Shop Local: Woodworking Kits for Kids to Build at Home

9th Street Lab was founded by Berkeley parent, Steve Tornallyay. It offers DIY carpentry and woodworking kits at a reasonable price point. These projects allow kids to make cool stuff, learn a skill, and build confidence.

9th Street Lab Build-at-Home Workshop and Kits

During modified shelter in place orders, 9th Street Lab offers Build-at-Home carpentry kits that teach kids the basics of how to build with wood. 9th Street Lab provides all the needed materials; online demonstrations; and simple written instructions with clear pictures to get kids and parents started with ease. All you need is a hammer, a screwdriver, and kids who are ready to build.

What parents should expect from 9th Street Labs’ kits

Build-at-Home kits are designed for 7-14 year-olds, be they first-time woodworkers or birdhouse-savvy builders. Kids at the younger end of the age range will need more supervision, and older teens will also enjoy the projects. There are a few selections of kits for all kinds of learners – for those who love to follow step-by-step instructions and those who love to build from their imagination. Kits are currently $15 and $20 each. Each kit includes pre-cut wood pieces; nails and/or screws; printed instructions; and a link to the online demonstration workshop video, led by Steve.

Current kits include a bench, carry-all box, marble maze, planter box, and wooden art-making. 9th Street Labs develops new kits and workshops every month. Order a kit from their website and schedule a safe, curbside pickup. 9thstreetlab.org >>

What we love about 9th Street Labs’ kits

This planter box was the first carpentry project my 13-year old, Hayden, has attempted, and he completed it 100% on his own. I would highly recommend it simply for the joy it brought him to be able to start and complete a project all on his own. About a week later, Hayden started a second project. He is hooked. Right afterward, my teenagers teamed up to design and build a birdhouse.

Here’s what we liked about working with 9th Street Labs:

• Well-designed projects mean a better result.
• Easy-to-follow instructions and clearly labeled materials take out the guesswork.
• Kids learn how to use real tools.
• Kids build confidence as they build their projects.
• The price point is super reasonable ($15 to $20 per project).
• Curbside pickup was easy.
• Steve gave us scrap wood so Hayden could build an additional project of his own design.

Another East Bay parent said, “I am so excited to find out about these kits! I would like to order six kits and make them with my daughter!”

Contact Information

To find out more, please contact Steve Tornallyay, Founder and Director of 9th Street Lab at [email protected].
Order a kit from their website and schedule a safe, curbside pickup. 9thstreetlab.org >>

About 9th Street Lab and what they do when not sheltering in place

When not in lockdown mode, 9th Street Lab in Berkeley offers a regular schedule of hands-on weekend workshops for curious children to build bookshelves, instruments, or creative art that follows their own passions. Children at 9th Street Lab can use all the cool power tools they want to try. The build-at-home kits are an expansion of the in-person workshops.

9th Street Lab was founded on the idea that children have a natural and innate sense of imagination and curiosity about the world. The Lab provides an environment and opportunity that enables children’s creativity and imagination to grow and develop while they learn practical and lifelong skills.