How to Build a Cardboard Model House

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Stiff sheets of cardboard

  • Paint

  • Sealant

  • Flat drawing board

  • T-square

  • Drafting pencils

  • Sharp hobby knife

  • Metal straightedge

  • Cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive

  • Cardstock

Building a cardboard house from scratch may seem like a big project for a beginner, but a sound blueprint and the right plan can make this much easier. Start with a stiff sheet of cardboard and finish with a realistic-looking house in just a few hours.

Advertisement

Step 1

Create a blueprint for your model home. Draw your plan out one piece at a time on paper and then draft it in exact scale onto the cardboard sheets. Include doors, windows, chimneys and other details that must be cut into the cardboard.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Use a metal straightedge and hobby knife to begin cutting the pieces of the house out of the cardboard. You may need to use several different types of blades to cut the cardboard effectively. Cut out the doors and windows as well.

Advertisement

Step 3

Glue the sides and roof of the house together using CA adhesive. Thoroughly coat each edge with CA and then hold the joint together with your hand for a minute to allow the adhesive to set.

Advertisement

Step 4

Spray or coat the house with sealant and then paint it. Score simulated siding into the cardboard after the paint has dried; otherwise the paint may soak into the inside of the cardboard, rendering it useless.

Advertisement

Step 5

Cut detail pieces out of cardstock and glue them to the structure. These can include doors, windows, shutters, siding or other details that cannot be cut out of cardboard. You may want to paint these pieces before attaching them for simplicity.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

resources