Building a Chipboard Structure

Arrange the chipboard pieces in their finished positions before applying glue.

Use the project recipe to confirm which walls attach first and whether each piece sits on top of the base, beside another piece, or between adjoining walls.

Check that the edges meet cleanly and that every piece is facing the correct direction.

Follow the order listed in the project recipe. Apply glue to the edge of the first wall that will touch the base, then position it carefully.

Use a small square or a rigid block with a true 90-degree corner to hold the wall upright while the glue begins to set.

Attach the opposite wall and check that the two walls are aligned and parallel.

Apply glue to the bottom edge of each remaining wall and to the ends that will meet the walls already in place.

Position each wall carefully, pressing the adjoining edges together so the corners meet cleanly.

Continue supporting the walls with square blocks, low-tack tape, or gentle hand pressure as needed while the glue begins to hold.

Before the glue sets, check that each wall is upright and that adjoining walls meet at right angles.

Use a small square to check the corners. Confirm that opposite walls are parallel and that the structure is not twisted or leaning.

Make any adjustments while the glue is still wet.

Wipe away any excess glue from the inside and outside seams before it dries.

Leave the square supports or low-tack tape in place until the walls can stand securely on their own. Make sure the supports are not pushing the structure out of alignment.

Allow the structure to dry before reinforcing the corners or wrapping it with fabric.