Wooden PVC Lamp

At one time, I used PVC to replace a part on another lamp to look like wood. Then I decided, why not make a whole lamp out of PVC / wood. This caused some hand wringing because I wasn't sure how to "cover" the ends that wouldn't look like wood. Here is what I did...

Supplies:

1/2" PVC Pipe

Lamp Socket

Lamp nipple

3/8" Electrical Conduit wire socket

1/2" to 1/2" female thread turn around

5/8" Compression Fitting

~10' Lamp Cord

Lamp electric plug

Cloth Twine

Lamp Shade

TOOLS:

Sand paper (100 grit or so)

Wood File

Screw Driver (Philips and Flat)

Hacksaw

Pliers and/or Wrench

Sand

Old Pan

Heat Source (I used a coleman propane stove)

Duct Tape

Old Board

Screws

Drill

Wire Wheel

Tape Measure

Stain (I used gel stain)

Rags

Rough these up before you cut them and then a little more after. I cut to 14" but ended up cutting a little more off. (See Below). Continue to rough up the PVC.

Two goals... Make it "wood grain" like and roughed up to take the stain. If it is the original smooth finish, it won't take the stain. After using sandpaper, I used a file to make various gouges and scrapes to make it look more like wood.

When PVC is heated just on the outside, it won't bend well. It tends to just collapse. I found a YouTube video where someone filled the PVC with hot sand. I used a Coleman propane stove to heat the sand. I covered one end of the PVC with duct tape, put it upright in a vice, and used funnel to pour sand into the top. I took another piece of pipe and tapped on the side to tamp the sand, and then add more sand. Once it was full, a put another piece of duct tape on top. CAUTION-The sand is hot... Use gloves. Once the sand is in, it makes the PVC pipe very pliable. Make a jig on an old piece of wood with two slightly different angles to give different shape. Bend the pipe to the shape. Then add screws to hold it in place. Give it time to cool (about 10 minutes) before you take it off. Dump the sand, let cool and you have your shape.

To get them (somewhat) even, wrap duct tape around and cut evenly with saw. (NOTE... you will be adding a longer middle piece).

Stain... I used my jig board to stand the PVC pieces up. Use gloves and stain. Second coat if desired. Use whatever color makes you happy.

Cut a piece of wood (I used an old log) to cap end. This allows you to hide the end of the PVC that looks like PVC. Drop a small amount of super glue down the "branches" so they stick together. Careful to not use too much and streak down the "wood". Place wood / plastic adhesive on top. After drilling hole in the middle of the wood piece, place it over the middle pipe.

Run lamp cable up middle middle pipe. Assemble lamp socket. Wire plug on end of cable. Wire lamp socket according directions. Place compression socket on pipe. Tighten complete assembly.

Wrap Twine. This is two fold. It is decorative but also helps hold assembly. Tuck twine behind itself and in between "branches". Place small amount of glue at the end of the twine.

You are all done. Put a bulb in, plug it in, and Enjoy the light and warm inviting look of wood.