This guide walks you through creating durable and customizable space dividers for just $25 per panel. It’s an easy, environmentally conscious project using readily available materials. Let’s dive into the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
For each 5×5-foot space divider, you’ll need the following:
PVC Piping and Connectors:
- 3 pieces of 1″ x 10 ft PVC piping
- 4 PVC corner pieces (1″)
- 2 PVC cross pieces (1″)
- 4 PVC end caps (1″)
- PVC glue
Panel Materials:
- 1 canvas drop cloth (5×5 feet) or any non-stretch fabric
- 6 grommets
- 6 hooks (5/8”)
Finishing Touches:
- Black plastic spray paint (optional)
Tools:
- Saw (or use the hardware store’s saw)
- Drill (with a 3/32-inch bit)
By sourcing materials from a local hardware store, I was able to find everything I needed at an incredibly affordable price.
Step 2: Visualizing the Blueprint
Before you begin assembly, it’s essential to conceptualize your design. The blueprint consists of two views:
- Top-down view of the base to outline stability.
- Front view to illustrate the overall frame.
While these sketches don’t need to be to scale, they serve as a reference for accurate cutting and assembly. Visualizing the layout ensures you’ll have a sturdy, functional divider that meets your specific needs.
Step 3: Creating the Base
Cutting the PVC Pipes:
- Take two of the PVC pipes and cut each into two 5-foot-long pieces.
- From one of the 5-foot sections, cut two 5-inch pieces (keep these—they’ll be essential for stability).
- Slide the cross connectors over the now slightly shorter base piece. Add the 5-inch pieces to both ends. Measure the length of the base to ensure it’s precisely 5 feet.
Assembly Tips:
The base requires four upright tubes to stabilize the frame. Adjust the heights of these tubes based on the divider’s placement:
- Shorter uprights (e.g., 5 inches) for areas like doorways.
- Longer uprights (e.g., 2 feet) for areas needing additional stability.
Glue Strategically:
To ensure durability without sacrificing flexibility:
- Glue the 5-inch connectors to the corner pieces.
- Leave other joints unglued to allow for disassembly and reconfiguration later.
This modular design ensures that the divider remains functional even if your space or needs change.
Step 4: Attaching the Canvas
Drilling and Hooking:
- Drill 3/32-inch holes into each corner piece and insert hooks.
- Stretch the canvas across the frame and secure it using grommets:
- Add the first grommet to one corner of the canvas.
- Attach it to the frame and pull the fabric taut to mark the placement of the second grommet.
- Repeat for the remaining corners.
For additional support, consider adding hooks along the edges to prevent sagging.
Eco-Friendly Design:
Using canvas instead of synthetic materials reduces the environmental impact of this project compared to commercial space dividers that often use Styrofoam and particleboard.
Step 5: Painting the Frame (Optional)
If you want a polished look, disassemble the frame and spray paint the pipes. I chose black plastic spray paint for a clean, modern finish. Allow all pieces to dry thoroughly before reassembling the divider.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Adjustments
Once the paint has dried, reassemble the frame, attach the canvas, and enjoy your newly crafted space divider! The design is lightweight yet stable. Even with a bit of tugging, the structure holds up remarkably well.
If the canvas appears slightly loose, try this simple trick: Spray the fabric lightly with water and use a hairdryer to tighten it. This technique ensures a snug, professional look.
Why This DIY Divider Works
Our design is not only cost-effective but also highly versatile:
- Reconfigurable: Since we left many joints unglued, the divider can be taken apart and resized as needed.
- Sustainable: By using minimal materials and avoiding wasteful products, we’ve created an environmentally friendly solution.
- Functional: Whether used as a room divider, a projector screen, or even a decorative element, the possibilities are endless.
Additional Tips for Customization
- Nautical Style: Add grommets along the canvas edges every 3-4 inches and use thin nylon rope to lash the fabric to the frame. This not only prevents sagging but adds a unique design element.
- Projector Screen: For a dual-purpose divider, use white fabric as the panel material.
- Adaptability: Experiment with different fabric colors or patterns to match your space’s aesthetic.
Conclusion
With a bit of creativity and effort, creating your own space dividers can be an enjoyable and rewarding project.
For less than $25 per panel, you’ll have functional, durable, and stylish room dividers tailored to your exact needs. Plus, the satisfaction of crafting something yourself is unbeatable.
Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
