22 In DIY/ Furniture/ Home Decor/ How To/ Tips and Tricks

DIY Project: How To Build Pipe Shelves

DIY Industrial Pipe Shelves

Have you been on a desperate search to find the perfect industrial shelving unit to fit your space?  I’ve got you… search no longer!  With this quick and easy tutorial, you can build the perfect DIY pipe shelves.

It takes a little time, patience, some elbow grease and the supplies below…

Supplies

  •  Power drill
  •  Stud finder
  •  Two (per shelf) 3/4 in. diameter black iron floor flange fitting
  •  Two (per shelf) 3/4 in. diameter black iron cap fitting
  •  Two (per shelf)  3/4 in. 10 in. black pipe nipple
  •  Wooden Plank (one per shelf)
  •  Level
  • #6 Drywall Screws, 2 in. in black
  • Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

How To Build Pipe Shelves

Instructions

1. Start off by determining the size of the shelving unit and where you would like it to hang.

2.  Locate the studs in your wall to determine the pipe placement for both sides.  This may determine the overall size of your unit.

I would strongly recommend that you drill into the studs of your wall to hang your shelves.  The pipe pieces make this quite heavy to start, not to mention once you get all your items placed.  If that’s not a possibility, you will want to use drywall anchors instead of the screws for extra support. 

3.  Cut and stain your wooden plank to your specifications.  I used 4′ x 10 in. planks but your length will depend on how long you would like your shelves to be.  I already had the wood ready to go from another project, but I’m sure you could also use barn wood for this if you prefer.

4.  Wipe down all the pipe pieces with an old rag or paper towel.  Mine had quite a bit of grease on them, and I didn’t want it all over my hands and walls.  However, I’ve got a tip for you in the very last step in case you get a bit messy. 

What To Use DIY Pipe Shelves

5.  Relocate the studs and mark where you will hang the floor flange fitting.  Drill the flange into the wall using your drywall screws.  Be sure that the flange is tightly secured to the wall and doesn’t wiggle at all. This is important or your shelf could end up uneven. 

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6.  Relocate the stud on the other side, and line up the second flange to be straight in line with the first.  For this step, I used the wooden plank as a straight edge guide and a level.  If you had a laser level, that would make this step much easier.  I also had my hubby help me out with this just to be sure that we were hanging them straight.  One person hold while the other took a look was a good technique for us. 🙂

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7.  Once the flanges have been hung, you can screw the pipe nipples into the flanges by hand then set the boards on top.  It should lay flat across the boards.

8.  Using the cap fitting, screw in against the edge of the wooden plank to lock it in place.  Your wooden plank should feel tightly secured to the pipes and the wall.

Restoration Hardware Pipe Shelves

9.  Use a slightly damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of any smudges or grease spots that ended up on the walls.  Then the fun part…. TIME TO DECORATE THEM!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, you can refer back to my post on Pretty Shelf Styling for a few tips.

Overall, this was a pretty simple DIY Pipe Shelves project.  I will say that the pipe pieces are little costly at about $25 per shelf but totally worth it in the end.  Also, an extra set of eyes and hands with this one will go a long way.

Take on this one during your next DIY-DAY!

xo,

lauren

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22 Comments

  • Reply
    mypeartreehome
    August 10, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    This looks great! I love the mix of wood and metal!

    • Reply
      theholtzhouse
      August 11, 2017 at 8:50 am

      Thanks so much! Yes- they would really look great in any home.

  • Reply
    mysweetlilac
    August 10, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    They turned out great! Love the rustic/industrial look!

  • Reply
    mydesignrules
    August 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    These looks amazing. I wish I had a wall left in my house to do them.

    • Reply
      theholtzhouse
      August 11, 2017 at 8:51 am

      hehe! I know what you mean… luckily I’ve been saving this spot for a while just for this purpose. 🙂

  • Reply
    LeanneBrookes
    August 11, 2017 at 7:58 am

    So cool! It’s times like these I wish I owned my own house. Don’t think my landlord would be too happy if I screwed these in. Thanks for the inspiration, Leanne x

    • Reply
      theholtzhouse
      August 11, 2017 at 8:54 am

      You’re so welcome! lol- yeah I’m thinking a landlord wouldn’t necessarily approve of this DIY project.

  • Reply
    Charnel Graham
    August 11, 2017 at 8:50 am

    Such a cool idea. I’ll have to try this

  • Reply
    Kayla
    August 11, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Absolutely love these! We are doing a redo of my office space and I would SO love to incorporate these! Thanks!!

  • Reply
    claremtully
    August 11, 2017 at 11:13 am

    These look fabulous! I’m striving for that farmhouse feel in my new home so will be sending this link on to the hubby 🙂

  • Reply
    Kayli
    August 11, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    I love the pipe look!! These look great!!! (:

  • Reply
    taylor
    August 11, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    I love the way you styled the shelves too! Such chic little knick knacks!

  • Reply
    Stephanie S
    August 12, 2017 at 6:52 am

    I’ve been seeing this on pinterest and I’ve been dying to try! It looks super simple!

    • Reply
      theholtzhouse
      August 12, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      It really is. If you have any questions at all, just let me know! 🙂

  • Reply
    neelam
    August 12, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    These turned out so great! You make it look so easy 🙂
    Neelam

    • Reply
      theholtzhouse
      August 12, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      Thank you so much! It really actually wasn’t too difficult. The most stressful part was just making sure that the pipes were hanging straight. But as long as you do that it’s so super simple!

  • Reply
    Rosanna Alicia Design
    August 19, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Absolutely love the new look look of your site Lauren!! *heart eyes*

    • Reply
      The Holtz House
      August 21, 2017 at 12:34 am

      Thank you so much, Rosanna! It’s been a big transition… but definitely worthwhile! A bit scary, but I’m so excited for what the future holds now. 🙂

  • Reply
    Tammy Diehl
    August 22, 2017 at 12:54 am

    Ok this is just amazing. Sorry so late. First time here, but I cannot believe how cute this is!!! Omg girl you are the new Jo Anna!!!!❤️

  • Reply
    Schilly Construction Inc
    August 27, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    Turned out wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Home for the Holidays Home Tour 2017 - The Holtz House
    November 30, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    […] I carried the traditional red and green elements and even threw in a few Rae Dunn accents.  These shelves are one of my favorite DIY projects to date, and you’ll be shocked how easy it i…  They completely transform a boring empty […]

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