by Noreen Doll.
When you find a cardboard box that is just the right size for an item you want to store, it’s handy to know how to make a cardboard box sturdier so that it will last a long time.
I have found that simple things like glue and Mod Podge really do a good job of making a very sturdy cardboard box.
Boxes frequently have weak spots, and these can easily be remedied with some glue and another piece of cardboard.
Supplies.
Glue
Pieces of Cardboard or Other Boxes That Can Be Cut Up
Scissors
Ruler or Yard Stick
Sharp Craft Knife
Pencil
How to Make a Cardboard Box Sturdier.
1. The first thing I do is examine the box for any 2 pieces of cardboard that lie next to each other.
Even though there may be some glue holding the pieces together, I try to add enough more to really fill the gap.
2. Gently hold the cardboard pieces apart and pour enough white Elmers Glue between them to allow the pieces to be glued together.
Put this glued side on wax paper on the floor and put something heavy on top of the glued part (with more wax paper between the weight and the box).
I use canned goods or books as weights.
The wax paper will collect any excess glue or dampness from the glue and protect the floor.
I like to let it dry several hours or overnight before I do the other end of the box and the bottom.
3. Glue the inside bottom flaps to the box bottom.
Use a weight to hold the bottom down for an hour or so until it is adhered.
If there is a space between the inside bottom flaps, you can cut a piece of cardboard to the size of the space and glue it in, so cardboard is glued all the way across the bottom.
If you have cut the flaps off the box, often one of the flaps can be easily made to fit in this space.
The cracks between the cardboard pieces aren’t big enough to be a problem.
This box holds reams of computer paper, and the ends of it are not very sturdy at the top.
For this fix, I cut a piece of cardboard from another box scrap to fit the upper part.
And then I glued it in place.
Allow the box to dry overnight before covering the box with paper.
My next tutorial will show how to make a faux wood crate using these cardboard boxes, like those pictured above.
Noreen Doll
Stella Lee@ Purfylle says
Now this is so clever! I’ve often thought a box was a good size but not strong enough and it never even occurred to me make it stronger. This project is a perfect match for our Two Uses Tuesday linky I’d love you to add it!
I can’t wait to see how you prettied them up to look like crates!
LHeure Bleue At Home says
That is a really handy tip as I frequently have to mail out fragile items! Thanks for sharing.
Cathy says
What a great tutorial for strengthening those boxes to last forever. I love your explanation. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Jann Olson says
What a clever idea! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Debbie Reaves says
What a smart idea. Thanks for sharing!
Nina Lewis says
I have never thought of reinforcing cardboard boxes like this! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing at Grandma Ideas Sharing Time link up.
Nina
Claire says
Cool idea here 🙂
Thanks for sharing,,,
angie says
love it what a great idea
Brittany says
What a great tip! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
tammy srtand says
Hello I recently purchased a hat box w/lid that strenthed with a glue gun. My plan is to put it on a smaller pedestal and use it as a night stand. I need it to beable to with stand a lamp about about 10lbs. my plan is to build up the inside using card board . top, middle, and bottom as filler with tape and glue for sturdyness. what else can I do to stiffin the outside other than the wallpaper or material and modepod.
Noreen says
That sounds like a fun idea. I think you will find that using Mod Podge or white glue between all places where there are 2 pieces of cardboard together, and then Mod Podging the whole outside, it should be pretty sturdy. I usually do about 3 layers of Mod Podge, allowing them to dry in between. Perhaps you could also put some sort of support inside the box – between the lid and the box bottom.