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Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove

childrens kitchen stove and sink, play kitchen plans
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Build your own play kitchen and customize and accessorize to match your home.  This childrens kitchen is so adorable! Our free plans use off shelf materials and simple building skills.  This plan is for the play kitchen sink and stove.  We also have free plans for the matching play kitchen fridge.  Step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com

Photos by Kirsten from The Crafting Chicks

Play Kitchen Stove and Sink Features

  • Built thousands of times over almost a decade!
  • Easy to build using all 1x materials - just chop and screw or nail togethter
  • Easy to paint, decorate and customize to match your home's decor or child's preference
  • Solid wood construction - no particle board and no MDF
  • Fully biodegradable
  • Perfectly sized to work with most accessories
  • Modular design - easy to move and you can build exactly what you want

How It's Build

This play kitchen is built using 1x12s for the carcass.  Then, 1x2s, 1x3s and 1x4s are added to create support and finish the shape of the play kitchen.

diy play kitchen

photo by Liv's Mommy

You can used 2" self tapping screws, 1-1/4" brad nails or 1-1/4" pocket holes to build.  You will need a couple of pocket holes in the doors.

Apron Sink Modification

We love how may of our readers are adding apron sinks to the sink bases.

play kitchen farm sink  farmhouse sink play kitchen

Photos and Design by Carol Noel

Here's how to make this apron sink modification:

farm sink modification play kitchen

  1. Build the base as directed in the plans below without the 1x4 front apron and without the middle shelf
  2. Cut 2 - 1x4 @ 1-3/4" long and attach to sides at top (will be directly below the countertop, and to the right and left of the sink)
  3. Add a shelf directly below the 1x4 side pieces (this will be the bottom of the sink) 1x12 or 1x10 @ 14-1/2" long
  4. Build the farm sink with 1x6s (with no bottom)
  5. Place the farm sink on the shelf and attach with nails and glue
  6. Cut the countertop out around the sink and attach

Play Kitchen Fridge Plan Options

To complete your childrens kitchen, add a play fridge!  We have two options - 

childrens kitchen

The Simple Play Kitchen French Door Fridge is a little wider and features double doors.  

Photo by In Between Chaos

The narrower single door fridge plans are available here.

Dimensions
play kitchen plans dimensions
20" high x 16" wide x 12" deep

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List is For ONE base (sink or stove)

  • 1 - 1x12 @ 8’ long
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 14-1/2" long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 30"
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 30"
  • 1 – scrap piece of plywood (I use beadboard) 16"x20". You could omit this if needed.

Additional Supplies for Stove

  • 1 - 1x3 @ 30"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 18"
  • 4 knobs
  • 1 set of hinges
  • 1 magnetic clasp
  • 1 - 11" x 20" piece of acrylic glass

Cut List

Base for Both Sink and Stove (cut list is for one)

  • 2 - 1x12 @ 20” Sides 
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 14 1/2” Toekick 
  • 1 - 1x12@ 14 1/2” Bottom Shelf
  • 1 - 1x10 @ 14-1/2" Middle Shelf
  • 1 - 1x12@ 16 1/2” Countertop 
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 16 1/2” Backsplash 
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 14 1/2" Front of Sink 
  • 1 - 16" x 20" piece of plywood for the back (optional)

Stove Door (large gaps)

  • 2 - 1x3 @ 14"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 8-3/4"

Stove Door (small gaps)

  • 2 - 1x3 @ 14-1/4"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 9"
Cutting Instructions

Cut all the boards first with either a compound miter saw or a circular saw with a straight edge used as a guide.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

You can use different methods depending on your tool set to build this play kitchen stove or sink.

  • 2" self tapping screws like these 
  • 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue (recommend an 18 gauge brad nailer)
  • A Kreg Jig with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws

I personally would just nail and glue this together.

Instructions

Step 1

Attach the 1x2 and 1x4 apron to the sides.

Recommend: 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 2

Add the bottom shelf, fasten to both the sides and the 1x2s.

Step 3

The shelf can be placed at any height.  

Step 4

Attach the backsplash to the top first.

Then attach the entire top to the base.

Step 5

Build the door with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Attach acrylic glass to the back with either craft glue or hot glue or predrill holes and attach with screws.  Just make sure the screws DO NOT have a bevel on the back of the screw head.

This completes the sink base build.  You can now accessorize by adding a sink bowl, curtains, faucet - the options are endless.

Step 6

To make the base into a play kitchen stove, you'll need to add a stove door.

Install the stove door.  I recommend a side swing so no little toes get bruised with a up and down swing. Install a magnet to keep the door closed.

Install handle and four knobs.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill any exposed holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply a second coat if necessary. Sand with medium grit sandpaper. Clean project and work surface. Prime and paint as desired.
Finish Used
Finishing. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand, paint, and enjoy! Oh, don't forget to put your sink in (glue not recommended, Grace's is glued in, and it would be nice to be able to take the sink out and clean it).
Project Type
Toys
Play Kitchen Collection
Other Projects
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Adriana (not verified)

Wed, 11/18/2009 - 16:17

You are amazing! We have the stove and sink, but I wish we had been this creative and tried to make knock offs! I might use your plans to add a fridge to her collection. Did you post plans for the loft bed anywhere?

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 10:06

Adriana,

Thank you, I am so happy you were able to make the matching fridge! Will you please send me photos? (Just click on contact me button at the top of the page) I would love to post reader's success!

Expect playhouse loft beds soon!

Amy (not verified)

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:20

Ana
My husband and I would like to build the play kitchen for our daughter's birthday, coming up in May. We really liked the original fridge that you built for Grace. At one point I thought I'd seen the plans for it, but now I can only find the new plans for the side by side refrigerator. Can you help me find the original plans with the freezer over top of the fridge?
Thank you so much!!

