Pipe Furniture

This open resource page covers do-it-yourself pipe furniture plans and instructions for the pipe furniture TableChair, Couch, Table, Shelving, and Lighting construction. These DIY pipe furniture designs are a component of the open source One Community Duplicable City Center. Click the images below to jump directly to each section.

For easy navigation, here is a table of contents for all the sections too:

• What Is Do-it-yourself Pipe Furniture
• Why Open Source DIY Pipe Furniture
• Contributions
• Consultants
• Pipe TableChair
  • Cost Analysis (Read this first)
  • Materials Options
  • Video
  • Diagrams
  • Instructions
  • Parts List
  • Downloads
• Pipe Couch
  • Cost Analysis (Read this first)
  • Materials Options
  • Video
  • Diagrams
  • Instructions
  • Parts List
  • Downloads
• Pipe Table
  • Cost Analysis (Read this first)
  • Materials Options
  • Video
  • Diagrams
  • Instructions
  • Parts List
  • Downloads
• Pipe Shelving & Lighting
  • Cost Analysis (Read this first)
  • Shelving Materials Options
  • Lighting Materials Options
  • Shelving & Lighting Video
  • Shelving & Lighting Diagrams
  • Shelving & Lighting Instructions
  • Shelving & Lighting Parts List
  • Shelving & Lighting Downloads
• Resources
• Summary
• FAQ

NOTE: THIS PAGE IS NOT CONSIDERED BY US TO BE A COMPLETE AND USABLE TUTORIAL UNTIL
WE FINISH OUR OWN DEMO CONSTRUCTION AND ADD ALL THE VIDEOS AND EXPERIENCE FROM
THAT BUILD TO THIS PAGE ” IN THE MEANTIME, WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND FEEDBACK

 

WHAT IS DIY PIPE FURNITURE

Pipe furniture is simple, sturdy, and sustainable furniture made using recycled pipe for the frame. This pipe can be purchased new or be salvaged pipe. Pipe furniture gives an alluring natural addition to the room, contains resilience and strength lacking in many other types of furniture, and is easy to maintain. A diversity of different pipe and wood options can be used, as shown here and explored below on this page.

 

WHY OPEN SOURCE DIY PIPE FURNITURE

There are many materials that end up in landfills but take centuries to biodegrade. Pipe is one of those materials. By open sourcing pipe furniture designs, we hope to provide an option for building furniture that is extremely durable, can be assembled and disassembled, and has the option to be constructed using 100% repurposed materials. We see using repurposed materials as especially easy for people building complete teacher/demonstration hubs with any of the 7 village models and/or the Duplicable City Center.

 

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO EVOLVING THIS SUSTAINABILITY COMPONENT WITH US

SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS

CONSULTANTS ON THE PIPE FURNITURE DESIGNS

Anvita Kumari Pande: Civil Engineer (initial cost analysis)
Flávia Galimberte Bozeda: Architecture and Interior Design Student (initial shelf concept)
Iris Hsu: Industrial Designer (chair, couch and lighting design, assembly instructions, final shelf design)
Gabriel Madeira: Industrial Design Student with a Technical in Graphic Design (initial shelf concept)

 

CLICK THESE ICONS TO JOIN US THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

 

PIPE TABLECHAIR

Below are easy-to-read instructions, simple videos, clear diagrams, and professional downloads for all aspects of the Pipe TableChair. This chair features a pipe frame, wooden back and seat, and optional seat and seat-back cushion. When tipped forward, the chair converts to to a table with built-in storage that can also be used as a place to place a wireless keyboard for out-of-the-way typing.

Pipe TableChair construction is discussed here with the following sections:

• Cost Analysis (Read this first)
• Materials Options
• Video
• Diagrams
• Instructions
• Parts List
• Downloads

 

COST ANALYSIS

For our use, these pipe furniture designs were created with the intent to use metal piping because it is more durable and looks better. Initial cost analysis was then conducted using new materials. As can be seen below though, building pipe furniture with new materials is expensive and doesn’t really justify the added labor over just buying regular furniture. This leaves three options:

• Build with recycled pipe and eliminate most of the cost
• Justify the costs and labor because you really like the aesthetics of furniture like this
• Justify the costs and labor because of the added functionality of a TableChair being able to function as either a table or a chair

Building from PVC pipe instead of metal pipe is one solution to the excessive cost. It requires a larger diameter PVC (2″+ diameter) but this is still significantly more affordable than 1″ metal piping. We don’t consider this a viable option for heavy and regular use though, so our goal (and recommendation for anyone with similar needs) is to seek a source of recycled pipe or see if we can purchase new pipe at a significant discount by buying in volume. If a recycled or more cost effective option for new pipe is not available, we’ll go with more traditional furniture for the City Center library and wait to implement these designs into one of the later 6 villages when we’ll have our own leftover pipe for recycled use.

