Turn PVC Pipes Into A Creative Storage Shelving Unit With A Simple DIY

PVC pipes are an affordable material commonly used for plumbing and irrigation, but there are many handy ways to repurpose extra PVC pipes in your home and garden. From a DIY cabana that creates a relaxing backyard oasis to a DIY PVC pipe desk organizer that helps you keep your desk clear of clutter, you can find many uses for it. If it's extra shelving you need, you can even use PVC pipes to build a super stylish shelf to display all your favorite décor or organize lightweight items like sweaters and extra blankets. This is an easy DIY project that even beginners can handle, and there are endless ways to customize it to fit your unique style.

PVC pipe typically costs less than 50 cents a foot, so building your own shelf is incredibly cost-effective — plus, you can tailor the dimensions to the exact specifications of your space. You will need a pipe cutter for this project, though you can usually pick those up for about $6 (like this YUQGAOP Ratcheting PVC Pipe Cutter). You'll also need a power saw to cut wood, plywood, or MDF for the shelves; alternatively, you can bring your dimensions to any big-box hardware store and have them cut it for you. Then, you'll simply connect the pipes using 4-way connectors, like these Zernmiarder 4-Way PVC Pipe Fittings, into a tiered tower upon which the shelves will rest. 

Instagram user green_decorzone outlines a basic method for this DIY project in the video above. Start by determining your desired dimensions and how many tiers you'd like the finished unit to have. Use a pipe cutter to cut your pipes to the correct lengths. Then, assemble the pipes and 4-way connectors together to form square or rectangular bases for the shelves. Next, connect each tier with vertical pipes. Once everything is fitted, glue all the joints with PVC cement. Gently tap any stubborn pieces into place with a rubber mallet. For a finished look, add LANIAKEA PVC End Caps to any exposed pipes, such as the feet of the shelf. Finally, place your wooden shelves on top of each tier. To secure them, you can attach the underside of each shelf to the pipes using hardware like these Jersvimc Stainless Steel Conduit Clamps.

Once completed, it's easy to give your new shelf a custom look. Consider spray painting the PVC pipes black and staining the wooden shelves with a dark wood stain for an industrial vibe, or paint each tier a different color for a vibrant color-blocking effect. To create an arched shelf, you can bend flexible PVC tubing into an arch shape and attach it to the top tiers (or you can cut and bend a hula hoop instead). Disguise the PVC as rattan by wrapping the joints in yarn, adding wood dowels across the arched portion, and painting everything a light yellowish brown. You can even add a fun pattern to the shelves by lining them with contact paper, or use washi tape to add a décor element like stripes.