How to Make a Cardboard Coffin

If you want to make your house or yard extra-spooky this Halloween, why not construct a coffin out of cardboard? This is a great way to show your seasonal spirit, and maybe even scare some of your friends. Read on to learn how to make a cardboard coffin.

Cardboard coffins are extremely cheap to make, but if you construct them well they will not look cheap. They are simple to put together, and only require a few materials. This is a great project for the whole family to do together, and kids will enjoy building the spooky Halloween coffin and then admiring their handiwork once the work is finished.

Step 1: What You Need for Your Cardboard Coffin

Here are the materials you will need to acquire to get started:

Cardboard boxes (refrigerator boxes work well)
Masking tape or packing tape
Black spray paint
Red and silver spray paints for embellishment, if desired
Stencils for designs or lettering (optional)
Box Cutters or exacto knife

Step 2: Constructing Your Coffin

Lay box(es) out flat
Measure the length--you will want 7 feet or so if a person will be inside
Fold up the box(es) to form a long rectangle about 3 feet in width
Cut, fold and tape the boxes at the "head" end to resemble a coffin shape
Use tape to secure the entire shape
Use your box cutter or exacto knife to cut out a lid
Secure the lid on one side by using tape on inside and outside of box
Spray paint the entire outside of the coffin black
Use stencils to create words or designs, if desired
Spray the inside red, black or silver http://www.ehow.com/how_4840071_build-coffin-out-cardboard.htmlhttp://familycrafts.about.com/od/hauntedhouse/a/makeacoffin.htm

Step 3: Setting Up Your Coffin

Once you have your coffin built, let the paint dry overnight. Keep it in a well-ventilated area to avoid fumes. As soon as it is completely dry, you are ready to put it to use!

Set your coffin up in a space where it will not be kicked or tripped over, and keep it away from any candles, open flames, or electrical wiring. Once it is set up, you may want to have some fun with it by dressing as a zombie or a mummy and scaring your friends and family by jumping out at them when they enter the room!