How to Make PVC Furniture

PVC pipe is plastic tubing traditionally used as plumbing. Because it is so inexpensive and versatile, you can also make furniture and furnishings with it. This guide will walk you through construction of a chair made from PVC pipe, which is as durable as it is easy to make.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/4 inch diameter PVC pipe: four 21 1/2 inch long pieces; four 12 inch long pieces; three 18 inch long pieces; four 6 inch long pieces; two 7 inch long pieces
• 1 1/4 inch diameter PVC connectors: six "T" connectors; eight "elbow connectors"
• PVC cement
• PVC cleaner
• Rubber mallet
• Hand saw or miter
• Three yards of canvas
• Sewing machine

Prepare Your Materials

1. Cut the PVC to the required lengths, being careful to make straight cuts.

2. Test fit your connectors to ensure they are the correct size and that your PVC pipe cuts were straight.

Make the Base

3. Insert a 21 1/4 inch piece of PVC into an elbow connector, and tamp it in with the rubber mallet.

4. Place another elbow connector on the other end of the 21 1/4 inch PVC pipe and secure it with the rubber mallet.

5. Repeat steps one and two with another 21 1/4 inch length of PVC pipe.

6. Place one 12 inch piece of PVC pipe into each of the four openings on the elbow connectors you just attached to the longer PVC sections. You will have two halves of a rectangle now.

7. Attach a "T" connector to each of the 12 inch PVC pieces sticking out of your assemblies.

8. Connect the two assemblies together by inserting the 18 inch PVC pipe lengths into the remaining openings in the "T" connectors.

Create the Arms

9. Insert each 6 inch PVC piece into the last available openings in the "T" connectors on the base.

10. Place an elbow connector to the front two 6 inch PVC pieces.

11. Attach a "T" connector to each of the back two 6 inch PVC pieces.

12. Connect the front elbow connectors to the back "T" connectors with the remaining 21 1/4 inch PVC length. The arms are now done.

Sling a Seat

13. Sew the ends of the canvas into tubes which will fit over the PVC chair arms.

14. Pull one section of each arm out of its connection and slide the canvas seat on.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue is only necessary on loose fitting connections of PVC furniture. Generally, simply hammering the pieces together is sufficient.
• Glue for PVC furniture is toxic, so use it only in ventilated areas.