DIY Network

Outdoor Shelving Build these easy, indestructible shelves. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-165

Everyone needs storage—and these strong shelves are perfect for outdoor use.

Galvanized pipe is strong, resists the weather and fits together like Tinker Toys—making it a perfect material for use outdoors. Michele Beschen's easy-to-build outdoor shelves make the most of the pipe's strength and versatility. And they attach to an existing wall or fence, giving the unit built-in stability.

Even though they're outdoor-ready, these shelves also work great in a potting shed, workshop or garage. You could even build a set in a teen's room for an edgy, industrial look. B. Original and see where galvanized pipe shelves can make your life more organized.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Galvanized Outdoor Shelving

Materials:

threaded galvanized pipe
- (14) 18" long
- (2) 12" long
(8) 1/2" flanges
(6) 1/2" T connectors
2 elbow connectors
2 end caps
carburetor cleaner or mineral spirits
treated plywood or cedar planking
wood slats for shelf stops
1-5/8" coated decking screws
drill with screwdriver attachment

• Clean each piece of pipe with either carburetor cleaner or mineral spirits.

• Cap the 12" pipe. Screw one arm of a 1/2" T connector to the opposite end of the pipe.

• Connect 18" pipes to the other arm and the center of the T connector (figure A).

• Screw one arm of another T connector to the top of the structure and add 18" pipes to the other arm and center. Repeat with a third T connector and two more 18" pipes. As you tighten the pipes, make sure all of the crosspieces point in the same direction.

• Screw an elbow connector to the end of the final pipe, and add an 18" pipe to the other arm of the elbow (figure B). Make sure this last crosspiece is parallel to the others.

• Attach flanges to the four open end pieces of the pipes. These flanges will attach the structure to the wall or fence.

• This completes one half of the frame for the shelves. Repeat the above steps to build the other half of the frame.

• To install the shelves, place the capped piece of pipe on the ground and screw the flanges into the wall or fence using
  1-5/8" coated decking screws (figure C). Make sure the structure is plumb as you attach it.

• To install the other side, use a level to make sure the top flange is lined up with that of the other half of the frame (figure D). When they are level with each other, screw the top flange into the wall or fence using 1-5/8" coated decking screws. Attach the other flanges the same way, making sure the structure stays plumb.

• After both sides are installed, you may find that the ground is not level. If there's a gap under the capped pipe at the bottom of one side, fill the gap with dirt (figure E).

• To make the actual shelves, use treated plywood or cedar planking cut to the width of the shelving unit. Attach wood slats on the bottom of each shelf to keep them from sliding from side to side.