Furniture Grade PVC
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Time to read 3 min
PVC pipe was designed in the 1920’s to be lighter, cheaper, and easier to use than old style metal and cement piping. Builders and plumbers loved how quickly they could install it, and how well the pipe held up over time. Over the years PVC has become a household name, and today pipe and fittings can be found in most hardware stores around the US.
Realizing PVC’s low cost, accessibility, and favorable building qualities, many people began to experiment with it. Search the internet and you’ll find hundreds of ideas for things you can create from PVC pipe and fittings. They range from dog agility equipment to home décor, to full outdoor furniture sets.
As this sort of PVC use became more and more popular, there arose a need for specialty parts that didn’t exist for plumbing use. Several manufacturers began making PVC pipe and fittings for a whole new purpose – building custom structures, contraptions, and furniture. These special parts and any PVC parts created for similar purposes are referred to as furniture grade PVC.
What’s the Difference?
Furniture grade PVC is slightly different from standard plumbing PVC in several ways. Aesthetically, furniture grade PVC is shinier and is free from writing or bar codes. This gives a more polished look than standard PVC which often has markings or imperfections. Furniture grade PVC pipe and fittings also are treated to be UV resistant. This means they won’t get brittle or discolored from prolonged sun exposure. Depending on the manufacturer, furniture grade PVC may have other unique qualities too, like tapered edges or high impact resistance.
Standard PVC pipe and fittings can always be used with furniture grade PVC, but furniture grade parts should never be used for plumbing purposes. Furniture grade PVC is not rated to hold pressure and it doesn’t meet any of the required industry standards. Both types of PVC do, however, use the same sizing system. That means a 1” PVC pipe will always fit into a 1” furniture grade elbow.
Common Furniture Grade PVC Parts
There are a few furniture grade items that are not usually available from standard plumbing PVC manufacturers. These fittings are sometimes hard to find and highly sought after by PVC enthusiasts.
3 Way PVC Fitting (aka Side Outlet Elbow)
4 Way PVC Fitting (aka Side Outlet Tee)
5 Way PVC Fitting (aka Side Outlet Cross)
PVC Flat Cap
Check out our selection of furniture grade PVC fittings and start a project of your own today!
We now offer unmarked furniture grade PVC pipe in both black and white!
Enhanced Aesthetics & Durability: Features a glossy, barcode-free finish and UV treatment to prevent yellowing, fading, or brittleness from sun exposure.
Specialized Designs: Includes specialty structural connectors (like 3-way, 4-way, and 5-way fittings) designed specifically for building furniture, decor, and DIY structures.
Non-Plumbing Use Only: Uses standard PVC sizing and pairs with regular pipe, but lacks pressure ratings and must never be used for plumbing applications.
FAQs
What is the difference between furniture grade PVC and standard plumbing PVC?
Furniture grade PVC is designed for structural projects and aesthetics rather than plumbing. It features a glossy, marking-free finish without bar codes, is UV-resistant to prevent yellowing or embrittlement in the sun, and often has high impact resistance and smooth, tapered edges for a polished look.
Can I use furniture grade PVC for plumbing or pressurized water lines?
No. Furniture grade PVC is not pressure-rated and does not meet plumbing industry standards or health certifications for potable water. While standard plumbing PVC can be used in furniture builds, furniture grade PVC should never be used for plumbing applications.
Are furniture grade PVC fittings compatible with standard PVC pipe sizes?
Yes. Furniture grade PVC uses the same nominal sizing system as standard Schedule 40 PVC. For example, a 1-inch furniture grade fitting will fit seamlessly onto a standard 1-inch PVC pipe.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
