How to Build a Clothes Rack From PVC

Putting together a handy clothes hanging rack made from PVC won't take more than a half hour or so, even if you're not exactly an experienced handyman. Creating some extra hanging space in the laundry room, on the sun porch as drying rack or even for organizing clothes for a garage sale is a truly worthwhile endeavor.

Things You'll Need

• 4 sections of 1-inch PVC pipe cut to 36 inch length
• 4 sections of 1-inch PVC pipe cut 12 inches long
• 2 four-way PVC connectors
• 6 PVC elbow joints
• 4 1-inch PVC end caps
• PVC pipe glue

Instructions

1. Have the PVC pipe cut to size at the home improvement store. This free service saves you the trouble of cutting the PVC with a hacksaw yourself.

2. Assemble the rack without glue first to ensure the PVC is cut correctly. Connect two 12-inch PVC lengths with a four-way connector in the center. Add an elbow joint at each end to form the first leg. Repeat to make the second leg.

3. Form the center bottom support by attaching a 36-inch section of PVC pipe to the four-way connector on each leg.

4. Attach two 36-inch lengths of PVC to the four-way connector to form the side supports. Add a PVC elbow joint to the top of each support, facing inward.

5. Attach the hanging rack by sliding one end of the remaining 36-inch PVC pipe into each elbow joint.

6. If everything fits and the rack stands, disassemble and glue together in the same way using PVC pipe glue. Using the applicator, paint the ends of each piece and slide it into a connector. Make sure everything lines up properly and allow to dry according to adhesive package directions. Glue end caps to the "feet" of the rack and you're all done.

Tips & Warnings

• If you hang heavy clothes, add stability to the rack by sliding a slightly smaller PVC pipe into the crossbeam. You may also attach two three-way connectors and a 36-inch PVC pipe as a center support. Turn this project into a rolling clothes rack by adding wheels. Attach four swivel casters and four lock nuts by drilling a hole in each end cap (before attaching to rack). Insert the caster into the hole and screw on the lock nut from the inside.

• Work in a well ventilated area. Protect your work space with newspaper to prevent glue mishaps.

References

• Free PVC Project Plans and Ideas
• Free-Standing Clothing Rack (Same Idea, Metal Construction)