Amy

Angie (not verified)

Sun, 04/18/2010 - 18:22

I think it amazing what you do, a definate fan right here!
I just have a question regarding the plywood, it says to get a piece of wood 12 X 20, but in the cutting list it askes to cut a 16 X 20 piece... is there something I have missed here? or how am I able to gain 4 inches? also just another question regarding the fridge instructions, under materials needed it askes for a 1 X 2 board.. is that inches or feet? and it doesnt state the length like the other measurements. Sorry to be a pain I am very new to DIY building and really want to make this for my daughters 3rd birthday. Cheers Angie

Ana White (not verified)

Sun, 04/18/2010 - 18:28

Hi Angie, the cut list is correct and you will need plywood cut at 16" x 20" for the back. No worries, if I have time, I love to help. Most boards are given in dimensional sizes, shown in inches. But it gets a little more confusing than that. A 1x2 stands for 1" x 2", but the board is actually 3/4" x 1 1/2" in actual measurement. Check out the FAQ post (on the sidebar) for more information on boards and such. You'll get the hang of it faster than you think. Can't wait to see your kitchen!

Jenna (not verified)

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 20:16

These plans are soo cute, I actually purchased my daughter the PB kids Classic kitchen and love it, had I see this I would have built it.
Your daughter is sooo precious!!!

efranklin (not verified)

Tue, 06/22/2010 - 03:51

Loved the plans and my daughter loves the kitchen. Thanks so much. My wife wants a headboard now and I can't wait to get started

efranklin (not verified)

Tue, 06/22/2010 - 03:52

Loved the plans and my daughter loves the kitchen thank you so much for the plans. My wife wants me to build a headboard next and I can't wait to get started.

Becca (not verified)

Tue, 07/27/2010 - 05:58

I am loving your site. It has inspired me to no end. We are currently putting my kids playroom together and I have completely designed it based on what has been shown here. I'm curious as to the final dimensions of each kitchen unit though. I need to know if I need to make adjustments so it can fit under the reading loft I hope to build, or even make it taller. My daughter is 4'. Thanks.

Mandi (not verified)

Tue, 09/28/2010 - 14:47

Hi there,

My husband and I are going to tackle this project for my daughter's Christmas present. I just haven't seen anything I love and am thrilled to be able to put my own touches on it. Do you have the finished dimensions of each piece available? I just want to make sure we have the space for all three pieces. I really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Mandi

joy (not verified)

Fri, 10/22/2010 - 02:44

Hi
We are from Australia & we really love your plans but dont understand the cutting guide. I know its in inches but what does the @ mean?
eg 1x12 @16 1/2 " Is that 12"x16 1/2" What does the 1 at the beginning mean?
Thankyou

Ana White (not verified)

Sun, 10/24/2010 - 19:44

Hi, I'm so glad you found us! Check out our community for an entire forum about converting plans to metric. I know it's not going to be easy :( . The 1x12 refers to a standard US board size, actually measuring dimensionally 3/4" x 11 1/2" . So 1 - 1x12 @ 16" would mean 1 1x12 board cut 16" long. The actual dimensions for the cut would be 3/4" x 11 1/2" x 16". Hope this makes sense. Ana

Dan K (not verified)

Fri, 11/05/2010 - 18:18

Australians refer to lumber differently than we do here in the US. The larger dimension is listed first so a 2x4 is called a "4 by 2" down under. That probably accounts for some of the confusion.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 05/18/2011 - 08:11

I love your site and it has inspired to tackle many projects. Before you converted over to this site you had many other pictures from other readers kitchens. One in particular was a pink retro style kitchen. Do you still have that info. I love these plans and would like to modify to be similar to that kitchen but now have no way to find it again! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 05/18/2011 - 11:47

I love your site and it has inspired to tackle many projects. Before you converted over to this site you had many other pictures from other readers kitchens. One in particular was a pink retro style kitchen. Do you still have that info. I love these plans and would like to modify to be similar to that kitchen but now have no way to find it again! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 05/18/2011 - 11:47

I love your site and it has inspired to tackle many projects. Before you converted over to this site you had many other pictures from other readers kitchens. One in particular was a pink retro style kitchen. Do you still have that info. I love these plans and would like to modify to be similar to that kitchen but now have no way to find it again! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!

kimthomp (not verified)

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 19:02

I love the look of these...but my daughter is 7 and quite tall for her age. Wondering if there were plans available for a similiar set that was maybe 48 inches high? (fridge) and

KarenK1122 (not verified)

Thu, 08/16/2012 - 19:04

Thanks for this awesome plan, Ana! I was sent a link to your site this afternoon and immediately fell in love with this kitchen. My son is 18 months and absolutely loves to "cook" with my pots and pans and his play food. We decided to get him a play kitchen for Christmas, but I was having the hardest time finding a good quality one at non-PBKids prices. I was SO excited when I saw this (3pm), that I went straight to Lowe's (4pm), borrowed my neighbor's nail gun and jigsaw (5pm), ate dinner and put my guy to bed (6-8pm), and had the sink done by 9pm. It looks incredible and it came together so perfectly. I can't wait to build the rest of the set! Thank you so much! :D

MrsJDT

Wed, 12/11/2019 - 07:26

Hello! We love your site and have built many things over the years. One of these days I’ll get some brag posts up!

Next up is this play kitchen for our girls. Yay! Can you please tell me what age/height this is geared for? Our girls are 6, 4, and 2, so I know it’ll fit some better than others. However, I was looking online at play kitchen kits too, and this looks smaller than those. Any rough guesstimate would be helpful. Thanks!

~MelissA

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!