How to Build a Shelf With Conduit Pipes
Conduit pipes are used in home building to run electrical wiring through; however, you can use it creatively to make industrial-inspired home furnishings. One way to add an industrial-themed furnishing to your home is to build a shelf out of conduit pipes. Combine maple boards coated with a clear finish with the conduit pipes for an industrial-styled shelf. The shelf can be installed on any wall for an attractive storage or display unit. This type of shelf works well in modern and contemporary-styled rooms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 boards, 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch
- Drill press
- 1-inch drill bit
- 2 boards, 2-inch by 2-inch, 24 inches long
- 3 1/2-inch trim head wood screws
- Screw gun
- Fine-grit sanding pad
- Tack cloth
- Spray lacquer
- 3 conduit pipes, 1-inch diameter, 24 inches long
- Stud finder
- 2 metal shelf brackets, with screws
Instructions
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1
Lay one 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board flat on the table of the drill press. Drill 1-inch diameter holes through the center of the 2-inch width of the board at 2, 4 and 6 inches from one end of the board, using a drill press equipped with a 1-inch drill bit. Repeat this process with the second 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board.
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2
Position the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards vertically oriented and parallel to each other on a work surface. Space the outside sides of the boards 24 inches apart. The drilled holes in the boards should be oriented horizontally.
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3
Place one 2-inch by 2-inch by 24-inch board perpendicular across the each of the ends of the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board to form a rectangular box. Drive two trim head wood screws through each joint in the rectangular assembly, using a screw gun to fasten it together.
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4
Spray the rectangular assembly with two even coats of spray lacquer. Allow four hours between coats. Wait 24 hours after the final coat before handling the assembly.
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5
Slide one pipe through the corresponding holes in the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards. The ends of the pipes should be flush with the outside sides of the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards. The pipes will form the surface of the shelf. The 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards are the ends.
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6
Slide a stud finder along the wall in the area you have selected to mount the shelf. Mark two of the nearest studs at the desired height for the shelf with a pencil.
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7
Position one shelf bracket at each pencil mark on the wall. Drive the screws that were included with the brackets through the mounting holes and into the wall studs, using a screw gun.
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8
Center the assembled shelf over the brackets. Fasten the shelf to the brackets, using the screws included with the brackets and a screw gun.
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Tips & Warnings
Select a shelf bracket that will complement the industrial style of the shelf.
Wear eye protection when operating power tools.
