Three Things You Can Make with Aluminum Pipe

Making things for friends is a lot of fun, especially when those items are functional, inexpensive and durable. Some of the things on my list to build are projects that can be used all year long. The materials are available at most DIY stores, some can be obtained from friends, at flea markets or at building material supply centers.

Using aluminum pipe is easy; it's a lot like building with grown-up erector set pieces. You can use lightweight aluminum conduit for some projects; it is both lightweight and inexpensive. For projects that require extra strength and durability, use schedule 40 aluminum pipe. It is a little heavier and a little more expensive, but will stand up to weather and weight loads better. Both pipes are sold in 10-foot lengths.

Here are three things you can build with aluminum pipe. Each project may require additional materials; these will be listed under the item's heading.

You will need the following items:

• · Sandpaper to remove metal burrs
• · Hacksaw
• · Colored electrical tape (optional)
• · Metal primer and paint (optional)
• · Aluminum connectors- either the screw-type or cold solder (sp) type. The screw-type has two small screws that when tightened, holds the pipe in place securely.
• · Alternative connectors include those for PVC pipe and all-purpose cement or hose connectors such as those made for repairing black plastic water lines.

Garden Trellis

The easiest garden trellis is to use two lengths of pipe; there will be a five-foot section left over. You will also need garden netting, string, scissors, two two-foot lengths of ½" rebar, a hammer and two 90° connectors. Square or rounded connectors are a matter of taste.

Cut both pipes in half. Attach connectors at each end of one pipe, and connect a pipe to each end. It will look like a large "U" shape. Measure the distance between the pipes and drive the rebar one-foot into the ground. Mount the frame onto each rebar stake. Beginning at the top, attach the netting to the frame and stretch it out on each side. Tie the netting to the side bars every four to six inches down each side and trim off the bottom with the scissors. This trellis is strong enough to hold various types of flowers, fruits and vegetables that grow on vines, including watermelons. It will not blow over in most winds.

Alternatively, attach wooden or PVC lattice to the frame to create a mobile trellis panel that you can move anywhere in the garden. Use these panels to create focal points around benches, enclose patios, garden ponds or shade for windows.

Awnings

Awnings can be used to shade doors, patio areas, windows and create visual interest on homes or RV's. Measure the window or door and if desired, including the trim. Cut a length of pipe to fit and attach two corner connectors. Decide how long your awning will be and cut enough pipe to fit inside the connectors and add two inches. Use a hammer to flatten two inches of length at the end of each pipe and bend it to the outside. Use a drill fitted with a metal and drill a hole one inch from the flattened ends on each pipe. Bolt the frame to the house through the holes. There are two ways to support the awning:

• · Rope, cable or chain can be attached to the front or side bars to hold the awning in place.
• · A support bar with one end flattened at an angle and drilled mounting hole (or a flagpole mount can be used), and the other end attached to the top bar with a 45° angle piece inserted in the side bar. A sliding PVC T-connector can also be used.

Cover the awning with outdoor fabric and embellish with desired trims or decorations. Remember to take the awning down when storms, high winds or snow is predicted to prevent damage.

Portable Screen Room/Tent/Utility Area

It's always fun to have a versatile utility room to use outside, but many PVC models do not hold up well to being assembled and disassembled. Models made with metal are often expensive, odd sizes or very heavy. Accessories such as walls or screens are especially expensive.

Begin by drawing out a plan. This will allow you to customize the size of your structure. To strengthen my structures, I use one vertical pipe for every four feet of distance. For example, for an eight-foot wide wall, I'll have a pole at each end and one in the middle, connected with a four-way connector. Some of my rooms have framed doors and at other times, a screen or fabric wall with a zipper door works well.

I being by cutting the verticals four feet long each, so there's two pieces to each vertical. I cut four-foot long horizontal pieces that will brace the walls and make the structure stronger. You can brace one, two or three walls, depending on your needs.

At the top of the poles, the middle poles are topped with T-connectors and the corners with three-way connectors. Horizontal poles, cut four feet long, are inserted to create the wall's top.

For my roof, I like to use PVC pipe. I attach the top poles with slip T-connectors. These do not glue in place, they simply slip over the horizontal poles. PVC four-way connectors at the top allow a PVC or aluminum ridge pole to be inserted.

I know it sounds like a lot, but it is easier to build than to describe. I built mine based on pictures of greenhouses built using PVC pipes and connectors.

Measure and sew a roof and walls that attach to the frame with ties, buttons, zippers or other attachments. If you have a friend that sews, you can build a structure for the friend in exchange for sewing. Outdoor fabric with UV protectants and waterproofing is the best to use. Create walls with solar screening, outdoor fabric or other materials.

The sides can be anchored with tent stakes and ties or add horizontal bars to the bottom and place sandbags or anchors. I have tied PVC-covered trellises to the sides for weddings, surrounded by white gauze and silk fabrics. It was beautiful.

These items can be made as gifts or to make your home and landscape as versatile as possible.

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse subjects and skills such as DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV'ing and a consummate movie fan.