5 Table Top Ideas For DIY Industrial Pipe Desks
Because of it's ease of use and flexibility, Kee Klamp fittings and pipe can be used in a variety of different DIY furniture builds. One of our most popular projects that our customers like to build are DIY Industrial Pipe Desks. The legs and frame are typically built using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe and then some kind of table top is used to finish the desk. Many of our customers have used Ikea wood table tops and here in our office, we even have a conference table with a concrete table top. But the imagination and creativity doesn't have to stop there. To spark your imagination and to give you an idea of all the different kinds of table tops you can use with Kee Klamp, we have compiled a list of 5 unique table tops ideas that can be used in your next industrial pipe desk project...
1. Recycled Pallet Table Top
Image from 101 Pallets
If you're on a budget, creating a table top from recycled/reused pallets is a perfect solution. You can grab old pallets from the back of retail stores, distribution centers, and warehouses. (Make sure you know the difference between treated and untreated wood to know which to use. You can learn about how to tell if pallets are safe to use here.)
A lot of these places throw these away after a certain amount of time or when they break. But a good amount of the time most of these pallets are still usable. So keep your eye open. Combine these with Kee Klamp fittings and you'll have all the materials you need to build yourself a sleek, new desk. Score.
Watch how this guys finds his pallets and builds his pallet tables tops...
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Table Top
Image from Bored Panda
This unique design uses a mixture of glow-in-the-dark resin to create a totally unique table top. The slots are carved out first and then filled with the resin to create the glow. Getting more creative with it, you could carve out a whole variety of designs that glow-in-the-dark. Snow flakes for a winter theme table top, evil eyes for a Halloween look, planets and stars to create your own galaxy. The possibilities are endless. Adding Kee Klamp fittings and pipe is an easy way to create legs for the table and further enhance the look by creating a modern, industrial aesthetic.
Image from Bored Panda
3. LED Table Top
Image from Evil Mad Scientist
A great idea for any bar, club, restaurant, or even at home, this table top is fitted with LEDs. It makes for a modern, state-of-the-art look that is sure to spark conversation. Throw in some club music and visitors won't be able to stop themselves from dancing. Just don't "club" too hard.
Image from Bar Chefs
Image from Bar Chefs
4. Penny Table Top
If you have the patience, you can even construct a table top using your spare change. You can finally put those pointless pennies to a good use. For this type of table top, black painted or powder coated Kee Klamp fittings and pipe would pair well with the copper color. You can also create cool and unique designs by using a combination of new, lighter colored pennies and older, darker colored ones like the picture below.
It can be time consuming but the result is well worth it. If you really love pennies (or just have a lot of them) you can even use pennies for your flooring. For me, that would take a whole new level of patience that I can't even fathom. My brain hurts just thinking about it.
Another similar idea is to use bottle caps. It uses the same basic principle and design. It's a great idea for a table top in a home bar or man cave.
5. Tree Slab Table Top
Image from Room Service Store
If you're going for a rustic look in your home then a tree slab or "live edge" table top will fit the bill. Combined with black painted or powder coated Kee Klamp fittings and pipe this table top creates a warm, inviting feel. It would also fit well in the weekend getaway cabin.
Image from Accent on Design
If you need help creating or designing your own desk, we offer free design assistance. Our team here at Simplified Building is knowledgable and trained to assist you in creating a solution that will work for you. If you need a bit more inspiration, then try taking a look through our Desk Category for posts and projects about different desks built with industrial pipe.