DIY Galvanized Pipe Shelving Unit

Last month I decided I’ve had enough of our current shelving units in the living room! They looked good but they sat directly on the floor without any legs and that visually weighed down the room. After sifting through countless sites for a good replacement, I found nothing I LOVED! That’s when decided to do go the DIY route.

I landed on this concept after seeing this post by The Design Twins. This wall mounted shelving unit was close to what I had envisioned for my space! This look not only made my space feel much lighter, it provided so much more storage.

This DIY costed me close to $500 for both shelves combined. To be honest, I was hesitant to go this route because it was quite an expensive DIY. For the amount I spent I could’ve bought these shelves from somewhere online BUT I wouldn’t have been able to get this specific look. The center opening for artwork was a must have for me! That one little detail is made these shelves feel less Industrial/rustic and more luxe and custom!

But, enough talking; check out the shelving units we hard before I built these. The are from the Gasglow collection at Target.

Material’s List

THIS LIST WILL BUILD ONE SHELF, DOUBLE THE MATERIALS IF YOU’RE BUILDING TWO.

(16) 3/4” x 12” Black Pipe
(2) 3/4” x 36” Black Pipe
(6) 3/4” Black Tees
(4) 3/4” Black 90 degree Elbow
(10) 3/4” Floor Flanges
(2) 1”x 12” x 8’ Common Board cut down to 37” W Shelves (When selecting your wood, be sure to not pick up any of the warped pieces)
Drywall screws (If you’re not drilling into the studs)
Black Screws
Stain of Choice ( I used Varathane Premium Dry Wood Stain in Black with a matte finish)
Rusto-leum Stop Rust Spray Paint in Satin Black

Tools You’ll Needed

Miter Saw (Or you can get your wood cut at your local home improvement store)
Drill
Drill bits
Level

The Process

The first step was to determine the size of my shelves. I drafted up an ideal plan on paper then decided to map it out on the wall with painter’s tape and the scale was perfect. The overall size of the shelf is 80”H x 36”W with 14” openings (one 36” opening). I thought this part of the process was gonna be so hard to get right but once I decided how tall I wanted the shelves to be, it was a breeze.

Assemble your support brackets -be sure to get them as tight at you can. - Be sure to get the support bracket as straight and level as possible.
Scrub your support bracket with hot, soapy water using an abrasive sponge or rag then wipe them dry.
Spray paint your support bracket, it’ll take at least two coats and be sure to allow extra dry time in between coats.
Cut and stain your shelves. Two coats of stain will be ideal for a stronger presenting stain.
Seal your shelves with a clear coat to protect the surface from everyday wear and tear.
Place one support bracket in place and mark the spot for your first hole.
Drill the first screw into the stud or use a drywall anchor for security.
After securing the first screw, have someone hold the support bracket in place while you use a level to make sure all of the arms are straight.
After making sure the arms are level, mark rest of the holes and and screw the rest of the bracket in place. (Don’t forget to use drywall anchors if necessary)
Install the other support bracket 36” apart from the other one and repeat the previous steps.
Place your shelves across the support brackets.
OPTIONAL: Secure the shelves to the support brackets using Two Hole Strap U Tension Clips.