DIY PVC Pipe Table :: Monthly DIY Challenge

Date
Feb, 11, 2015

Watch out, we’ve got a graphic! Things are official now 😉 If you’re new around here, me and my bloggy buds get together every second Wednesday of each month to bring you a project using the same theme or material. We’ve done things like crates, pumpkins and wood slices and this month our challenge was to use plumbing materials.

I’m gonna be honest with you, I don’t really like my project. And was really close to scrapping the whole thing. But, I wanted to show you that things don’t always go as planned around here and there’s nothing wrong with that!

DIY PVC PIPE TABLE

DIY PVC Pipe Table

You’re probably wondering why I don’t like it and why it was such a failure. Don’t let my photos fool you 😉 It’s entirely crooked and wobbly and I had to use a stack of free Moes burritos coupons under one of the legs to get it to look somewhat level for the photos. #photoshopmagic The decor helps disguise it’s lameness too. Want proof?

Crooked Table

Let’s start at the beginning. I LOVE industrial pipe decor, so I was super pumped about this challenge. But I just didn’t have any idea what I was going to make.

I loved my Crate and Pipe Table (pictured below) I made for one of our previous challenges. And I talked about this old wine barrel that we had from our wedding and all the awesome inspiration I found for it a while back, so I thought it would be cool to use the top and make a base out of pipes. Easy enough, right?

Industrial Crate Table

I googled some images to try and find some ideas for a structure, and headed to Home Depot. I really wanted to give it a tripod base, but that didn’t seem possible with pipes. Or at least it would have been a pain in the buns. So we went with something basic, using PVC pipes, thinking it would be cheaper. Not the case.

Although the actual PVC piping was cheaper than galvanized pipe, we still needed all the connectors, special glue, spray paint and the flanges. Damn flanges. Apparently they don’t sell plastic ones. WHY?! And the ones we needed were $12 a pop. I almost quit right there. But then our Home Depot helper friend showed us some for $7. Better. But still pricey for a table I was growing to hate.

Speaking of flanges…this is all I could think of every time I said the word.

Probably due to the excessive amount of Friends I’ve been watching on Netflix. Anyone else?

Ok, so now we’re checking out at the register and the hubs is giving me a look like “seriously? are we really spending this much on plumbing materials??”. I just smiled and reminded him of the great news; we have two wine barrel tops which means of course that we have to build a matching table 😉 He was not amused.

PVC Supplies

At least I got to use my new Christmas present from my Daddy 🙂 Too bad I forgot to attach the bag that collects all the particles. Oops.

Saw

At this point, I’m still feeling like the table will be ok, although I wish the base was more exciting. I put it all together before gluing it to make sure it looked alright. It’s even and balanced and looks pretty good right?

PVC Table Base

I used this glue, which comes with a primer and a cement. Stuff stinks. Be sure to use it outside!

PVC Pipe Glue

Once the glue dried, I spray painted the base using this stuff which I LOVE. It totally transforms the PVC and makes it look like metal.

Spray Paint

And somehow between gluing and spray painting, the base was just completely off and not even. But at this point there was no going back, and I just wanted to attach the top and be done with it. I didn’t have time to make anything else and the pipes weren’t coming apart.

PVP Pipe Table

Underneath of Table

We screwed in the flanges and brought the table over to a flat surface. Totally wobbly and crooked. We just looked at each other and laughed. What else can you do?

Of course I still prettied it up for some photos, and we can use it in our apartment. After all, it does still stand on it’s own 😉

DIY Industrial PVC Pipe Table

PVC Pipe Table

Industrial PVC Pipe Table

Looking at the photos is actually making me like it more. And maybe I’m being a little dramatic and hard on myself, but this was definitely not the way I pictured this looking in my head. I just feel blah about it. What do you think?

I just wanted to show you that things don’t always go smoothly around here and I definitely run into my fair share of problems. I’ve still got another wine barrel top so maybe I’ll give it another try…or do something completely different 😉

Be sure to check out all the other projects from my friends below!

8 DIY Projects with Plumbing Pieces

Have a fabulous day friends!


DIY PVC Pipe Table Montly DIY Challenge

brepurposed

106 Comments

  1. Reply

    Fiberscope.Net

    February 14, 2019

    I’d have never thought it was possible to make a table out of pipes.

  2. Reply

    Jony Deo

    January 16, 2019

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope u will share some more information about DIY PVC pipe table.

    Plumber mornington

  3. Reply

    bullreds

    September 4, 2017

    Check out FORMUFIT.COM they make furniture grade PVC in a variety of colors including black. Many more types of fittings than normal plumbing PVC too. Price is about the same as regular plumbing PVC.