Here are the more traditional designs we’re now planning for the library:

 

MATERIALS OPTIONS

One of the big advantages of the pipe chair over traditional furniture is that there are only two materials necessary to create it. The first material is the piping, which can be either PVC or metal piping. The second material is the backing and seat, which can be made of plastic, wood, or even metal. All these materials are durable, should last for many years, and can provide a broad diversity of different appearances. Different types of cushions or foldable mats can be attached to provide additional comfort.

Here is an image showing several different pipe, wood, and seat cover options. The top 8 chairs have cushions attached to them, while the bottom 8 do not.

The different kinds of backing and piping styles are listed below. These are the same styles used in the above image.

The pipes and/or backing can also be painted in different colors to match the decor of the room or to give a much more modern look.

 

VIDEO

VIDEO COMING OF: PIPE CHAIR ASSEMBLY HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONAL – THIS INSTRUCTIONAL WILL SHOW STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY OF THE TABLECHAIR

SEE OUR HOW TO HELP AND/OR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN PAGE TO HELP CREATE ALL THE TUTORIAL VIDEOS FASTER

 

DIAGRAMS

The below images represent the most common different-use scenarios possible with the TableChair. Using the TableChair as a table or chair is as easy as tipping it into the position desired.

The TableChair has storage option in all positions.

Several TableChair’s can also be combined together for use as a large table.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions below show the materials and steps required to create one TableChair from start to finish. There is also a written Parts List below the diagram. Click on the diagram to see the full-size image in a new window.

PARTS LIST

Here is a written parts list from the instructions image:

• 12 of 1″ Conduit Straps
• 8 of 1″ Pipe Elbows
• 14 of 1″ Tee Joints
• 2 of 1″ by 16″ Pipes
• 3 of 1″ by 22″ Pipes
• 10 of 1″ by 28″ Pipes
• 1 of 1″ by 25″ by 40″ Wood
• 1 of 1″ by 22.5″ by 26″ Wood
• 1 of 1″ by 22.5″ by 30″ Wood

 

DOWNLOADS

Below you will find the most up-to-date files for the TableChair. Simply click on the image to go directly to the files.

* The information in these files is provided exclusively in accordance with our Terms and Conditions

 

PIPE COUCH

Below are easy-to-read instructions, simple videos, clear diagrams, and professional downloads for all aspects of the Pipe Couch. This couch features a pipe frame and an attachable two-sided cushion section. The Pipe Couch is designed to function as a stand-alone couch as well as a large bench that can be used with the Pipe Table and the Pipe TableChair.

Pipe Couch construction is discussed here with the following sections:

• Cost Analysis (Read this first)
• Materials Options
• Video
• Diagrams
• Instructions
• Parts List
• Downloads

 

COST ANALYSIS

For our use, these pipe furniture designs were created with the intent to use metal piping because it is more durable and looks better. Initial cost analysis was then conducted using new materials. As can be seen below though, building pipe furniture with new materials is expensive and doesn’t really justify the added labor over just buying regular furniture. This leaves two options:

• Build with recycled pipe and eliminate most of the cost
• Justify the costs and labor because you really like the aesthetics and durability of furniture like this

Building from PVC pipe instead of metal pipe is one solution to the excessive cost. For average use, same-diameter PVC should work and is significantly more affordable than 2″ metal piping. We don’t consider this a viable option for heavy and regular use though, so our goal (and recommendation for anyone with similar needs) is to seek a source of recycled pipe or see if we can purchase new pipe at a significant discount by buying in volume. If a recycled or more cost effective option for new pipe is not available, we’ll go with more traditional furniture for the City Center library and wait to implement these designs into one of the later 6 villages when we’ll have our own leftover pipe for recycled use.

Here are the more traditional designs we’re now planning for the library:

 

MATERIALS OPTIONS

The Pipe Couch can be constructed out of a variety of materials. The pipes themselves can be metal or PVC and painted to be any color. The upper cushion section can be covered in many kinds of fabrics to match the decor of the room.

