Introduction: why opt for a DIY industrial coffee table

Envy of a unique piece of furniture that reflects your creativity while fitting in perfectly with an industrial decor? Make your own coffee table from sturdy plumbing pipes and a top made from wood or another recycled material.

Accessible to everyone, this DIY project is ideal for adding character to your interior, whether it's modern, loft or Scandinavian. In this article, discover all the steps involved in designing an industrial coffee table, the materials needed, as well as tips for personalising your creation with suitable finishes.

Materials and tools needed to make your coffee table

Here's everything you need to assemble your industrial coffee table:

• 8 pipes vertical : Length adaptable according to the final height required.
• 5 pipes horizontal:
  • 1 large pipe for width (adjustable length).
  • 4 Pipes for the short sides (depth).
• 6 fittings in T: Connect vertical and horizontal pipes to form the frame.
• 4 round flanges for the tray : Used to securely fix a wooden tray.
• 4 round flanges with or without holes : For the legs, providing stability without fixing to the floor.
• Alternatively, you can also use equal couplingsor sreduced couplings for feet or rollers.
• adaptable directly to our Pipes:

Available pipe diameters:

• 21 mm (1/2 inch - 15x21 mm).
• 27 mm (3/4 inch - 20x27 mm).
• 34 mm (1 inch - 26x34 mm).
• 42 mm (1¼ inch - 33x42 mm).

Table top: possible options

• Wood species:
  • Oak (robust and elegant).
  • Pine (light and economical).
  • Beech (light and modern look).
• Alternative materials:
  • Veneered chipboard (economical and customisable).
  • Recycled wood (authentic and eco-friendly).
• Diversionary uses:
  • Wood pallets (rough or sanded).
  • Recovered old shutters.
  • Metal or glass tray for a sleek industrial look.

Step 1: Assemble the metal structure of your coffee table

1. Prepare your parts

Place the 8 vertical Pipes, 5 horizontal Pipes, 6 T-fittings, and 8 round Flanges (4 for the legs, 4 for the top) on a flat surface.

Degreasing can be carried out piece by piece before assembly or on the final assembled structure, however it is recommended to wait until the structure is assembled. Use a metal degreaser or acetone to remove any traces of oil or grease.

The degreasing process can also be carried out on the final assembled structure.

Important: Once degreased, parts must be given a finish (varnish, paint or patina) quickly to avoid any oxidation.

2. Assemble the legs

Take 4 vertical pipes and screw a flange without holes onto one end of each. These flanges will form the bases of the legs.

Fasten a T-fitting to the other end of each vertical pipe. Turn the open part of the T inwards so that you can connect the horizontal pipes later.

Fasten a T-fitting to the other end of each vertical pipe.

3. Add the horizontal pipes for depth

Connect two short horizontal pipes (depth) between the T fittings on each pair of adjacent legs.

Make sure the pipes are aligned to ensure the stability of the structure.

4. Install the large horizontal pipe for width

Place the long horizontal pipe between the two pairs of legs. Screw it into the open parts of the T-fittings located in the middle of the two short sides.

Check that the frame is symmetrical before tightening the fittings.

5. Complete the tops of the legs

Fasten a second T-fitting to the top of each remaining vertical pipe. Orient the openings to allow installation of the upper horizontal pipes.

Join the T-joints with two horizontal pipes for depth, and one long horizontal pipe for width.

6. Position the top flanges

Screw the round Flanges onto the top of the vertical Pipes. These flanges will act as supports for the tray.

Alternative for the legs

As an alternative to the classic flanges, we offer:

• Plastic end caps: To be inserted into couplings to protect fragile floors.
• Adaptable rollers: Attached to intermediate couplings to add mobility to the table. These solutions offer additional customisation to suit your needs.
  
  

Practical tip:

Manual tightening: For standard tightening, tools are not required.

Full tightening: If a tighter fit is desired, don't hesitate to force for optimum adjustment. If necessary, a claw spanner or pipe vice can be used for precise tightening.
In all cases, a WD40-type lubricant/degreaser will make the operation easier.

Dimension tables for each diameter:

Height:
Assembly example: Flange + Pipe + Tees + Pipe + Flanges

Width:
Example assembly: Tee + Pipe + Tees

Depth:
Example assembly: Tee + Pipe + Tee + Pipe + Tee

Finishing the structure

After assembly or before final assembly, apply a finish to the structure:

• Clear varnish (aerosol or spray): To retain the raw look while protecting surfaces from oxidation.
• Paint (aerosol or spray): Ideal for a more even or coloured look.
• Patina: To give an aged or textured effect.

Tip: Work in a well-ventilated space or outdoors to avoid fumes. Protect areas where you don't want to apply product (such as threads) with masking tape.

Checking the assembly

Place the structure on a flat surface and check that it is stable.

Adjust joints if necessary to align the frame.

Your metal structure is now ready and perfectly protected. You can now move on to installing the top to finalise your coffee table.

The table is now ready for use.

Fittings finishes:

The fittings offered in our shop are brushed, which gives them an authentic look. Before use, they must be:

1. Degreased:
   • Use a metal degreaser or acetone to remove oil or grease residues.
2. Protected or customised:
   • Varnish : Preserves the raw look while preventing oxidation.
   • Paint : For a more uniform or coloured finish according to your desires.
   • Patina: More difficult to implement, but will give an authentic, industrial result.

Step 2: Attach the tray

1. Preparation:

   Drill the holes for the flanges (if necessary) and apply your finish (varnish, paint, etc.) before fixing.

2. Fixing:

   Screw the wooden tray securely onto the top flanges. Make sure you use screws suitable for the thickness of the tray.

3. Check:

   Test stability by pressing lightly on the edges to detect any movement. Adjust if necessary.

Conclusion: your industrial coffee table ready to shine

Congratulations! You've designed a unique, sturdy industrial coffee table full of character. This DIY project is just the beginning: why not consider other matching pieces of furniture with plumbing pipes?

If you have any questions, need further advice or assistance with our products, please contact us via our online form. We're here to help!