Introduction: Cardboard Chair
In this instructable, I show how to make a cardboard chair. This is taken from my book, Amazing Rubber Band Cars (the chair is actually a seat in a life size rubber band powered cardboard car). If you have cardboard, glue and patience, you can make a sturdy (and good looking if you have any artistic ability) chair which will last for years.
Step 1: Template
I have provided a template, but you can make your own if you want to get creative. Remember that you have to cut 76 of these pieces (more if you have a wide posterior).
Step 2: Cut the Pieces
The pieces should look like the template. It is best to rotate the cuts--meaning the "grain" of the cardboard should be alternated with every other piece (corrugation "up" on piece number one, "right" on piece number two, "up" on number three, "right" on four, etc.). If you don't have lots of giant pieces of cardboard, you can use smaller scraps; just be sure to overlap the cuts on adjacent pieces (as indicated in the "a" "b" "c" photo above.
Step 3: Glue
Glue the pieces together--you'll need a lot of glue.
Step 4: Finished Chair
I've had two of these around for over four years--keep them dry (like any fine furniture) and they will serve you well.
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31 Comments
7 years ago
I have no idea where you got all this cardboard...
7 years ago
can you use foam core? which is stronger?
Reply 7 years ago
I would think foam core is stronger--but it really depends on the specific cardboard and specific foam core. Here's an article that shows one type of foam core being much stronger than another brand of foam core. . .
http://flitetest.com/articles/comparing-foam-board
11 years ago on Introduction
i can get all these cardboard free but the glue is expensive
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-your-own-glue/
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
THX!!! haha
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
thank you
7 years ago on Introduction
how many sheets of cardboard does it take?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
It takes 76 cut pieces--so it depends on how big your original piece of cardboard is.
8 years ago on Introduction
I'm working on one but as a rocking chair, I'll update when I have the finished product but for now here are my drawings :)
9 years ago on Introduction
How long did it take you to finish this?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
It took about two weeks--a little each evening after work.
10 years ago on Introduction
I love the wide posterior comment. LOL
11 years ago on Introduction
what glue do you recommend we use?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I used Elmer's white glue--there's a couple of suggestions further down the comment list that you might consider.
11 years ago on Introduction
wow so cool.
11 years ago on Introduction
lol way cool. that is a ton of cardboard.
11 years ago on Introduction
shouldn't you clamp the cutouts after you glued them?
11 years ago on Introduction
What is the most efficient way of cutting the cardboard?
Thanks
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
My favorite cardboard cutting tool is a set of electric scissors (Black & Decker SZ360)