How to Make a Cup Holder for a Car | DIY Guide

The vehicle’s side window must be slightly empty for servers to attach a tray. This provided a makeshift table to hold drinks and food while eating in the automobile. Drink containers can be created from molded pulp, plastic, paperboard, or other materials. The purpose of cup holders is to give people a secure location to put their drinks, whether they are getting a drink from a restaurant that delivers or are driving fast and need spill-proof technology. They are constructed from various materials, including glass, paper, metal, and plastic. Let’s see how to make a cup holder for a car.

How to Make a Cup Holder for a Car

Gather necessary materials. 

You will need the following materials:

• Measuring tape or ruler
• Pencil and paper
• Scissors
• Cardboard or paperboard (corrugated cardboard or chipboard work well)
• Glue (white school glue or glue stick)
• Decorative paper or fabric (optional)
• Clear packing tape (optional)

Measure the cup holder space.   

To measure the cup holder space for a car, you will need a measuring tape or ruler. Follow these steps to measure the space accurately and create a cup holder.

Locate the cup holder space in your car. It may be in the center console, armrest, or a separate compartment. Measure the width of the cup holder space using the measuring tape or ruler from one side of the space to the other, measuring the widest part of the cup holder opening.

Write down the width measurement on a piece of paper. Measure the depth of the cup holder space. Insert the measuring tape or ruler into the cup holder space and measure the distance from the opening to the bottom of the space.

Write down the depth measurement on the same piece of paper. To ensure that the cup holder fits snugly in the space, measure the height of the cup you want to use in the holder.

Place the measuring tape or ruler at the cup’s base and measure the cup’s height. Write down the height measurement on the piece of paper. Use these measurements to create a cup holder that fits perfectly in the space and holds your cup securely.

Read More: How to Remove Sticky Residue from a Car Dashboard

Cut the material to size.   

To cut the material to size for a cup holder, you need the following steps:

Measure the width of the cup holder space in your car using a measuring tape or ruler. 

Write down the width measurement on a piece of paper. Measure the depth of the cup holder space. Insert the measuring tape or ruler into the cup holder space and measure the distance from the opening to the bottom of the space.

Write down the depth measurement on the same piece of paper. Use the measurements to create a paper or cardboard template for the cup holder. Cut out the template using scissors. Place the template onto the corrugated cardboard or chipboard and trace around it with a pencil or pen.

Cut out the cup holder shape from the cardboard or chipboard using scissors or a knife. If using a knife, cut along a straight edge and use a ruler as a guide to ensure straight cuts.

Test the cup holder in the car to ensure it fits properly. If necessary, trim the edges with scissors or a knife to make it fit snugly in the cup holder space.

Drill the holes for the cup holder. 

Drilling holes in a car to make a cup holder is not recommended. This can damage the car and potentially compromise its structural integrity. Instead, other ways exist to create a cup holder without drilling holes.

One option is to create a cup holder inside the existing cup holder space in the car. You can use materials such as cardboard or chipboard to create a cup holder that fits snugly inside the existing space. You can then decorate the cup holder with decorative paper or fabric and use glue to hold it in place.

Another option is to use a cup holder insert that can be purchased at an auto parts store or online. These inserts are designed to fit snugly inside the existing cup holder space and provide a secure hold for cups and other beverages.

Sand the area for the cup holder.   

To make a cup holder for a car, sanding the area where the cup holder will be placed can help to ensure a smooth and clean surface for the cup holder to adhere to. Here are the steps to sand the area for the cup holder:

Locate the area where the cup holder will be placed in your car. This is usually in the center console or the armrest. Clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, or debris.

Allow the area to dry completely. Take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and fold it in half. Hold the folded sandpaper with both hands and gently sand the area where the cup holder will be placed.

Use light pressure and circular motions to sand the surface evenly. Continue sanding the area until it is smooth to the touch. Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean, dry cloth.

Attach the cup holder to the car.   

To attach a cup holder to a car, you can use a few different methods depending on the type of cup holder and the surface it will be attached to. Here are some general steps to follow: 

Clean the surface where the cup holder will be attached with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If necessary, you can use rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is completely clean.

Apply adhesive to the bottom of the cup holder. The adhesive needed will depend on the adhesive type and the cup holder’s size and weight. Carefully position the cup holder on the cleaned surface and press down firmly.

Hold the cup holder for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond. Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the type of adhesive used.

Secure the cup holder with screws.   

Using screws to secure a cup holder to a car is not recommended, as this can potentially damage the car’s interior and compromise its safety.

However, if the cup holder was designed to be secured with screws and you have the proper tools and expertise to do so safely, you can follow these general steps:

Clean the surface where the cup holder will be attached with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If necessary, you can use rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is completely clean.

Position the cup holder on the cleaned surface and mark the location of the screw holes with a pen or pencil. If the cup holder does not already have pre-drilled screw holes, use a drill to create holes in the marked locations. Place screws into the screw holes and use a screwdriver to tighten them securely.

Insert the cup holder into the car.   

To insert a cup holder into a car, you can follow these general steps:

Clean the area where the cup holder will be inserted with a clean cloth to remove dirt or debris. If necessary, you can use rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is completely clean. Check the size and shape of the cup holder to ensure it will fit properly in the car’s existing cup holder space. Position the cup holder into the car’s existing cup holder space, making sure it fits snugly and securely.

Test the cup holder. 

After installing the cup holder in your car, it is important to test it to ensure it is secure and functional. Here are some steps to test the cup holder:

• Place a cup or other beverage container in the cup holder.
• Ensure the container is stable and does not wobble or tip over easily.
• Move the car around by driving or shaking it slightly to test the stability of the cup holder. It functions if the cup holder remains stable and the container does not spill.

If the cup holder is unstable or the container spills, you may need to adjust or reinforce the installation. Follow the appropriate steps to fix the cup holder, such as applying more adhesive or securing it with screws.

Make adjustments to the cup holder.   

If you find that your cup holder needs adjustments after testing, here are some steps you can follow:

Assess the issue with the cup holder. Determine whether it is not stable enough, too loose, or not holding the cup securely. Remove the cup holder from the car and make any necessary modifications to the design or installation.

For example, you may need to add additional padding or reinforcement or adjust the size or shape of the cup holder to better fit the cup or car’s interior. Reinstall the cup holder in the car using the appropriate installation method.

Ensure that it is securely in place and that the modifications have improved the cup holder’s function and stability. Test the cup holder again with a cup or other beverage container. Ensure it is stable and secure and the cup does not wobble or spill when the car is in motion.

Decorate the cup holder. 

• The cup holder can be decorated by using materials:
• Cup holder (cardboard, chipboard, or purchased insert)
• Decorative materials (such as stickers, decals, paint, or fabric)
• Scissors
• Glue or adhesive
• Paintbrushes (if using paint)
• Clean cloth
• lights

My Opinion

One simple option is purchasing a cup holder that fits your car’s existing console or dashboard. You can find many options online or in stores that fit most standard cup sizes.

If you prefer a DIY approach, make a cup holder using foam, fabric, or cardboard. One idea is to cut a piece of foam to the desired size and shape and then cover it with fabric or decorative material. You could attach the cup holder to your car’s console or dashboard with adhesive.