How to Make a PVC Chair

PVC pipe chair

Once you get the hang of the basic design of a PVC pipe chair, you can make anything from footstools to patio tables. A PVC pipe chair can be made in an afternoon.

1. Cut your PVC pipe to the correct measurements or have the hardware store cut it for you.



2. Build the chair without glue at first to make sure all pieces are going to fit correctly. For the base, take 2 30-inch pipe pieces and insert a T connector into each end. Attach one 12-inch pipe to each end of the T connectors. The 30-inch pipe is the brace at the bottom from front to back, and the T connector and 12-inch pipes will be facing each side of the chair (like an I). Set aside one of the completed 30-inch pieces for now.



3. At the end of each the four 12-inch pipes, place an elbow facing upward.



4. Place an 8-inch pipe into each upward-facing elbow. Now add a 4-way connector to the top of each 8-inch pipe. The 4 way will be as follows: bottom hole is attached to the 8 inch pipe; a hole facing up; a side hole facing toward the opposite side of the chair and the 4th hole will be facing toward the front of the chair. This makes the corners of your chair seat.

5. For the seat support, take the second completed 30-inch support you made in Step 2 and attach the 12-inch pipes into the side holes of each of the 4-way connectors. This will be in the same direction as the bottom brace (like an I). This makes the front and back of the seat. Insert 2 30-inch pipe lengths into the holes of the connectors down each side of the chair seat.

6. For the arms, attach 8-inch lengths of pipe into the top of the 4-way connectors. Place elbows on the front chair corners and T connectors on the back chair corners. Attach a 12-inch length of pipe on each side into the elbow and T connectors.

7. To build the back of the PVC chair, insert 6-inch pieces of pipe into the top of the T connectors and add an elbow. Attach the last 30-inch length of pipe into the elbows to make the top rail of the chair back.



8. Now that you know the pieces fit together correctly, disassemble the chair and start again with Step 2, but this time glue all pieces together. Use the hammer or mallet gently, if needed, to ensure a tight fit. Allow to dry completely.



9. Take the canvas and snap clamps and attach the canvas to the seat and back of the chair with the snap clamps. Be sure to stretch the canvas tight. Place a chair cushion on the seat.

Tip

For a more decorative touch, paint the PVC with faux marble or wood paint. Use this same basic design on a larger scale to make couches or love seats.