Make Your Own Flute Out of PVC – An Instructional Guide & Video



drawing of a flute

Plastic piping isn’t just for plumbing – it can serve as a tool for creating your own musical instruments, including a simple flute! If you use the right dimensions, then you can make a beautifully tuned flute out of PVC piping. This PVC instrument will be water-proof and crack-proof – making it the perfect instrument for kids or on-the-go flutists.

How Do I Make My Own Flute?

Before you can make music, you’ll need to make your flute. Making a homemade flute is simple, you only need PVC Pipe, an end cap, and a few tools. Check out our detailed steps for making a DIY flute with PVC.

Materials Needed

¾” PVC End Cap

¾” Schedule 40 PVC Pipe (15 inches in length)

Tools Needed

Tape Measure

Drill

Steps for Making a PVC Flute

Step 1: Cut the PVC Pipe. You will want to make sure that your PVC pipe is the correct length. About 15 inches in length is where we think we get the best sound. Feel free to modify the length to your preference. The shorter the PVC pipe the higher pitch you will have and the longer the pipe is the lower the flute will sound.

Step 2: Measure the Hole Distances. Without the end cap attached, you’ll use the tape measure to mark each hole on the PVC pipe. There are 2 holes that are off-set from the others. See the notes below to make sure you measure correctly:

•  Measure 6-7/8” from the bottom of the pipe to mark the first hole.
•  Measure 8” from the bottom of the pipe to mark the second hole.
•  Measure 9-1/8” from the bottom of the pipe and rotate up 25 degrees to mark the third hole. (This hole is off-set on purpose.)
•  Rotate the pipe back down so the next hole lines up with the first two holes.
•  Measure 10-3/4” from the bottom of the pipe to mark the fourth hole.
•  Measure 11-1/2” from the bottom of the pipe and rotate up 10 degrees to mark the third hole. (This hole is offset on purpose.)
•  Rotate the pipe back down so the next hole lines up with the first two holes.
•  Measure 12-3/4 from the bottom of the pipe to mark the sixth hole.

Step 3: Attach the End Cap and Mark the Hole. On the end of the pipe furthest from the markings, attach the PVC end cap. You can use primer and solvent cement. If you prefer a temporary hole, just slide the end cap over the pipe. It should be a tight fit. Now, measure and mark the hole where you’ll blow. If you use a flat cap, measure 5/16” from the edge. If you use a round end cap measure slightly longer from the tip of the cap. (This hold should be center on the cap.)

Step 4: Drill the Holes. Not every hole will be the same size. The hole for your mouth at the end cap should be 7/16” in diameter. The next 3 holes should be 3/8” each. The hole that is 10-3/4” from the end should be 11/32”, the 11-1/2” hole should be 7/16”, and the last hole measured at 12-3/4” should be 5/16”.

Step 5: Customize Your Flute. Now that the flute is complete, this final step is to customize your PVC anyway you see fit. Before you start, remember that anything impacting the holes will impact its performance and sound. Use color tape to give it a colorful unique look. Paint it with acrylic or spray paint. Also, if you decide to paint the pipe, remember your face and mouth will be close so be sure to use safe paint.

Make Music

You now know all the steps of how to make a flute out of PVC pipe. Go make some music with your unique flute. Or, use it for on-the-go practice so you don’t risk damaging your concert flute. Let us know how your flute turned out by sending us a picture or sharing it with us on social media!

Interested in other DIY kids projects with PVC? Check them out here!