Toddler Chair From Fountain Soda Syrup Box

Kids like having things of their own and this was a perfect project to make a happy toddler.

This chair was inexpensive, durable, and easy to make. I created this chair to recycle a box that I saved. Because these boxes are so sturdy, it was perfect. So, if you like being creative, can handle a utility knife, scissors, a marker pen, & a ruler, then you can provide your toddler with this easy to make chair. Add your own special touches to personalize this chair as a wonderful gift!

Thanks, and have fun!

Step 1: Acquire the Required Items...

Things you will need

*- Post Mix Box (Soda Syrup Box) used for fountain soda syrup, like at your local convenience store.
*- Scissors
*- Box Cutter or Utility Knife
*- Packaging Tape
*- Self-Adhesive Contact Paper (may need 2 rolls depending on if you want to match the pattern) Available at some Dollar Stores
*- White Glue (School Glue, or Elmer's type)
*- Marker Pen
*- Extra Cardboard from a different sturdy box

Please take care using any sharp knives, cutters, and scissors. These should be used by adults in a responsible manner. If your child wants to help, help them learn with your guidance and supervision.

Step 2: Mark Your Box for Cuts and Scoring the Fold Lines

Follow the suggested marks for the chair arms, seat, and back.
These measurements are shown in the pictures.

If you mark the lines that are for folding with a dashed line, you will be less likely to accidentally cut all the way through the box. Use your ruler to make straight lines and even sections.

Step 3: Create the Back of the Chair

After marking the lines from the previous step, cut on the marked lines, and score (lightly cut through ONLY the Thin layer of cardboard. Be sure not to cut all the way through the cardboard.

Push the sections from the box so that the cut out section becomes the back of the chair. If your box has a third inner layer, score that layer along the front of the seat and fold it down and inward.

Step 4: Cut Strips of Cardboard for Seat Support

Measure and cut 4" strips of cardboard. You will need several of these. Add more if you want to give your chair extra seat support. Be sure that the lines of the cardboard strips are VERTICAL when put in place inside the chair.

Step 5: Glue Seat Support Inside Chair

Fold the strips into "V" shapes then generously glue them to the inside bottom of the chair. Arrange them so that they are placed closely and give good support.

You can also form the "V" shapes and double them by gluing them into layers before gluing them to the inside bottom of the chair.

Step 6: Glue Seat Flap to Seat Support

If you had the extra Third layer of cardboard in your box, and have scored it for folding over onto the seat, This is where you GLUE the flap down onto the Seat Support "V" shapes that you already glued in place.

If necessary, use something heavy to hold the flap down and in place until the glue holds it in place. I used a 5lb weight from my exercise equipment.

Lift the CHAIR BACK, measure and Fold another piece of cardboard so that it fits the width and height of your CHAIR BACK. This will vary a bit with each chair since the boxes are not always the exact same size.

Apply Glue on all surfaces within the folds and also the inside of the CHAIR BACK flaps, then assemble the piece of cardboard that you cut, inside the CHAIR BACK. Be sure that the CHAIR BACK SUPPORT cardboard is cut so that the lines of the cardboard are VERTICAL so the back is strong and will resist bending if you make sure the lines are VERTICAL.

Step 7: Reinforce the Seat Back

Lay the chair on its side. Squeeze GLUE down into the sides of the CHAIR BACK. Do this on both sides of the chair.

Press the layers together and tape together at each side. Don't squeeze the layers together to tightly or you will lose the slight slant of the chair back.  You want to keep a bit of an incline to make the chair comfortable. The back should feel secure and strong at this point.

Step 8: Add Arm Support and Finish Seat

Measure and cut cardboard from another box to fit the width and depth of the seat. Include in the width the inside height of the chair ARMS (measure from the top of the "V" seat  supports, to the top of the Chair ARMS)

Score and fold the cardboard to fit down the arm, across the seat, and up the other arm. Allow about 1 1/2 inch to both sides, score and fold outward.

After testing the fit, glue into place. The 1 1/2 inch on each side will slide into place just under the arms of the chair. Glue all areas into place. Use tape if needed to keep in place as glue sets. This will support and close off the open areas under the chair arms.

Step 9: Cover Any Openings in Box (optional)

If you still have openings in your box, glue cardstock or thin cardboard to cover any openings in the box, or to cover any areas that aren't smooth. You can just use tape to cover these areas if you want.

I glued cardstock over both chair arms and over the sides of the chair back to make it a smoother surface before adding the self-adhesive contact paper.

Step 10: Cover Arms and Sides of Chair

Starting with the sides of the chair, lay your self-adhesive contact paper along and across the arms of the chair, down the back and front using the lines on the backing as a guide.

You may want to cut a slit in corners where the contact paper needs to fold around corners.

Measure extra so that the contact paper will overlap onto the bottom of the chair, the seat, sides and back of the chair.

Step 11: Secure the Contact Paper

Check the Self-Adhesive Contact paper on each surface being sure that it is smoothed down. Use tape in corners to strengthen or secure if needed.

Step 12: Cover Seat, Front, & Back

Measure and Cut Self-Adhesive Contact paper to fit Up the CHAIR BACK, down the SEAT BACK, Across the SEAT, and down the front of the CHAIR, in ONE piece if possible. Use the guide lines on the backing of the paper to help keep the lines straight.

Remove paper backing and smooth paper into place.

Step 13: Cover Chair Sides and Back

Measure and Cut Self-Adhesive Contact paper to fit the sides of the chair. Remove backing and smooth paper into place.

If back is still partially uncovered, Measure and Cut Self-Adhesive Contact paper to fit the back of the chair. Remove backing and smooth paper into place.

Step 14: Secure With Tape and Finish!

To keep the Self-Adhesive Contact paper from coming loose at the edges, seal with tape. Tape the bottom of the chair especially since the chair will get moved around by your toddler.

Also, tape any other seams that may get high wear and tear. Clear box packaging tape is perfect for this task.

Step 15: FINISHED!

Congratulations!

You now have a wonderful chair for your toddler!

Get creative and try different colorful patterns of Self-Adhesive Paper to match your child's favorite theme or room decor!

I hope you enjoyed this instructable!