DIY Project: How To Build 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

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. 

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. 

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. 🙂

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.

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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