From the page: Cardboard holds up to far more than just one more move
Idea 9
Structural table or stool
Architects and designers have used cardboard as a structural material since the 1970s, when they discovered that tubes and layered panels hold surprising loads — designer Frank Gehry became a reference with entire furniture sets made of stacked cardboard. The secret lies in the arrangement of the internal flutes: each flute "tube" works as a column, and well-positioned, glued columns support weight far beyond what a loose sheet ever could.
What you need
- 6 to 10 double-wall cardboard boxes (the thickest ones, from deliveries or appliances)
- Utility knife with a fresh blade and cutting surface
- White glue or hot glue in abundance
- Long ruler or square for straight cuts
- Masking tape
- A weight (books or a brick) to press the layers while drying
How to make it
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1
Break down the boxes and cut large panels, always with the flutes running VERTICALLY — that's how they become mini columns and hold weight; lying down, they crush easily.
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2
Cut strips about 10 cm wide and roll each one tightly onto itself, forming compact "rolls," securing them with glue — these rolls will be the legs and the internal structure of the piece.
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3
Build four legs of rolls glued side by side (a "battery" of rolls per corner) and press them firmly while drying, because the rigidity comes from the group, not the individual roll.
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4
For the top, overlap three or four panels glued with the flutes crossed between layers — crossing the directions keeps the piece from warping (twisting or rippling) over time.
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5
Glue the top onto the legs and reinforce each joint with cardboard triangles on the inner corners: these reinforcements work as braces, locking the structure against lateral wobble.
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6
Let it dry for 24 hours with a weight on top before testing it by sitting — the glue needs to harden all the way through, not just at the surface.
Finishing touches
a low stool with a 4 cm top of crossed panels comfortably holds a seated adult; for finishing, apply a coat of glue diluted in water, which hardens the surface and allows painting later.
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