  4. Reply

    Teri@The Freshman Cook

    March 1, 2015

    I love your table! I think you did a great job, and it turned out wonderful!
    I am definitely going to use that amazing paint on something! I would love if you would share this at Celebrate It! blog party. It is all about sharing how you celebrate the everyday!
    http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2015/02/celebrate-it-blog-party-32.html

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      March 2, 2015

      Thank you Teri! I still can’t believe how realistic that paint makes the PVC look! I know I’ll be using it again 🙂 And I will definitely link up with you, thanks for the invite!

  5. Reply

    Carrie This Home

    February 27, 2015

    I’ve worked with that nickled bronze Rustoleum spray paint and it’s amazing! I was really surprised at how realistic it looked.
    This post will be included in a roundup of features from the last Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop. Thanks so much for sharing this project with us!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 28, 2015

      It’s like magic! I was so impressed with it! And thank you so much for the feature! Have a great weekend 🙂

  6. Reply

    Danielle

    February 20, 2015

    Once again, you’ve got a beautiful project!!! I love the industrial look! Thanks so much for linking up with us at the Motivational Monday link party – I hope you’ll join us again next week!!

    Danielle
    SewMuchCrafting.com

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 21, 2015

      Thank you so much Danielle! Have a great weekend 🙂

  7. Reply

    Julie @ Restyle Relove

    February 19, 2015

    Thank you for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday! We are excited to be featuring you this week! 🙂 Julie

  8. Reply

    Angela, blue i style

    February 19, 2015

    I think the table looks so great, but I also love your honesty about the challenges! It happens to all of us!! Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle! I hope you’ll join us again this week!

  9. Reply

    Kyla @HouseofHipsters

    February 18, 2015

    OMG! I spit out my water at the phalanges! I did the same thing when I did my pipe shelf! HAHAHA! It turned out awesome girl!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 19, 2015

      hahaha a sure sign of a Friends lover. Thanks Kyla!

  10. Reply

    Kirsten

    February 17, 2015

    I think it looks great! It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful – that’s part of the appeal 😉

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 17, 2015

      So true! Thank you Kristen 🙂

  11. Reply

    Erin

    February 16, 2015

    I think this is great…and would likely solve my sun room side table woes if you want to send up our way 😉 Also PHOEBE!! hahaha Love it.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 18, 2015

      haha I would totally send it up your way! Thanks Erin 🙂

  12. Reply

    Erica

    February 16, 2015

    I really love this table, so I hope it grows on you more! We are often the most critical of our own work. That wood paired with the dark PVC really makes it look sophisticated – if you hadn’t told me it was PVC I would have thought the legs were metal!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 18, 2015

      Thanks Erica! I know I was probably way too hard on myself! And isn’t it amazing how well that spray paint transforms the PVC? I was totally impressed!

  13. Reply

    Krista @ the happy housie

    February 16, 2015

    For reals?!? You are seriously and ridiculously talented and creative!! I am always SO impressed with what you come up with!! Of course I am featuring you again this week at Work it Wednesday – thanks for sharing your amazing projects with us!!
    ~Krista

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 18, 2015

      Aw thank you Krista, I really appreciate you saying that! You’re too sweet 🙂 And thanks for the feature! Hope you have a fab day!

  14. Reply

    Michelle @ The Ribbon Retreat

    February 16, 2015

    This is way to cute! I love it…I even love the coupons! Hehehe! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible project! I also LOVE your decor! PINNED!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 18, 2015

      Thank you so much, Michelle! The coupons really bring the piece together don’t ya think? 😉

  15. Reply

    Nicole B.

    February 16, 2015

    Bre I absolutely love this table and want it in my house!!! I wouldn’t even have known those legs were plastic! I wonder if you could pour sand or something into the legs to make it more sturdy?

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 16, 2015

      haha thanks Nicole! And that’s not a bad idea!

  16. Reply

    Amanda

    February 15, 2015

    I think it’s great! And I would’ve thought the pipes were actually metal! But, and I’m being totally selfish when I say this, I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s ideas don’t always turn out as planned! 🙂 How boring would it be though without a little trial and error!

  17. Reply

    Amanda

    February 15, 2015

    I think it’s great! And I would’ve thought the pipes were actually metal! But, am I’m being totally shellfish when I say this, I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s ideas don’t always turn out as planned! 🙂 How boring would it be though without a little trial and error!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 18, 2015

      You’re absolutely right Amanda! If everything always went as planned we wouldn’t get to laugh at ourselves and learn from our mistakes!

  18. Reply

    Gilly @Colour Saturated Life

    February 13, 2015

    This looks amazing Bre, you always astound me with your talent!!!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 15, 2015

      Aw thanks so much, Gilly!

  19. Reply

    Emily

    February 13, 2015

    I think this table looks great! The pipes look like real metal, awesome job! Thanks for sharing. I’ve included your tutorial in my Five on Friday post today. Have a great weekend 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 15, 2015

      Thank you so much, Emily! Hope you had a great weekend 🙂

  20. Reply

    Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint

    February 13, 2015

    Bre, you are so creative. That table is awesome! I’d love for you to come over and link up at Project Pin-it!

