How to Build a Shelf With Conduit Pipes

Conduit pipes are used in home building to run electrical wiring through; however, you can use it creatively to make industrial-inspired home furnishings. One way to add an industrial-themed furnishing to your home is to build a shelf out of conduit pipes. Combine maple boards coated with a clear finish with the conduit pipes for an industrial-styled shelf. The shelf can be installed on any wall for an attractive storage or display unit. This type of shelf works well in modern and contemporary-styled rooms.

2 boards, 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch
Drill press
1-inch drill bit
2 boards, 2-inch by 2-inch, 24 inches long
3 1/2-inch trim head wood screws
Screw gun
Fine-grit sanding pad
Tack cloth
Spray lacquer
3 conduit pipes, 1-inch diameter, 24 inches long
Stud finder
2 metal shelf brackets, with screws

Instructions

- 1
  Lay one 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board flat on the table of the drill press. Drill 1-inch diameter holes through the center of the 2-inch width of the board at 2, 4 and 6 inches from one end of the board, using a drill press equipped with a 1-inch drill bit. Repeat this process with the second 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board.
- 2
  Position the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards vertically oriented and parallel to each other on a work surface. Space the outside sides of the boards 24 inches apart. The drilled holes in the boards should be oriented horizontally.
- 3
  Place one 2-inch by 2-inch by 24-inch board perpendicular across the each of the ends of the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch board to form a rectangular box. Drive two trim head wood screws through each joint in the rectangular assembly, using a screw gun to fasten it together.
- 4
  Spray the rectangular assembly with two even coats of spray lacquer. Allow four hours between coats. Wait 24 hours after the final coat before handling the assembly.
- 5
  Slide one pipe through the corresponding holes in the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards. The ends of the pipes should be flush with the outside sides of the 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards. The pipes will form the surface of the shelf. The 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch boards are the ends.
- 6
  Slide a stud finder along the wall in the area you have selected to mount the shelf. Mark two of the nearest studs at the desired height for the shelf with a pencil.
- 7
  Position one shelf bracket at each pencil mark on the wall. Drive the screws that were included with the brackets through the mounting holes and into the wall studs, using a screw gun.
- 8
  Center the assembled shelf over the brackets. Fasten the shelf to the brackets, using the screws included with the brackets and a screw gun.

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