Tutorial to create modern industrial wall shelves with threaded black steel and cast iron plumbing fittings and pipes

Credit: Model creation and photo Elise N. Thanks to her for these lovely photos!

Introduction:

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create modern, industrial wall shelves using threaded black steel and cast iron plumbing fittings and pipes. You'll make three wooden shelves following the steps outlined below for cleaning, finishing and assembly.

This structure has been created using our smallest parts (3/8" = 12x17mm). This means that the pipes used have an external diameter of 17mm.
As floor flanges do not exist for diameters this small, reduced 1/2" (15x21mm) > 3/8" (12x17mm) nipples were placed between the structure and the 1/2" (15x21mm) floor flanges.

Materials and tools required:

• 3 wooden boards of the desired size
• 5 threaded steel pipes
• Black cast iron fittings
• Acetone and cleaning cloths
• Varnish, spray paint or spray gun for finishing
• Drill and suitable screws for fixing shelves to the wall
• Wrench (optional, for assembly)
• Protective gloves, mask and safety glasses
• Screws and fixing plugs suited to the nature of your partition

List of fittings and pipes required:

• Pipe 3/8'' - 12x17mm black steel - threaded 50 mm x 1
• Pipe 3/8'' - 12x17mm black steel - threaded 150 mm x 1
• Pipe 3/8'' - 12x17mm black steel - threaded 80 mm x 3
• Black cast iron male plug 3/8'' x 1
• Female cast iron 3/8'' x 1
  tee/equal tees
• Small radius elbow 90° M/F black cast iron 3/8'' x 1
• Reducers M/F black cast iron 1/2'' > 3/8'' x 2
• Large radius bend 90° M/F black cast iron 3/8'' x 1
• Reduced nipple black cast iron 1/2'' > 3/8'' x 2
• Cross - 4-way - black cast iron 3/8'' x 1
• 1/2" flange | 15x21mm large diameter black cast iron x 4
• Equal couplings black cast iron 3/8'' x 2

Step 1: Clean plumbing parts

1. Wear protective gloves and a mask if necessary.
2. Soak a clean cloth in acetone.
3. Carefully wipe down pipes and fittings to remove any traces of oil, grease or dirt.

Step 2: Assemble the shelves

1. Assemble the pipes and fittings to form the shelf supports by hand-tightening or using a spanner.
   To tighten the components tightly the simplest technique is shown here:
   https://home-invasion.com/blogs/tutos/comment-visser-raccords-et-tuyaux-de-plomberie-filet-s
2. For parts with a hexagonal shape as well as equal couplings (thanks to the small bars on the sides) you can use an adjustable spanner:
   
   
   
3. For the flange that will be fixed to the wall, the tightening must be particularly tight to prevent rotation when your shelf is loaded.
   For optimum tightening, you can, for example, screw your flange into any piece of wood and tighten using the vertical pipes of the structure until you reach the desired position. Don't forget to keep easy access to the holes for fixing to the wall afterwards.

Step 3: Apply the finish

1. Prepare the workspace by covering surfaces with tarpaulins or newspaper.
2. Place your plumbing parts structure on a clean, protected surface.
3. Apply varnish or spray paint according to the manufacturer's instructions, making sure all surfaces are well covered. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if necessary.
4. Allow plumbing parts to dry completely before handling.

Step 4: Fix the shelves to the structure on the wall

1. Position your shelves on the brackets, making sure they are aligned and evenly spaced, use a level if necessary.
2. Screw the shelves onto the brackets through the previously drilled holes.
3. Make sure the screws are tight and the shelves are securely fastened to the floor flanges (round pieces).

Step 5: Attach the structure to your partition

1. Drill holes and insert dowels suitable for the type of wall (brick, concrete, drywall, etc.) if necessary.
2. Fix the structure to the wall

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've now created three modern, industrial wall shelves using threaded black steel and cast iron plumbing fittings and pipes. Feel free to experiment with different sizes, shapes and finishes to create unique, personalised shelves that suit your style and space.