Recently a request come through for a stacking burger toy and could I please make this burger exactly like the McDonald’s Big Mac? Of course I said yes and jumped right on this project. I love a challenge and even more I love sharing the tutorial with you. As a result down below I’ll share how I made this DIY stacking big mac toy.
A DIY tutorial to make a stacking big mac toy. How to create a big mac replica as a stacking burger toy with all the layers and napkin base.
Honestly it looks so real you could almost mistake it for an actual burger right? As far as dimensions go it’s slightly larger than the real big mac (and a wee bit taller too). But it lasts forever , has zero calories and provides way more entertainment.
This stacking burger toy is meant for kids but with all the layering possibilities I think adults might find it fun too! In the photo below that’s an adult sized hand holding the bun. So for kids the size is just right as it’s larger than life but not unmanageable.
Want to see this project really come together? Watch the video below:
And in case you are wondering about the actual layers of a big mac let me refresh your memory. I had to do a little research to be sure I had the layers correct and with much certainty I think I have it correct.
Big Mac layers:
- bottom bun
- special sauce
- onions
- shredded lettuce
- cheese
- patty
- middle bun
- special sauce
- onions
- shredded lettuce
- pickles
- patty
- top bun
This stacking big mac toy has 13 layers! And it wouldn’t be complete without the McDonald’s napkin base. If you have a burger loving kid this might just be the best gift idea ever. It does help that I painted everything a close to real as possible. The shredded lettuce was tricky and the onions are just solid white but details like the sesame seeds are worth every ounce of effort.
Below you will find the complete instructions on how to make a stacking burger toy. Please read through entirely before beginning, watch the video up above and be sure to raid your scrap wood stash for this project.
Click here for printable PDF version of dimensions and pattern templates.
Supplies:
- various thicknesses scrap wood (as listed on plans)
- scroll saw
- sander
- drill & drill bits
- acrylic paints (white for primer)
- DecoArt Duraclear matte sealer
- paint brushes
After cutting the pieces using the template here you need to drill a center hole. Use a 1″ forstner bit which is slightly larger than the 7/8″ post diameter. Then sand all the pieces exceptionally well.
Next prime everything using acrylic white paint. Then sand again for a super smooth finish.
Paint the pieces using DecoArt Americana acrylic paints. Start with a base coat and then move on to different layers for a realistic effect. Lastly seal all the pieces with two coats of DecoArt Duraclear matte poly.
Thanks for joining me for this stacking burger toy project.
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SHOP THIS PROJECT:
Jamie that is the cutest thing ever!
Thank you Susan, it was the most fun to create and paint. I just love fake food 🙂
I love this but could never make one. I don’t have the tools or the know how. Would you ever consider selling? Just curious.
Thanks Coleen. Yes I do custom projects quite often. Switching to email.
how did you shape the top bun and make it rounded over?
Hi Denise, I used a belt sander. First use a band saw or jig saw to slice off bigger chunks and then belt sander to smooth out for a dome look.
I would be interested in getting one of these made as a gift for my niece. Are you still taking custom projects? How do I contact you? Do you have a Etsy shop?
Hi Wendy, Thanks for your interest in the Big Mac stacking toy. My apologies I don’t make them to sell – only have the tutorial posted for inspiration for others.
Enjoy your day!
Tee hee, that’s fantastic. Love it!
Just had a go at making an actual burger like a Big Mac and arrived here whilst finding out what the layer order was. Perfick. It’s acutally counterintuative to have the cheese below the bottom pattie, but there you go!
🙂 Jason
PS. It tasted pretty good
My grandson – whose initials are MAC – will love this toy when he gets it in April of 2023. Pieces are cut out and I am ready to do the painting after Turkey Day. Can you provide a list of the Deco Art colors you chose for your palette? I cannot make them all out from the photo in the instructions and would prefer to start from a reasonable place when I begin. Thanks. Keep up the good work!
Hi Drew, the Deco Art acrylic paint colors are from left to right: dark chocolate, traditional burnet Sienna, warm beige, light buttermilk, cadmium yellow, citron green, light green, Irish moss, evergreen. I hope that helps, good luck with your stacking toy!