How to Make a Desk With Cardboard Boxes for the Home

If you live in a dorm room's limited space or share a cramped study spot with siblings, fitting a desk into the area can be nearly impossible. Instead of struggling with a pre-constructed particle board desk, opt to instead construct one from cardboard. While this material may not seem like a prime choice, cardboard is lightweight and can be very sturdy if manipulated correctly. So push that old desk into the hallway and conserve space with a compact cardboard replacement.

2-foot-tall cardboard box
3-foot-tall cardboard box
Packing tape
Corrugated cardboard sheeting
Utility knife
Hot glue
Cereal boxes
Plastic cups

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the opening flaps from your 2-foot and 3-foot cardboard boxes.
- 2
  Flip both boxes over and tape their bottoms securely closed with packing tape.
- 3
  Measure diagonally across the bottom of your 2-foot box from the bottom right corner to the upper left corner.
- 4
  Cut two pieces of scrap cardboard to the measured width and 2 feet long. For instance, if the diagonal measures 14 inches, you need two cardboard pieces 14 inches wide and 2 feet long.
- 5
  Cut a 1-foot slit lengthwise down the center of each 2-foot cardboard sheet.
- 6
  Slide the slits together to form an X.
- 7
  Fit the X inside the 2-foot box. It should fit snugly.
- 8
  Create a similar X for your 3 foot box. These Xs are the supports for your desk.
- 9
  Draw a zig-zag of hot glue over one of the sides of your 2-foot box and press the 3-foot box into it, securing the two together. This creates a low seat for you to sit on with your legs facing front. To write, turn to the side to reach the elevated desk top.
- 10
  Cut cereal boxes in half and reserve the bottoms.
- 11
  Glue the shallow boxes and plastic cups around the upper edge of your 3-foot box. They will be holders for desk supplies, notes and lightweight notebooks. Allow all hot glue to dry overnight.

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