 

VIDEO

VIDEO COMING OF: PIPE COUCH ASSEMBLY HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONAL – THIS INSTRUCTIONAL WILL SHOW STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY OF THE PIPE COUCH

SEE OUR HOW TO HELP AND/OR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN PAGE TO HELP CREATE ALL THE TUTORIAL VIDEOS FASTER

 

DIAGRAMS

The diagrams and renders below showcase the many different uses of the Pipe Couch. The Pipe Couch was designed to work in combination with the TableChair and Pipe Table. The Pipe Couch can also function as a stand-alone bench.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions diagram below shows the materials and steps required to create one Pipe Couch from start to finish. Click on the diagram to view the full-size image in a new tab.

 

PARTS LIST

Here is a written parts list from the instructions image:

• 12 of 2″ Tee Joints
• 8 of 2″ Pipe Elbows
• 3 of 3″ x 7″ Metal Straps
• 6 of #10 1″ Screws
• 2 of 2″ x 80″ Corner Trim
• 4 of 2″ x 10″ Pipe
• 2 of 2″ x 32″ Pipe
• 2 of 2″ x 43″ Pipe
• 3 of 2″ x 47″ Pipe
• 3 of 2″ x 80″ Pipe
• 1 of 1″ x 48″ x 80″ Wood Board
• 2 of 1″ x 19″ x 80″ Wood Board
• 4 of 3″ x 17″ x 80″ Cushion

 

DOWNLOADS

Below you will find the most up-to-date files for the Pipe Couch. Simply click on the image to go directly to the files.

* The information in these files is provided exclusively in accordance with our Terms and Conditions

 

PIPE TABLE

The Pipe Table is designed to work with both the Pipe Couch and the Pipe TableChair. The Pipe Table itself is basically identical to the base of the Pipe Couch, except with longer legs. The height of the table can easily be changed by using different lengths of pipe for the legs. The Pipe Table is a versatile table that can be used for just about anything.

Pipe Table construction is discussed here with the following sections:

• Cost Analysis (Read this first)
• Materials Options
• Video
• Diagrams
• Instructions
• Parts List
• Downloads

 

COST ANALYSIS

For our use, these pipe furniture designs were created with the intent to use metal piping because it is more durable and looks better. Initial cost analysis was then conducted using new materials. As can be seen below though, building pipe furniture with new materials is expensive and doesn’t really justify the added labor over just buying regular furniture. This leaves two options:

• Build with recycled pipe and eliminate most of the cost
• Justify the costs and labor because you really like the aesthetics and durability of furniture like this

Building from PVC pipe instead of metal pipe is one solution to the excessive cost. For average use, same-diameter PVC should work and is significantly more affordable than 2″ metal piping. We don’t consider this a viable option for heavy and regular use though, so our goal (and recommendation for anyone with similar needs) is to seek a source of recycled pipe or see if we can purchase new pipe at a significant discount by buying in volume. If a recycled or more cost effective option for new pipe is not available, we’ll go with more traditional furniture for the City Center library and wait to implement these designs into one of the later 6 villages when we’ll have our own leftover pipe for recycled use.

Here are the more traditional designs we’re now planning for the library:

 

MATERIALS OPTIONS

The Pipe Table, like the other pipe furniture, can be created using many types of materials. Different types of pipe may be used, as well as different types of wood, plastic, metal, or glass for the table top. Both the piping and the table top can be painted or decorated to match the decor of the room. Here is an example of several different tabletop options, click the image if you’d like to see it enlarged.

 

VIDEO

VIDEO COMING OF: PIPE TABLE ASSEMBLY HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONAL – THIS INSTRUCTIONAL WILL SHOW STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY OF THE PIPE TABLE

SEE OUR HOW TO HELP AND/OR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN PAGE TO HELP CREATE ALL THE TUTORIAL VIDEOS FASTER

 

DIAGRAMS

Below are diagrams of the Pipe Table that show some of the different uses. The Pipe Table can be used with the Pipe Couch, the Pipe TableChairs, or any other chair that can slide underneath the edge of the table. As said before, the height of the table can also be easily elevated by using longer legs.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions diagram below shows the materials and steps required to create one Pipe Table from start to finish. There is also a written parts list below the diagram. Click on the diagram to view the full-size image in a new tab.

