How to Make a Cardboard Ping Pong Paddle

Do you need a new ping-pong paddle, but don’t want to spend the money on it? Well, if you just like playing for fun, then making a paddle out of cardboard can allow you to keep playing without skipping a beat, or having to pay.

Below, I will lay out the steps on how to create this type paddle, and if you follow it carefully, you’ll have a new one for your leisure time ready in no time.

Before that, though, let’s answer a question that I’m sure is lingering on your mind right now.

When Does It Make Sense to Make a Cardboard Ping Pong Paddle?

You might be wondering what types of situations would call for making a cardboard ping-pong paddle. Well, like the one I mentioned at the beginning of this article if you have one that breaks or gets damaged and you don’t want to spend money on another one.

This will allow you to save your money and still be able to play with your family and friends.

Another scenario would be if you throw a party with lots of people.

Maybe someone wants to play with their friends, but you only have enough for a few people. Instead of telling them they can’t play, just make a homemade option that they can use for the night. This won’t take long, but your guest will truly appreciate the effort.

There could also be times when you want to have luxury items, like a high-end or customized paddle, that you don’t want everyone else to use. This can be especially true when young kids are around.

So, instead of sacrificing your paddle for their use, make them their own and allow them to use that one. Plus, they can help you and get a fun craft out of it as well.

How to Make a Ping Pong Paddle Out of Cardboard

There are only a few easy steps needed to make your own ping-pong paddle, and I will discuss each one in detail. You will just need to follow this guide to ensure that you make the paddle correctly so that it can be used without getting ruined.

Step 1: Get All Your Materials

When making a ping-pong paddle, you will need a few materials and tools to start the process. So, you should have them on hand already before you start.

Here is a list of things that you will need for the project:

• Cardboard pieces, or a cardboard box
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape, or craft glue
• One sheet of paper
• A writing utensil (pencils are best)
• PVC tarpaulin or sandpaper

Once you have all of your materials and tools nearby, you can start the crafting process.

Step 3: Create Your Paddle Template

You will want to take your paper and pencil and trace an existing paddle onto the paper. Once you have a clear outline, you will take your scissors and cut it as close to the line as possible.

You only need one, so once you have your template, you can move on.

Step 4: Trace the Template

You will take your template and lay it flat on a piece of cardboard. Then, take your pencil and trace the template just like you did with the ping-pong paddle.

You will need to do this twice, so make sure that you position the template so there is room to have it traced twice. If there isn’t enough room on the piece you have, you’ll need to get another one.

Step 5: Cut the Cardboard

Once you have both templates traced onto the cardboard, you will take the scissors and cut both of them out. Keep the scissors as close to the outside of the line as possible to ensure that both pieces of cardboard are the same size and shape.

Step 6: Tape it Together

Place your double-sided tape or your adhesive to one of the paddles. Lay the other one down on a flat surface, then lay the one with the tape or glue right on top of it. Make sure that the edges line up nicely.

If there is any extra cardboard, cut the small pieces off so that the edges are smooth.

Step 7: Add a Grip

Now that you have the paddle, you just need to add the grip.

Take your sandpaper or PVS tarpaulin and use the paper template again to trace the outline onto the material. Do this twice, then cut them out. Use your glue or tape to attach it to the cardboard on both sides of the paddle.

Remember, only attach this to the playing surface, not the handle.

Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks

When doing this for the first time, you might make some mistakes, but there are some tips to help you avoid them.

When making your paper template, you want to trace the paddle along the bottom part with the pencil at an angle. You don’t want to have the pencil straight in the air and going along the outside of the paddle. This will make it bigger than you need it.

Also, as a tip for first-timers, you want to ensure that the ridges on the cardboard are long ways when you are creating the paddle. This will make it stronger. You could also choose to add reinforcement by adding another layer of cardboard to the build.

Summary

Now that you have all the information you need to make a ping-pong paddle in a pinch, you don’t have to worry about running out during a party again.

Just use these easy steps whenever you need to and you’ll have extra paddles to go around.