Introduction

Interested in making cool stuff out of PVC pipe? It’s easy—if you have the right materials. You can even make your own PVC pipe patio furniture, but you need furniture grade PVC.

The PVC pipe offered at home centers for plumbing isn’t suitable for furniture or outdoor projects. It’s brittle, ugly and can’t stand up to the sun. On the other hand, says remodeler Thomas Borcherding, furniture grade PVC is UV-resistant and won’t fade or crack in the sun. “Furniture grade PVC is best sourced online, although your local building supply retailer might have it in stock.”

What Is Furniture Grade PVC?

“There are a great number of reasons that justify exercising caution when using PVC to make patio furniture.” warns Borcherding. “Typical plumbing PVC is extremely sensitive to the elements; UV rays can degrade it over time, as can extreme heat and cold. When PVC degrades it becomes less structurally sound and can shatter, producing sharp pieces that can harm somebody were they to fall on them.”

Furniture grade PVC is specially formulated and manufactured to meet higher standards of quality and aesthetics. It is designed for use in crafting furniture, fixtures and decorative items due to its enhanced visual appeal, smoother surface finish and color consistency.

Furniture grade PVC is often free of the typical markings and imperfections found in standard PVC pipes, making it more suitable for visible applications. Its durability, ease of manipulation and availability in various sizes and colors make it a popular choice for DIY projects and professional furniture making.

  • Pro Tip: PVC is affordable and versatile for home plumbing, but some health advocates warn against it.

Here’s to know whether PVC pipes are safe or not.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Furniture Grade PVC?

Furniture grade PVC has enhanced visual appeal, smooth surface finish and color consistency, making it ideal for crafting aesthetically pleasing furniture and fixtures. Its durability, lightweight nature and easy manipulation contribute to simpler assembly and transportation.

However, this quality comes at a cost, as furniture grade PVC is typically more expensive than standard PVC pipes. Its reduced structural strength compared to traditional materials like wood or metal can limit its application in heavy-duty furniture.

Making PVC Patio Furniture

To make long-lasting furniture, use specially formulated, furniture-grade PVC fittings and piping. Furniture grade PVC is sleeker, colorfast (available in white and colors), impact resistant and UV resistant and has no unsightly printing or stampings. You can even make curves and shapes by heat bending it.

Plans for utilizing furniture grade PVC can be sourced from a variety of places. Websites like Pinterest, Etsy and dedicated DIY websites offer an extensive array of free and purchasable designs for creating diverse furniture pieces. Home improvement forums and social media groups also facilitate idea sharing and plan exchanges. Specialized woodworking and crafting books often feature PVC projects with detailed instructions.

Some hardware stores or manufacturers provide pamphlets or online resources showcasing project ideas. Collaborative maker spaces and workshops may offer classes or templates for working with furniture grade PVC, providing a wealth of options for creative enthusiasts.

FAQs

Can furniture grade PVC be painted?

Not only can you paint furniture grade PVC, you should, says United States Plastic Corporation. A coat of paint will help protect it from the elements. Use a water-based acrylic paint. Oil-based paints are not recommended.

Are the fittings different from plumbing PVC fittings?

The fittings are the same size as those for standard Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC plumbing pipes. The difference, according to U.S. Plastics Corp., is that furniture grade PVC pipes and fittings have a “glossy, highly pigmented, and weather-able outer cap that is extremely resistant to damage and degradation by sunlight.” This allows them to withstand outdoor conditions whereas standard PVC plumbing pipes and fittings will degrade.

About the Expert

  • Thomas Borcherding is a professional kitchen & bathroom designer and a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). He is the owner and lead designer of Homestar Design Remodel based in St. Louis, MO.

Sources

Next, check out these clever PVC hacks.