not being used.
How to build a kids play kitchen
Gather your supplies
- IKEA Stefan chair
- 1200 x 596 x 12mm Plywood
- 897 x 600 x 7mm Plywood
- 9cm Round coasters (4)
- 50 x 40 x 1.2mm Hinges (2)
- D handle
- Magnetic door catch
- 16mm Black button screws
- 20mm screws
- 20 x 20mm White angle brackets (4)
- 4-hook key rack (2)
- Plastic wall vent
- 200 x 200mm adhesive acrylic mirror
All measurements given are for the IKEA Stefan chair. You should measure and adjust the components for the wooden chair you are using for the project.
Project notes
You’ll also need
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Pencil
- Circular saw
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Primer
- Green, black, and white paint
- Nap roller
- Tray
- Drill
- 2mm and 4mm drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Construction adhesive
- Clamps
- Timber offcut (around 40 x 300mm)
- PVA glue
- 5 milk bottle lids.
When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie back your hair. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing.
Safety notes
Step 1
Measure, mark and cut all components. Use a tape measure, combination square, pencil and circular saw.
Step 2
Many chairs are smaller at the back than the front, so you’ll need to trim the Oven sides and Oven base to fit. To make the Oven sides fit a Stefan chair, measure and mark 30mm in from each end on one of the short sides (this will become the back edge), then mark a connecting line to the corners on the front edge. Repeat for the Oven base. Cut along all lines with circular saw. Sand edges with sandpaper.
Step 3
Apply primer to all components with nap roller. Allow to dry.
Step 4
Apply 2 coats green paint to Oven side, Oven base, Oven doors and Shelves. Apply 2 coats black paint to Cooktop and 4 coasters. Apply white paint to Extractor. Allow to dry after each coat.
Step 5
Hold Oven side square against the side of the chair. With a drill and 2mm bit, predrill a hole (30mm in from edge) on the Oven side and into chair. Insert and tighten button screw. Repeat with 3 more screws. Attach second Oven side.
Step 6
Apply PVA glue to top of chair spindles (the strip between the front and back legs), then insert and attach Oven base. Clamp and allow to set.
Step 7
To attach key rack, centre and level along top of Oven side. Predrill assembly holes with 2mm bit. Insert and tighten 16mm button screws. Repeat on other side.
Step 8
To prepare the Oven door for assembly, space 2 hinges equally along one edge. Predrill assembly holes with 2mm drill bit, insert hinge screws (from packet) and tighten. Use the D handle as a template to mark holes, then drill with 4mm drill bit. Use a screwdriver to attach handle with screws (from packet). Place magnetic door catchplate on the back of the Oven door. Position it between the handle, 25mm in from edge. Predrill assembly holes with 2mm bit, insert and tighten screws (from packet).
Step 9
To hang Oven door, line up square and flush to front chair legs and 10mm below chair seat. Predrill with 2mm drill bit through bracket holes and into chair leg. Insert screws (from packet) and tighten. Close door, then line up magnet with magnet plate. Attach magnet to inside edge of chair leg with screws (from packet).
Step 10
To make an Extractor hood, attach plastic wall vent to a timber offcut using construction adhesive. To attach timber offcut to the top of the Extractor component, predrill through offcut and into Extractor with 2mm drill bit. Insert and tighten 20mm screw. Place Shelf on other end of offcut, drill 2 holes through the Shelf and into the offcut. Insert and tighten 20mm screws.
Step 11
To attach Extractor hood, predrill and attach 2 angle brackets to the underside of the Shelf (and flush to the back edge) with 16mm button screws. Line up the offcut level with the back of the chair rail, predrill holes. Insert and tighten 16mm screws.
Step 12
Repeat Step 11 to attach the bottom Shelf to the lower chair rail.
Step 13
Using PVA glue, attach coasters to Cooktop, 25mm in from edges, then glue Cooktop to the centre of the chair seat.
Step 14
With a 2mm drill bit, drill through centre of each milk bottle lid. Line up lids, as shown in photo. Insert and tighten 16mm screws.
Step 15
Attach adhesive mirror level and centre on the Oven door.
