Weekend DIY {Pipe Shelf}

So many people have been asking about the pipe shelves that Andy and I made for our family room. I thought I would give you some quick instructions to help you create it in your own space. This project was fairly simple and required a weekend to complete! 

Here’s what you’ll need: (makes one shelf)
 – 3/4″  flange (x 10 – 8 for wall; 2 for ceiling)
 – 3/4″ x 10″ pipe (x 8)
 – 3/4″ x 18″ pipe (x 2)
 – 3/4″ 3-way tee (x 6)
 – 3/4″ x 10″ pipe (x 6)
 – 3/4″  90-degree elbow (x 2)
-Wall anchors and screws (we used wood molly/screw combination)
-Wooden planks – 4′ x 10″ (x4)

PREP:– Wipe pipes to remove any residue or excess oil/grease (if you purchase the piping from an online store, like we did, they will have grease on them. I used baking soda/water and a rag to get most of the residue off and it worked well.)
– Cut shelves according to wanted size (4′ x 10″ in this illustration); stain if desired. (we used a ebony colored stain from Lowes)


Step 1
Use a 3/4″ 3-way tee to connect your 3/4″ x 10″ pipe and attach 3/4″ x 10″ “horizontal” pipe. Attach 3/4″ flange to open end of “horizontal” pipe.

Step 2
For the bottom shelf, attach “vertical” pipe to 3/4″ 90-degree elbow. Attach “horizontal” pipe and flange.

Step 3
Attach top “vertical” pipe – 3/4″ x 18″ – to the top of 3/4″ 3-way tee and screw flange to open end of pipe. Note: Make sure you are attaching the piping to a stud.

Step 4
Hold assembled unit against the wall and flush with the ceiling. Use a balance to ensure it is straight and mark the walls to screw anchors. After inserting anchors, align unit and screw in place.

Step 5
As we were using 4′ x 10″ wooden planks, we placed the 2 assembled units 3′ apart to allow the shelves to overlap by approximately 6″ on either side.

Step 6
Place wooden plank shelves in unit and that’s it! You may have to adjust dimensions depending on the placement of your studs. 

I am so happy with the way it turned out! My hubby is one amazing craftsman!