A small end or occasional table is always handy to have around. so I decided to make this project and will enter it in the Gorilla glue contest as well.

Step 1: Draw the Design

I just do a rough drawing, saves time, and no need for a CAD program.

Step 2: Gather the Cardboard and Other Materials

From my stock of cardboard (I always replenish my supply as I make things), I select the pieces I will need for the end table.

Step 3: Design Is Transferred to Cardboard

I use a pencil to draw my design. For circle cuts, I use a plate or saucer or any other round object of the correct size. Straight lines are drawn with any available straight edge.

Step 4: Cut Out Pieces

The bandsaw is my main tool for cutting cardboard! Of course, I have scissors, box cutter knives, mat cutters, and my own cutting tool. What ever works, the goal is to make clean cuts that are accurate.

Step 5: Glue Pieces Together As Needed

For the side pieces, I glued 4 pieces of cardboard together. Alternating the "grain" of the cardboard will increase the strength considerably. For the lower shelf, 4 pieces were used as well. For the top, I used 4 layers. The back is made up of two pieces.

Step 6: Test Pieces to See That Your Design Is Valid

Try to put the pieces together to make sure everything lines up properly. With the "dado" groove for the bottom shelf, the pieces should hold together to check alignment.

Step 7: Glue All Pieces for Final Assembly

Glue the project together. I use a T-square as shown to check for squareness, and insure that the piece will be assembled to true square.

Step 8: Finish Edges of Exposed Cardboard.

In this step, I just cut strips of craft paper (actually a grocery bag) that fit the edge exactly. This is glued on and allowed to dry.

Step 9: Choose a Finish for the End Table/Magazine Holder

Any of a number of finishes can be used, depending on the look you want to achieve. Acrylic paints are an excellent choice. Using basic painting techniques, a faux-wood look can be achieved quite easily. Or, you might want to cover it with colored papers, cloth, oil based stain, etc. That choice is up to you!

Introduction: Make Furniture With Cardboard!