Inspired by Morgan of The Brick House and her hutzpah in building her own version of the Ace Hotel's plumbing pipe shelving, I decided to take my own spin on the design. I opted to use Baltic Birch plywood, because I really like seeing the wood layers along the edges, and plain galvanized pipes.

What You Need

Materials
2 - 5' x 1' Pieces of Baltic Birch Plywood
12 - 1/2" Galvanized 90 Degree Elbows
8 - 1/2" Galvanized "T"s
2 - 28" x 1/2" Galvanized Pipes
8 - 8" x 1/2" Galvanized Pipes (these are your shelf supports)
2 - 18" x 1/2" Galvanized Pipes
2 - 10" x 1/2" Galvanized Pipes
4 - 12" x 1/2" Galvanized Pipes
4 - 1/2" Galvanized Flanges
1 - Can Clear Spray Sealer
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Dawn Liquid Detergent or Other Degreaser
Clear Varnish for Wood
Newspaper or Cardboard
Anchors to Suit Your Flooring and Walls

Tools
Drill
1/2" Hole Cutter
Table Saw or Hacksaw
Paint Brush
Level
Gloves (recommended)
Eye protection (recommended)

Instructions

1 Remove labels and price tags, wash adhesive and all grease off pipes. Dry. Coat with clear waterproof sealer.

2 Prep wood for cutting. Lightly sand all sides with fine grit sandpaper (I used 240)

3 3. Use a 1/2" hole cutter. Make sure you're drill is powerful enough. If not, the lack of speed can make cuts on the underside of your wood very messy.

4 Sand edges and inside of hole smooth before sealing or painting wood.

5 Finished cutting and sanding the holes. Now it's time to seal or paint the wood. You can let them dry as you start to assemble the pipes.

6 Attach your first two flanges to the pipes that will form the base for your bottom shelf. Attach a "T." Then add an 8" pipe and 90 degree angle to the "T" to create support for the shelf.

7 Thread the shelf through the first two pipes, adjust the pipes as necessary for stability.

8 Repeat Step 6

9 Repeat Step 7

10 Continue until your shelf is built, but not yet secured to the wall and floor. Check the level before you anchor it.

Note: All walls and floors are different, so please make sure to use anchors that suit the materials you have in your home. On my concrete floor, I didn't use anchors but opted for a dollop of Liquid Nails instead.


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Related Posts:
• Morgan's DIY Plumbing Pipe Shelving
• 15 Repurposed, Upcycled, and DIY Storage Ideas
• Make Crates From Reclaimed Pallets On The Cheap
• Green Style: A Bed Frame Made Out of Scaffolding Tubes
• Recycled Menorah from Steel Pipes

(Images: Michelle Chin. Originally published 2010-10-07)

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