Build a modest-cost-Friendly Industrial Shelf Using PVC Pipe

The steps below follow the order of the work for this furniture project.

I love the industrial style that is so popular right now! And as an added bonus, many industrial looks are straightforward to knock-off with a trip to the hardware store. The problem? All those metal pipes and fittings are pricey! So when today’s guest submitted this solid way to Handmade the industrial look for way less, I jumped at the chance to share it with you!   

How does the price compare? A 10-foot length of pipe costs between $4 and $20 (for electrical conduit up to copper, black, and steel pipe) and each flange/fitting will set you back around $2. Compare that to around $2 for 10 feet of PVC pipe and 50 cents for each joint (or less if you buy in bulk), and the savings add up substantially! (The prices may vary a bit geographically, but across the board, PVC is nicer to your modest-cost than metal pipe, and the savings more than offset the cost of the spray paint!) Here’s Corey to show you how to create an solid, custom industrial shelf without using up your kids college fund:

 Handmade Industrial Shelf Using PVC Pipe
by Corey of Sawdust 2 Stitches

Hey all, this is Corey visiting from  “Sawdust 2 Stitches”. I am quite certain I have a problem… You see, I will look at a space and start to brainstorm options. Innocent enough, right? Well, the only problem with an innocent brainstorm is that it typically turns into a full scale, category 5, hurricane. Undoubtedly, I will be up to my elbows in paint at 3 a.m. (If you are nodding your head in agreement, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.)

Today I’d like to share with you one such project.

I was sitting on the floor, staring at this wall. Not exaggerating. (If something bugs me, I will sit and stare at it until I figure out what is “off” and then come up with a solution.)

  Granted, this space wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t great, it was just, blah. It lacked the “wow factor”.

 My first option was something like this…

vivid right ? Well, for $5,998.04 at “Nuevo Living” it better be vivid! (Can you believe that is the “Special Price”?) Since I don’t just have that chunk of change collecting dust, I needed to find an alternative solution.

At that particular point in time I had been on a little bit of a P.V.C. pipe kick and had some leftover material from my “Light Fixture” and “Bed Canopy”. So, I marched downstairs to the garage and returned with my bucket of PVC. After playing with a few different possibilities, I was able to create some dimensions I liked. The rest is history. Right around 3 a.m. I was crawling into bed with this solid shelf sitting in my upstairs hallway.

So if you have a “problem area” this may be just what you need, and here is what you will need to do it:

Tools Required:

• Rubber Mallet
• Sand Paper
• Saw (I would suggest a Miter Saw)
• Drill
• 1″ Paddle Bit
• Sander (Suggested)

Materials Needed:

• Spray Primer
• Metallic Spray Paint
• Stain
• 2×10 wood planks (Amount varies by project size)
• 3/4″ PVC pipe (Amount varies by project size)
• “T” PVC Joints (Amount varies by project size)

P.V.C. pipe is solid. Why?

1. It’s low-cost!
2. Adaptable to nearly any space or design.
3. Again, it’s low-cost! (In my book that should count twice.)

Overall this is a fairly inexpensive, straightforward do-it-yourself project!

Bad news? You will need to create your own personal blueprint to accommodate your space.

 This project is about 75% prep work…

Step 1: Think it through

Take the time to map out your dimensions! Unfortunately the whole “measure twice, cut once” logic applies. Once dimensions are established you can get started!

Step 2: Sand

Using a piece of “fine” grit sand paper scuff up the entire exterior of the PVC pipes, joints, and elbows.

Step 3: Cut

Using a miter saw cut the PVC down to predetermined measurements.

Step 4: Prime

I began by putting together my brackets. (It’s easier to spray them this way.) When priming I HIGHLY suggest using a gray spray primer. It quickly and evenly coats the pipe. Added bonus: Since it is already primed a darker color, it will make top coating much easier.

Step 5: Paint 

I used Rustoleum’s Oil Rubbed Bronze. (Remember several light coats, as opposed to one heavy coat. This way you avoid drips!) Next, exercise patience and let it dry COMPLETELY.  

Step 6: Prep Wood Planks

While the PVC pipes are drying, get started on the wood plank shelves.

For the shelves I used 2×10’s, in varying lengths. (You will need to adjust the length of the shelves to fit your own needs.)

I used a 1″ paddle bit to drill holes that would allow the PVC to fit through it.

Step 7: Sand and Stain Wood Planks

Sand the boards and then stain them. (I used Jacobean by Minwax.)

Step 8: Assemble!

This was my go-to part, assembling the puzzle! This is when your blueprint will come in handy.

Slowly but surely it started to come together. Might I suggest using a rubber mallet? Sometimes making the pieces fit together required a little “finesse.”

Final step:

Breathe straightforward, you’re done! I love that it is totally and completely customized! It creates that old-meets-modern feel of the industrial pipe shelving for a fraction of the cost!

So step back, open a can of cold Diet Coke and admire your new shelf!

Take luck, Corey

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memorable, Corey! Such a great way to get the look while saving some cash.

Head over to Sawdust 2 Stitches to look at Corey’s other projects, such as her industrial-style suspended shelves, $4 faux metal industrial signs, crib mattress porch swing, or the solid indoor fort she built for her boys! And you Bekob will love the space she calls her “craft room” — go pay her a visit!

READER FEATURE: Uncookie Cutter was inspired by Corey and built an industrial PVC shelf to work as a mantel on her brick fireplace wall — and it hides her TV cords, too!

Looking for more ways to create the industrial look on a modest-cost?

Pallets and reclaimed wood are a good place to start:

And Just A Girl teaches you how to get that Restoration Hardware wood finish!

Browse around the hardware store (or craft store) for supplies like L angles

chain

cement/concrete

diamond plate panels

electrical conduit (the cheapest metal pipe material)

or industrial style lights like we attached to our rustic wall shelves in our office organization makeover. 

And don’t forget to watch for a good upcycle candidate, like this music stand tripod lamp!