Scaffold furniture: Build your own storage units

When he moved into his unfurnished flat in 2014, Bristol-based design engineer Liam decided to build his own storage system using scaffolding planks, tubes and fittings.

Liam was looking for a system that would hold his clothes, sports equipment and tools, while acting as a working area too.

The unit he built is 2.2 m (8 ft) wide and 2 m (6.5 ft) tall and can act as a bookshelf, wardrobe, shoe cabinet and desk.

Fittings

Parts you'll need

10-7 - Single Socket Tee, 32mm (1-1/4")

01 x £11.08 £11.08

21-7 - 90° Side Outlet Tee, 32mm (1-1/4")

01 x £15.14 £15.14

15-7 - 90° Elbow, 32mm (1-1/4")

01 x £12.85 £12.85

61-7 - Flange, 42.4mm O/D

01 x £11.67 £11.67

76-7 - Hook, 32mm (1-1/4")

01 x £8.96 £8.97

Design

Liam used a CAD software to create the design for this storage system.

Build

1. Liam cut the tubing to length using a hacksaw. However, with Simplified Building, once you decide on the dimensions of your tube and place the order, we will cut the tube for you: this service is free and tube cutting will save you a lot of money on shipping costs.

2. He measured out the shelves and cut the planks using a saw.

3. He then cut V-groves into the smaller shelves to help them sit on the cross tubes.

Liam set his mitre saw to a 45° level, engaged the depth stop and cut.

He then finished the cut with a hand saw.

4. At the end, Liam sanded the shelves and used oil to finish them.

5. For the final step, Liam built the structure for the storage system using pipe and fittings; these just tighten together with an Allen key. For structures like this one, we recommend size 7 tube and fittings: these will ensure that your structure is very sturdy.

6. Liam then placed the wood planks on the tubes.

The result was this multifunctional area that suited Liam’s need for space and versatility.

Liam first posted this step-by-step guide for this storage system on Instructables.