Stable Card House With 3D-Printed Cheat Inserts

Ever tried building a card house only to watch it tumble after the second story? This project will fix that.

Using a custom-designed 3D-printed insert, you can lock playing cards into place, stack multiple stories with ease, and create amazing card structures—no shaky hands or sudden disasters.

In this guide, you’ll download the STL file, 3D print the insert pieces, and assemble your own rock-solid card house. Perfect for game nights, photo projects, or simply showing off your tallest card tower ever.

Standard playing cards

STL file for the 3D-printed card insert (https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/card-house-stacking-cheat-inserts)

3D printer

Filament (PLA or PETG)

Slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio)

Computer with internet access

Go to the provided download link for the STL files (https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/card-house-stacking-cheat-inserts).

Save the file to your computer in an easy-to-find location.

Unzip the file if it’s in a compressed folder (.zip).

Open your slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.).

Import the STL files and clone the parts as much as you wish.

Set your print settings:

1. Layer height: 0.2 mm
2. Nozzle: 0.4 mm
3. No support and no brim

Preview the sliced model to ensure no errors.

Export the G-code file to your SD card or send it directly to your printer.

Load your chosen filament into the 3D printer.

Start the print using the sliced G-code file.

Carefully remove the pieces from the print bed.

Place your first two cards into the insert slots so they stand firmly.

Add a horizontal “roof” card on top.

Continue stacking more insert pieces and cards, creating multiple stories.

Snap a picture of your tallest build and share it with friends (or on Instructables!).

Challenge yourself to see just how many stories you can stack before gravity finally wins.