    Have a wonderful Valentine weekend!!
    Denyse

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 13, 2015

      Thank you so much Denyse! I will definitely link up 🙂

      Have a great weekend!

  21. Reply

    Kristine @ Big Dreams

    February 12, 2015

    Wow Bre! Your creativity astounds me! I’m sorry it didn’t turn out quite like you were hoping…but it’s still freakin amazing.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 13, 2015

      Thank you so much Kristine! I guess it could have been a lot worse!

  22. Reply

    Jenny @ Refresh Living

    February 12, 2015

    I think it looks great – you have a knack for styling photos, even when you don’t love what you’re photographing (I’ll remember the burrito coupons trick!). You are being way too hard on yourself, but kudos to you for sticking it out! Enjoy the new miter saw – my daddy gave me a saw for x-mas, too, and I was beyond excited. 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 13, 2015

      I appreciate that Jenny! The burrito coups def got the job done 😉 And yay for power tools! I still get nervous using them but feel so accomplished when I’m done! Have a great weekend!

  23. Reply

    Kathy

    February 12, 2015

    I giggled the whole time I was reading this. I think the table works great but I definitely know how it feels when a DIY (especially one your excited about!) doesn’t go right… Can’t wait to see what next month’s diy is! Thanks for linking up to The Creative Circle!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 13, 2015

      Glad someone got a good laugh from my post 🙂 It definitely wasn’t a total failure and I appreciate your kind words! Hope you have a great weekend!

  24. Reply

    Tara @ Anything @ Everything

    February 12, 2015

    I think it turned out great, Bre! Great job!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 13, 2015

      Thanks my friend!

  25. Reply

    Pam@over50feeling40

    February 12, 2015

    So clever and look perfect with the fan! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop! Hope you can visit me http://www.over50feeling40.com. Have a great weekend!

  26. Reply

    Christina @ Operation Home

    February 12, 2015

    Oh, man! I’m sorry you had so many issues with it, Bre! It really turned out cool, though! I never would’ve guessed any of the issues by the pictures. It looks industrial rustic which is awesome! 🙂

  27. Reply

    Mrs. White Twig

    February 12, 2015

    What can’t be done with a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint! Totally awesome side table 🙂

  28. Reply

    Rena

    February 11, 2015

    That’s so cool. The pipes look like real metal. You outdid yourself!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Thank you so much Rena! I can’t believe how well the spray paint transformed them!

  29. Reply

    Kristi

    February 11, 2015

    I absolutely LOVE this! You are much too hard on yourself, I think you totally knocked it out of the park girl!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Aw thanks girl! I’m definitely my own worst critic!

  30. Reply

    Havok

    February 11, 2015

    I quite like it, wobbly and all – I have a shelf or two that is wobbly, but they’re secure with some cardboard underneath, so no real loss!
    I’ve always wondered how PVC worked, though, so far as construction with it. There are a few things I’ve seen about the internets that would be awesome to make with these kinds of pipes, but have always figured it would be difficult to get cut and measured and looking less like white PVC, ha! So thank you for answering those questions for me!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Thanks Havok! And PVC is so easy to work with! You can have Home Depot cut it for you and I was so surprised with how the spray paint totally transformed it!

  31. Reply

    Angela @ Simply Beautiful By Angela

    February 11, 2015

    I actually love it! I really like the look of the wood mixed with the pipe 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Thank you so much Angela!

  32. Reply

    Amy | Canary Street Crafts

    February 11, 2015

    I think you’re table is seriously cute (including the Moe’s burrito coupons, haha!!!). I hate when projects go south, but this table is definitely not a failure! Come to my house and I’ll show you how to screw up a DIY sista! Even your mess-ups turn out gorgeous :).

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      haha I’ve definitely done worse than this, it was just so not what I had originally pictured. But thank you Amy! I appreciate it! XO

  33. Reply

    Katie @ Little House of Four

    February 11, 2015

    I think it looks great, Bre! You know, we are our own worst critics, but if it really bothers you maybe you could add a few washers to where the flange (or phalange!) meets the table top? That way, Your screws will still be tight, but you’ll have some extra space to level the legs. Either way, you did a fabulous job 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Thank you Katie! We are definitely our own worst critics. Good idea with the washers, I might just have to do that!

  34. Reply

    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

    February 11, 2015

    Love your honesty Bre! I think it’s a great little table. What about attaching those screw in chair leveling feet on each corner? That might do the trick on the wonky side.

  35. Reply

    Sara

    February 11, 2015

    I love this! Great job 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Thanks Sara!! XO

  36. Reply

    Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com

    February 11, 2015

    I love it Bre!! Stacked coupons and all, it is a beautiful end table!! 😉 Have a wonderful rest of the week, friend!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      February 11, 2015

      Glad you like my coups 😉 Thanks Kendra!

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Hi, I’m Bre! Follow along as we renovate our current home and share modern DIY ideas.
 

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