 

PARTS LIST

Here is a written parts list from the instructions image:

• 12 of 2″ Tee Joints
• 8 of 2″ Pipe Elbows
• 4 of 2″ x 25″ Pipe
• 2 of 2″ x 32″ Pipe
• 2 of 2″ x 43″ Pipe
• 3 of 2″ x 47″ Pipe
• 3 of 2″ x 80″ Pipe
• 1 of 1″ x 48″ x 80″ Wood Board

 

DOWNLOADS

Below you will find the most up-to-date files for the Table. Simply click on the image to go directly to the files.

* The information in these files is provided exclusively in accordance with our Terms and Conditions

 

PIPE SHELVING & LIGHTING

THIS PART OF THE DESIGNS STILL NEEDS WORK
CLICK HERE IF YOU’D LIKE TO JOIN OUR TEAM AND HELP FINISH THEM

One Community’s Duplicable City Center Library features Pipe Shelving & Pipe Lighting. The shelving and lighting are physically integrated together, as seen in the above image. Because of this, the Shelving and Lighting will all be covered in this one section.

A Pipe Shelf is a versatile shelf that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. One of One Community’s main uses for Pipe Shelving is to hold books in the Duplicable City Center Library. A Pipe Light is any light that attaches to the end of a pipe. One Community’s Pipe Lighting is also featured within the Library. Our team went through a great deal of different shelving & lighting designs before we arrived at the design we have today.

The final result of our many design iterations can be seen below in the following sections:

• Cost Analysis (Read this first)
• Shelving Materials Options
• Lighting Materials Options
• Shelving & Lighting Video
• Shelving & Lighting Diagrams
• Shelving & Lighting Instructions
• Shelving & Lighting Parts List
• Shelving & Lighting Downloads

 

COST ANALYSIS

For our use, these pipe furniture designs were created with the intent to use metal piping because it is more durable and looks better. Initial cost analysis was then conducted using new materials. As can be seen below though, building pipe furniture with new materials is expensive and doesn’t really justify the added labor over just buying regular furniture. This leaves two options:

• Build with recycled pipe and eliminate most of the cost
• Justify the costs and labor because you really like the aesthetics of furniture like this

Building from PVC pipe instead of metal pipe is one solution to the excessive cost but probably doesn’t make sense in the case of shelving and/or lighting. It would require a larger diameter PVC (2″+ diameter) that would most likely work but probably wouldn’t look good. With this in mind, our goal (and recommendation for anyone with similar needs) is to seek a source of recycled pipe or see if we can purchase new pipe at a significant discount by buying in volume. If a recycled or more cost effective option for new pipe is not available, we’ll go with more traditional shelving and lighting for the City Center library and wait to implement these designs into one of the later 6 villages when we’ll have our own leftover pipe for recycled use.

Here are the more traditional designs we’re now planning for the library:

 

SHELVING MATERIALS OPTIONS

Like the Pipe Furniture, many types of materials can be used to make Pipe Shelving. Wood is the most commonly used material for Pipe Shelving, but plastic, rubber, metal, and other materials can be used to create the flat shelves. The material only needs to be firm and strong enough to support the weight of what’s being placed on the shelf. Several different types of wood can be seen the following image.

Different combinations of wood and pipe can be seen below. These are examples taken from other people’s projects.

 

LIGHTING MATERIALS OPTIONS

Pipe Lighting can be made using different kinds of pipe, such as cast iron, galvanized iron, galvanized steel, copper, brass, ABS, or PVC. Depending on your specific scenario, you may need to choose a metal pipe for it’s strength and durability.

Different types of bulbs can be used, and in the case of a larger bulb and/or pipe, different sizes of reducer couplings can be used. In the City Center Library, three different types of light bulbs are being used; the RGB Multicolor (on the walls), the Smart Color Changing (on the ceiling), and the Soft White Dimmable (on the ceiling). All three of these bulbs fit the 1″ reducer fittings.

Below are some incandescent-to-LED energy usage comparisons of other common bulb types you can use for your own Pipe Lighting setup(s).

 

SHELVING & LIGHTING VIDEO

VIDEO COMING OF: PIPE SHELVING & LIGHTING ASSEMBLY HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONAL – THIS INSTRUCTIONAL WILL SHOW STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY OF THE PIPE SHELVING AND LIGHTING

SEE OUR HOW TO HELP AND/OR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN PAGE TO HELP CREATE ALL THE TUTORIAL VIDEOS FASTER

 

SHELVING & LIGHTING DIAGRAMS

The diagrams below showcase the Shelving & Lighting designs within the One Community Duplicable City Center Library layout. Click to Enlarge any of the below images.

