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Build custom furniture

Build custom furniture
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Design and build a small custom shelf or stool from cardboard or simple wood pieces, measure, assemble with adult help, then decorate it.

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Step-by-step guide to build custom furniture

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Amazing furniture DIY using cardboard Very simple and easy crafts |Cardboard furniture craft at home

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard sheets or small wood pieces, cutting tool for cardboard or wood (adult use), glue, masking tape, paint and colouring materials, paintbrush, pencil, ruler or measuring tape, sandpaper (if using wood), screws or nails (if using wood)

Step 1

Pick whether you will build a small shelf or a stool.

Step 2

Decide how tall and wide it should be and write down the measurements.

Step 3

Draw a simple plan showing the front and side views and label each measurement.

Step 4

Measure and mark the shapes on your cardboard or wood using the ruler and pencil.

Step 5

Ask an adult to cut the marked pieces along your lines with the right cutting tool.

Step 6

If you used wood, ask an adult to help sand the edges until they are smooth.

Step 7

Dry-fit the cut pieces together to check that they line up and make any small pencil marks to adjust.

Step 8

Apply glue along the joints and press the pieces together firmly.

Step 9

Use masking tape to hold glued joints in place while the glue dries.

Step 10

If your project is wood, ask an adult to fasten the joints with screws or nails for extra strength.

Step 11

Decorate your shelf or stool with paint and colouring materials and allow it to dry completely.

Step 12

Test the stability with an adult present and make any small fixes if something feels wobbly.

Step 13

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of wood or cardboard if those are hard to find?

If you can't find wood or strong cardboard, use double-layered corrugated cardboard or foam-core board and follow the 'measure and mark' and 'apply glue along the joints' steps while asking an adult to cut thicker material with a craft knife.

What should we do if the pieces don't line up during the dry-fit step?

If pieces don't line up during the 'dry-fit' step, make small pencil adjustment marks, sand or trim the edges (with adult help), then re-fit and use masking tape or clamps to hold joints straight while the glue dries.

How can this activity be adapted for younger or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult pre-cut cardboard pieces and let them draw the plan, assemble with masking tape, and decorate, while older kids can do full 'measure and mark', cut wood with supervision, sand edges, and fasten joints with screws.

How can we personalize or strengthen the finished shelf or stool?

To personalize and strengthen the project, add extra shelves or decorative panels in your 'draw a simple plan', sand and paint during 'decorate', attach felt pads under legs, and reinforce joints with screws before the final 'test the stability'.

Watch videos on how to build custom furniture

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DIY Modern Chair for Indoors or Out | Super Easy Build!

4 Videos

Facts about woodworking for kids

🎨 A fresh coat of paint, stencils, or decoupage can turn a plain shelf or stool into a bright, personalized masterpiece.

🪑 Ancient stools are among the oldest furniture—Egyptian stools over 5,000 years old have been found in tombs.

📦 Cardboard gets much stronger when folded or layered; designers sometimes make entire chairs and shelves from corrugated board.

🪵 Plywood is made by gluing thin wood veneers with grains at right angles, which gives it extra strength and resistance to warping.

📏 Woodworkers say “measure twice, cut once” because small measurement mistakes are the most common cause of wasted materials.

How do you build a small custom shelf or stool with your child?

Start by sketching a simple shelf or stool design and have your child measure the desired height and width. Choose cardboard or softwood and mark cut lines. Adults should handle cutting and drilling; children can sand edges, fit pieces, and help with glue or screws under supervision. Assemble with wood glue and clamps or strong tape for cardboard, then let kids paint or decorate. Test weight and stability together before use.

What materials do I need to make a cardboard or simple wood shelf or stool?

You’ll need cardboard sheets or basic wood boards (pine or plywood), a tape measure, pencil, ruler, sandpaper, child-safe paint or markers, wood glue and clamps (or hot glue for cardboard), screws and a screwdriver or small drill (for adult use), utility knife or saw (adult use), protective goggles, and a sanding block. Optional items include stickers, stencils, brushes, and a clear sealant. Keep a work mat and first-aid kit nearby.

What ages is building simple furniture suitable for?

This activity suits children ages 5 to 12, with roles adjusted for age. Ages 5 to 7 can design, measure with help, paint, and decorate while adults handle cutting and heavy fastening. Ages 8 to 12 can measure more independently, sand, hold pieces, and assist with assembly under supervision. Teenagers can use basic tools with guidance. Always supervise tool use and adapt tasks to each child’s motor skills and attention span.

What safety tips should parents know when making a small shelf or stool with kids?

Always supervise and set clear tool rules: adults should handle cutting, sawing, and drilling. Provide safety gear—goggles, dust masks, and closed-toe shoes. Keep a clean workspace, clamp pieces before cutting, and explain safe tool handling. Use blunt scissors and child-safe adhesives for younger kids. Dry-fit joints first, test stability before use, store sharp tools out of reach, and keep a first-aid kit handy. Pause the project if a child seems tired or distracted.
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Build custom furniture. Activities for Kids.