How to Build a Cardboard Dome
Geodesic domes are made from isosceles and equilateral triangles joined together to form a rounded shape. You can recycle cardboard boxes to make a really big dome or poster board for smaller ones. Large domes can be used as shelter from the sun and wind for music festivals, days on the beach or playroom features for children. The domes can even be waterproofed if coated with primer and paint. The domes require three people to assemble, so bring some friends.
Things You'll Need
- Extra-large corrugated cardboard boxes (double-layered is recommended)
- Wooden cutting board
- Measuring tape
- Craft knife
- Pencils
- Ruler
- White glue
- Duct tape
- Knee pads (optional)
- Lumber (optional)
- Drill and bit (optional)
- Nuts and bolts (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut out five equilateral triangles with sides that are 48 inches long. Measure the sides of the triangle and use the pencil to mark them out. Cut along the ruler for a straight edge. Use the cutting board to prevent damage to your working surface.
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2
Draw 30 isosceles triangles that have two sides 42 3/4 inches long. Add 2 extra inches to two sides, to serve as tabs, to bring them up to 44 3/4 inches. The third side will be 48 inches long. Mark out the triangles and cut them on the cutting board. Use the ruler to get a straight edge.
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3
Bend the cardboard tabs on the 30 isosceles triangle at a 90-degree angle to the rest of the triangle.
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4
Make six pentagons out of the isosceles triangles, using five for each one. Use the tabs to glue the triangles together with the two short sides touching and the long 48-inch side forming the outside perimeter edge. Reinforce the strength of each pentagon by duct taping the triangles together on the outside. Leave the pentagons to dry.
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5
Tape five of the pentagons together in a circle. Only one point will be touching. Tape the five equilateral triangles into the spaces left at the top, above where the pentagons join. Leave the bottom triangles open for doorways.
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6
Attach the final pentagon to the top. Glue the tabs to the adjoining triangles on the inside, and tape the whole structure with duct tape on the outside for the final touches on your dome sweet dome.
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Tips & Warnings
Make a template of the triangles so you don't have to measure each one. Simply cut around your template to get the triangles all the same size.
Tape the template triangle edges to prevent fraying and paper cuts.
Use knee pads to alleviate strain if you're cutting the triangles on the ground.
Make a bending board by drilling a hole through two pieces of lumber. Join them with nuts and bolts. Place the cardboard between the lumber and tighten the bolts. Bend the cardboard up along the tab line. The cardboard bender will make it easier to bend all the cardboard pieces.
You can reinforce the doorway triangles with wood for a sturdier structure.
You can also put lighting and a tarp inside for increased comfort.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
