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How to Make a Table With PVC

Polyvinyl chloride is a lightweight plastic commonly called PVC used for a variety of applications including furniture made from pipe. PVC furniture assembles with little effort or special tools. It is also durable and inexpensive, making it a choice for many kids’ rooms and outdoor play areas. Simple pieces such as tables are made using various pieces of pipe and connectors held together with glue.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch PVC pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • 4, 3-way PVC connectors
  • 2, 4-way PVC connectors
  • Rubber mallet
  • 3-by-6-foot Plywood sheet
  • Table saw
  • U brackets with flared ends
  • 1-inch flathead screws
  • 1-inch hex nuts
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the table size. For this example we are using a 2-by-4-foot table. Mark this measurement on a plywood sheet one-half inch thick. Cut the plywood 3-by-5 foot on a table saw. Set the cut sheet aside.

    • 2

      Cut 12 sections of 2-inch PVC pipe 2-feet long each with a hacksaw. These are the table’s corner and middle legs.

    • 3

      Connect a three-way PVC pipe connector to each end of one pipe section. Have each connector with one available opening at a right angle to the pipe and another opening facing downward. Firmly striking the connector’s closed corner with a rubber mallet secures the fit against the pipe. Repeat this step with two more connectors and one piece of pipe.

    • 4

      Attach a pipe to the connector opening forming a right angle with the beginning pipe at each end. Repeat this step with two more pipes and the second assembled piece. You should have two U forms. Attach a four-way connector to the ends of one U. Secure with the rubber mallet. Connect the other U to the new end of the first U. You should have a rectangle with connectors in the middle of the long sides. Ensure all connectors have an opening facing down for the legs.

    • 5

      Apply PVC glue where a connector meets a pipe section. Make a ring around the pipe at the edge of the connector with the glue tip pointed into the connector. Wipe off excess glue. Let the glue dry.

    • 6

      Turn the tabletop upside down so each connector’s orifice points up. Set the end of the pipe sections into each connector. Firmly connect them by striking the top of the pipe with the rubber mallet. Apply glue around the pipe at the connector. Let the glue dry.

    • 7

      Turn the table upright. Set the plywood on top. Adjust the plywood to allow a 6-inch overhang on all sides.

    • 8

      Drill a pair of holes through the plywood straddling the pipe frame at each end of each pipe forming the tabletop. There will be 24 pairs of holes. Set a 2-inch U bracket against the underside of the table top pipes. Line up the holes in the bracket with a pair of holes in the plywood. Slide screws through the plywood into the bracket and secure them with hex nuts.

    • 9

      Sand down the rough edges and splintered areas with medium-grit sandpaper. Paint the table with primer paint then with your desired color. Let the table dry 24 hours.