DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top

An Easy to Build Table with a Metal Base

This copper pipe project is one where I sort of winged it and wrote it as I went along. I really wanted to build a DIY copper pipe end table with a wood top and love the way this one came out! Using 1/2″ copper pipe with matching fittings, and 3/4″ plywood for the top, this table can be completed in a matter of hours!

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top

Materials:

  • 12 – 1/2″ copper tees
  • 4 – 1/2″ copper 90° elbows
  • 6 – 1/2″ copper pipe straps
  • 1 – 1/2″ copper pipe at 10′
  • 1 – 1/2″ copper pipe at 5′
  • Fast drying adhesive (such as DAP® Rapid Fuse)
  • Very fine steel wool
  • 3/4″ screws
  • 5/8″ Rubber leg tips
  • Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
  • Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Tools needed:

Cut List:

For the 1/2″ copper pipe:

  • 4 @ 4-1/2″ – Ends
  • 2 @ 4-1/4″ – Ends
  • 8 @ 1-1/2″ – Spacers
  • 2 @ 13-3/4″ – Top Supports
  • 4 @ 13-3/4″ – Sides
  • 4 @ 15″ – Legs

For the plywood top:

  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 17″ x 17″

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Completed View

Notes about the project:

The table measures 17″ x 17″ square and is approximately 20″ tall.

Use the fast-drying adhesive to secure the fittings to the pipe.

Polish the pipe and fittings with the steel wool prior to cutting and assembly – touch up the pipe as necessary!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the ends. Slip a 90° elbow on one end of each of the 4-1/2″ pieces, with a tee on the other end. Connect these pieces to each other with a 4-1/4″ piece of pipe between them to create two end assemblies. (Refer to the photo for the positioning of the fittings.)

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Starting Assemblies

Step Two

Cut the 1-1/2″ spacer pieces and insert one in each end of the 90° elbow. Add a tee to the end of each of these pieces followed by another 1-1/2″ piece of pipe in the end of the tee. (Refer to the photo.)

Cut the 13-3/4″ sides and add a tee to each end of two of these pieces. Add these pieces to the end of each 1-1/2″ piece.

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Side Assemblies

Step Three

Secure the assemblies to each other with the remaining 13-3/4″ pieces of pipe, then insert a 15″ leg into the bottom of each remaining tee.

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Top Assembly

Add the rubber leg tips to the bottom of the pipe legs. (I used a copper colored spray paint to change the tips so they would match the table frame.

Step Four

Cut the plywood for the top and finish as desired. I used the glue resist technique with white glue prior to staining and sealing the table top.

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Glue Resist Top

Secure the frame to the table top using the 1/2″ pipe straps and 3/4″ screws.

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Pipe Straps

DIY Copper Pipe End Table with a Wood Top - Secured Top

pinnable

The DIY copper pipe end table with a wood top is relatively inexpensive and easy to build. As an even cheaper alternative, PVC pipe can be used then spray painted in any color desired. The top can be customized, as well! Have any questions about this end table? Leave a comment below!