So you wanna make a mug exchange? Here's how to make this one!

Safety reminder: Tie back long hair and protect your eyes and ears when using power tools! And protect your lungs if you’re not in a well-ventilated space.

Here’s the video version of this tutorial!

SUPPLIES/CUT LIST

The back of the exchange and the steam are cut from 3/4” plywood. You’ll need one 2x4 sheet to cut both out of.
The sides are 1x6s. You’ll need ~6 feet
The handle is 2x4s and you’ll need 30” of it (so I’d recommend 3’ for errors).
5 hooks (here are the ones I used)
outdoor-rated paint
INSTRUCTIONS:
First draw the overall mug shape onto 3/4" plywood. See below for the plan with all the measurements and angles!
Cut the shape out. I used a circular saw but you can also use a jigsaw if you have a steady hand. Trace and cut out the steam from the 3/4” plywood as well.
Cut the sides using the 1x6 board. You will need to make a few angled cuts. I find my miter saw easiest for this step.
Cut the 2x4 into the handle pieces and then attach them together. Predrill holes before you put in the screws to prevent splitting the wood.
Almost all the pieces of the sides can be screwed together simply... except the tricky corner where the mug flares out. For that I recommend a pocket hole... or glue if you don't have a pocket hole tool. Speaking of glue, I use a combo of wood glue and screws to attach all the pieces.
Once you have the sides attached, flip it over and screw the back to the sides
- Tip: I always predrill the holes so I don't split the wood
Now you'll want to attach the handle pieces together and attach the handle to the mug.
Caulk all the seams and let dry.
Finally do a few coats of outdoor-rated paint! To get the circular lettering on the back, I used a large dinner plate as a guide.
Pre-drill some holes and put in the hooks. Don’t make the mistake I did and get short hooks. They need to not only a wide enough hook to hold a variety of mug handles but also need to stick out far enough from the exchange to accommodate half a mug’s width. Here are the ones I used.
Attach the steam by screwing up through the top of the exchange into the bottom of the steam.
Install the whole thing on a 2x4 post (video + tutorial on setting a post coming soon!).

And there you have it! Your very own mug exchange! Let the trading begin.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like me to demonstrate a simpler exchange shape.

If you’re interested to purchase a Mug Exchange instead of building one, please fill out this form.

I hope this plan is helpful and you’re able to create your own mug exchange. If you have any questions, please let me know! And as always, if you have or make a joyful spot like this Mug Swap, I’d love to have you on the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!