How to Build a Pipe-Leg Upholstered Bench
With just a few pipe fittings, some carpet padding, and curtain panels, you can easily make your own pipe-leg upholstered bench to add a unique and creative flair to any room in your home. Follow our how-to guide to DIY your own customized furniture.
Skill
Intermediate
Time
One Day
Cost
Less Than $500
What You Need for This Project
Tools
Materials
- (4) 3/4 inch Diameter Floor Flanges
- (6) 3/4 inch Diameter Galvanized Tees
- (4) 3/4 inch Diameter Galvanized Caps
- 3/4 inch x 48 inch Galvanized Pipe
- (4) 3/4 inch x 4 inch Galvanized Pipe Nipples
- (4) 3/4 inch x 6 inch Galvanized Pipe Nipples
- (4) 3/4 inch x 8 inch Galvanized Pipe Nipples
- 84 inch Curtain Panels
- (3 yards) 11 1/8 mm Rebond Carpet Padding
- 1/2 inch x 48 inch x 96 inch MDF
- 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 foot Furring Strip
- Wood Glue
- Wood Screws
- 5/16 inch Staples
- Painters Tape
- Bronze Spray Paint
- 15 foot x 4 foot 8 ounce Canvas Drop Cloth
Resources
Make the Base
- 1
Put the Bench Legs Together
Assemble the two end sections of the bench legs and leave the fittings slightly loose (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Thread each end assembly onto the 42 inch pipe and then stand the bench on a flat surface. Adjust the tightness of the fittings to level the bench and eliminate wobbles.
Steps:
- 2
Spray Paint the Assembly
Wipe down all of the pipes and fittings to remove any labels and oily residue. Apply two coats of bronze spray paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steps:
Make the Seat
- 1
Start Building the Bench
Glue the two MDF seat panels together and then glue the 1 in. x 2 in. x 48 in. rails along the centre (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). Use painter’s tape to secure the parts while the glue dries.
Cut four layers of carpet padding to fit the bench. Stack the padding on the bench and then bevel the top edge with scissors for a rounded upholstery edge.
Steps:
- 2
Put the Fabrics On
- Cut the drop cloth and curtain fabric to 28 in. x 70 in. and lay the drop cloth on your work surface.
- Flip the bench upside down and centre the bench and padding on the drop cloth. Starting in the middle of each side, pull the drop cloth over and staple to the bottom of the bench (Project Diagram, Drawing 3). Then alternate on each side of the bench pulling and stapling, moving out from the centre of the bench on each side toward each end — stop 6 to 8 in. from the ends.
- Fold under the end and staple each corner. With the four corners folded, wrap the drop cloth over each end and staple. Repeat everything for the curtain fabric.
Steps:
- 3
Attach the Base to the Seat
With the upholstered seat still upside down, centre the pipe base on the MDF. Drill 1/8 in. pilot holes and drive the screws through the pipe flanges.
Steps:
How To Terms
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.
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