Every cook has his or her favorite pots, pans, colanders and more. Space is sometimes an issue, especially with smaller kitchens. Buying racks, storage shelves and more can become an expensive venture. The item has to fit in the space, hold/store everything the owner needs, and has to be affordable. Sometimes the three do not fit together. On top of all that, the item has to work with the décor.
PVC is a product that works beautifully in the home. It is lightweight, strong and inexpensive. It can be painted or stained practically any color the owner wants, so it will fit into any décor.
Working with PVC is easy and requires only a minimum of tools and skills. To learn more tips and hints about working with PVC, check this link. PVC can also be used to build different types of furniture. To learn more, check the following link.
These designs are inspired by items found in the book “Quick and Easy Projects for the Weekend Carpenter,” by Alan and Gill Bridgewater.
I love designing furniture in new ways. Using PVC is fun and easy. It requires no special training, tools or handling techniques. I’ve been building both indoor and outdoor furniture for years. Making something lightweight, strong and useful is always fun to share.
Pot Rack
This rack can be made any size. For this example, it will be 36″ long by 24″ wide. It can be hung on a wall or by the ceiling as a flat rack. To hang it from the ceiling, you will need decorative chain and ceiling hooks rated to hold the weight of the rack and items hung from it. Associates at your local DIY store will be happy to help you.
To make the hanging rack stronger, measure the inside diameter and insert a wooden dowel.
You will need:
- · Measuring tools and markers
- · Clear PVC all in one cement
- ·. Insertable ends are available online at this link.
Step One:
Cut two lengths of 1″ PVC, each 36″ long. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Insert or attach end caps over the ends of the pipes. Set aside.
Step Two:
Cut six pieces of ½” PVC, each 24″ long. Attach or insert end caps on the ends of the pieces.
Step Three:
Lay the two 36″ pieces vertically on a flat surface spaced 18″ apart. Lay the six pieces across them horizontally and ensure they are evenly spaced. Mark the pieces for drilling.
Make a drilling jig for round objects and drill through both pieces.
Step Four:
Thread a washer onto a carriage bolt and thread through both pipes. Place a washer on the end and attach a bolt cap. This holds both pieces together and off the wall.
Step Five:
Drill a hole through the back of the two 36″ pieces, 1 ½” down from the top. Use these holes to mount on the wall.
Alternatively, you can add 90º angle connectors onto the ends. Insert 2″ pieces of pipe into the other end of the connectors and top with end caps. This keeps the holder away from the wall. The cap nuts will not come in contact will wallpaper or anything else.
This should not be used as a trivet for hot pans. Given enough heat, PVC will melt and give off toxic fumes.
Source: Alan & Gill Bridgewater (2001), “Quick and Easy Projects for the Weekend Carpenter,” Huppauge, New York, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.
