From the page: The tube that holds infinite possibilities
Idea 8
Structural table or stool
The physics of compression is generous to cardboard: a closed tube holds a lot of vertical load — engineers have even used cardboard structures in famous designer furniture. When the tubes work "standing up," each one becomes a column, and several columns together form a firm, lightweight base.
What you need
- 6 to 12 cardboard tubes of the same diameter (for the body)
- A top: crate wood, a plank or several layers of glued cardboard
- White glue (lots) or contact cement
- A rigid base for the floor
- Masking tape to hold during drying
- Craft knife and ruler
How to make it
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1
Cut all the tubes to the same height (35 cm for a stool, 40 to 45 cm for a low table) — equal height keeps the top from wobbling, which is the biggest risk of a shaky piece.
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2
Join the tubes into a circle or compact block, gluing the sides to each other — the closer they are, the more weight the set holds, because the load is divided among all the columns.
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3
Hold everything with masking tape and let it dry for 24 hours — patience here is worth more than extra glue.
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4
Secure the rigid base underneath and the top on top, with generous glue over the entire contact area — the large top ties the columns together and keeps them from tilting sideways.
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5
Reinforce the top with two or three crossed layers of glued cardboard if it's made only of cardboard — the crossed fibers of each layer support each other, creating a much more rigid panel.
Finishing touches
A layer of paint or kraft paper glued on the top hides the joints and gives it a store-bought finish. For benches under constant use, avoid moisture: keep the piece away from wet areas and direct sunlight.
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