How to Build a Storage Bin Out of PVC Pipe

Cut 40 pieces of 1/2-inch nylon rope, measuring 30 inches long each. Set the ropes aside.

Drill 20 1/2-inch wide holes into each of the 12 pipes. Position the first hole 4-inches from the end of the pipe, drill through the pipe and place second hole directly across from the first. Place the next hole 4-inches from the first, drilling through the pipe on the opposite side to create another hole. Repeat the process down the length of the pipe three more times until you have 20 holes in the pipe. Do this with the remaining 11 pipes.

Construct a box out of the PVC pipes and eight 3-way PVC corner joints. 3-way corner joints look like an L with a joint coming out of the top. Use four pipes to make a square. Insert the ends into four of the corner joints. Repeat the process to create a second square. Then, attach the two squares together by inserting the four remaining pipes into the open joints on the 3-way corner joints. Apply PVC glue to the ends of the pipe using a paintbrush, before inserting them into the 3-way corner joints. If necessary, use a mallet to hammer the pipes into place.

Place the box on the table in front of you. Insert one of the cut pieces of nylon rope through the first set of holes on the top pipe. Tie a knot in the top of the rope to secure. Insert the loose end of the rope into the holes in the pipe directly below the first. Pull the rope tight and tie a knot in the end. Repeat the process with four more pieces of rope in the next five holes, to create a set of six ropes stretched from top to bottom on the box.

Turn the box so that the ropes run side to side, instead of top to bottom. Insert another nylon rope through the first set of holes on the top pipe, as you did in the previous step. Secure the rope in place using a knot. Stretch the end across to the pipe below, weaving it through the five horizontal ropes as you go. Insert it through the holes on the bottom pipe and knotting it as you did in Step 5. Repeat the process with four more ropes to create a weaved-side for the box.

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the remaining pipes and nylon rope to create the bin. Insert the items to be stored through the squares you created, as you weaved the rope.