 

SHELVING & LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions diagram below shows the materials and steps required to create the Pipe Shelving & Lighting in the Library from start to finish. There is also a written parts list below the diagram. Click the diagram to view the full size image in a new tab.

 

PARTS LIST

THIS PART OF THE DESIGNS STILL NEEDS WORK – PAUSED UNTIL WE ARE READY TO DESIGN THIS TO FIT PERFECTLY WITHIN ONE OF THE LATER 6 VILLAGES

Here is a written parts list from the instructions image:

72 of 1″ Tee Joints
71 Reducing Couplings
115 of 1″ Pipe Elbows
45 of 1″ x 120″ Pipes for Shelving
242 of 1″ x 120″ Pipes for Ceiling and Hanging Lights
10 ea. of Pressure Gauge / Handwheels / Taps
14 of 1″ x 6″ x 16′ Wood Boards (225 linear feet)

LED Light Bulbs:

21 of 1″ RGB multicolor (on the wall)
40 of 1″ smart color changing (on the ceiling)
10 of 1″ soft white dimmable (on the ceiling)

 

SHELVING & LIGHTING DOWNLOADS

Below you will find the most up-to-date files for the Pipe Shelving & Lighting. Simply click on the image to go directly to the files.

* The information in these files is provided exclusively in accordance with our Terms and Conditions

 

RESOURCES

Below you will find other great online resources for building Pipe Furniture:

• SimplifiedBuilding.com – Awesome Professional Pipe Furniture Projects
• ArchitectureArtDesigns.com – 35 Cool Pipe Furniture Designs
• Instructables.com – DIY Pipe Furniture Projects
• Trendir.com – 23 Awesome Plumbing Pipe Furniture Designs
• Article: DIYShowOff.com – Tips for Making a DIY Industrial Pipe Shelving Unit
• Article: LifeHacker.com – Build Industrial Furniture with Wood & Pipes
• Pinterest: Pipe Furniture DIY
• Pinterest: Pipe Furniture Tutorials
• Use this page (click here) if you have a resource you’d like to suggest be added here

 

SUMMARY

Pipe Furniture, done well, can not only allow you to creatively reuse your left-over pipe and materials, but bring life and unique beauty to your interior spaces. The Pipe Furniture projects on this page will be some of our most widely-used items in One Community. The Pipe Furniture Team designed this furniture to withstand the test of time and the rigorous use that they will surely see on the One Community property.

One Community strives to deliver the best tutorials and DIY instructions possible. We hope you were able to use this information to create some of your own Pipe Furniture to add to your home or project. If you have any questions, please read the FAQ section below.

 

FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can I find used or recycled pipe?

Here are some ideas: Find homes in your area that are being demolished and ask if you can have or buy the pipe. Call some plumbers in your area and see if they have some pipe they need to get rid of or if they can save you old pipes that they remove from their jobs. Call your local hardware stores and see if they have scrap pipes that they can’t sell. Call your local scrapyard and ask if they have any pipe on hand.

Q: Where’s the best place to buy pipe?

If you want it fast, go to your local hardware store. If you don’t mind waiting a little bit or if you don’t live near a hardware store, you can buy it online, but the money you might save may be offset (or eliminated) by shipping costs. Keep in mind that stock pipe comes in 12″, 18″ and 24″ pieces… any other size pipe will need to be custom cut/threaded.

Q: I’ve got a bunch of used pipes but they don’t match, what should I do?

If your pipes are all the same diameter, consider painting them all the same color. If they are different diameters, consider using reducers make them fit with the other pipes you are using. You can also take oddball pipes out of your batch and use them for special projects like a lamp or cell phone charging stand where only 3 or 4 total feet of pipe are needed for the entire project.

Q: I just read this whole page. It was great, but where do I start?

Pick the project you want to work on first and read that section carefully. With the pipe furniture, you can follow the instructions exactly. If you are building pipe shelving, be sure to measure your area carefully and cut the pipes/shelving to fit your area. Read this great DIY guide on pipe shelving for more information on how to do this.

Q: I want to build some pipe lighting fixtures, but I really don’t know anything about electricity or the DIY lifestyle. What can I do?

You can call a friend who is handy and they could possibly help. You can also learn about it online and do it yourself if you have the time. You can also hire someone to do it for you, as long as you give them the instructions on how to make it.

Q: You mention above about Teacher/Demonstration hubs and sustainable villages you’ll be building, where can I find information about these? 

Here is a preview of the 7 villages and Duplicable City Center. Click the image  for the Highest Good Housing page with overviews for each and links to the complete open source hubs.