Wood is a fascinating material to work with. Not only can you carve it to fit whatever purpose you, but you can also attach things to it.
Building with PVC is one of the easiest things. The reason why it is popular is because of the numerous options you can have. You can design practically anything to fit your needs.
But when you think about adding wood and PVC together, most people struggle with how to attach pvc to wood.
Although the idea feels difficult and daunting, there are a few easy methods to try out. For this guide, we’ll go over the easiest method step-by-step. Then, we’ll list out other methods after that.
Steps on how to attach pvc to wood
Before we begin, here is what you will need
- A drill.
- A sanding paper.
- PVC fittings.
- A clean rag.
- PVC cement.
- Some varnish or finish of your choice.
Step 1: Clean the area
The first step to how to attach pvc to wood guide is to make sure that the PVC structure and wood are clean.
Use a clean cloth to wipe off dust and other particles. Leaving dust on the surface will get in the way of securing the structure.
Step 2: Checking what you need
Make sure that you check the structures you want to add. Think about the connections, angles, and directions. This will help you to make better decisions in the future as well.
Also, it helps you to plan the entire structure better. You will be able to see if what you plan will fit together or not.
Step 3: Drilling a hole in the wood
The next step is to drill a hole. Measure the PVC you want to add to the structure. Ensure that the chamber you make is large enough to fit the PVC structure.
It is always a good idea to leave a few millimeters of space in between. The reasoning behind this is simple. It will help you to stick the structure properly.
Not only that, but it will also help you to put the PVC in without effort.
Remember, creating too big of a space to fit the PVC will hamper the structure. This will actually create a weak link, which will be easy to fall to ruination.
Also, create a lip in the structure. The lip is a small dent where the PVC structure will be seated finally. This will help you gauge the depth of the PVC once it is inside the wood.
Step 4: Add PVC cement to the space
Once you create the lip, make sure you wipe it off once. This will take away the dust and other small particles from it.
After that, put a small amount of PVC cement in it. All you have to do now is to insert the PVC pipe or structure in it.
Make sure that when you insert it, you hold it in its place for a few seconds. This will allow the PVC to attach itself to the cement.
If you can’t insert the structure by hand all the way, use a mallet to hammer it in. Be gentle with it. Give it a few taps. Don’t “hammer” it in.
Step 5: Inspection
The last step in this method for how to attach pvc to wood is to check if the PVC is secure.
Wait till the cement dries. Then, all you need to do is feel the structure with your hands.
Other methods of attaching PVC to wood
Apart from the elaborate method above, there are some other ways and methods to attach PVC to wood:
- Epoxies are a great answer to how to attach pvc to wood for some people. If you have a small structure to attach, epoxy will be great. The substance is good for fusing wood and PVC together. It does not require a lot of time to set, unlike some of the methods, we will list in a minute, and is super strong. Make sure you check the reviews to see which epoxy offers the best results.
- If strength is not your concern, then superglue will be a good option as well. Bear in mind that superglue will give you a temporary solution. Using it on small PVC structures that will be stored indoors is a good idea. Superglue does not hold well for outdoor use. A standard tip to use PVC and superglue on wood is to roughen the sides of the PVC. Do this for the part that has to bond with the glue. Doing so will ensure that the glue holds the PVC in place.
- When you use PVC with superglue, remember to make use of clamps. Since the glue expands, about three to four times in volume, a clamp will ensure that the glue does not overflow. That said, you can also make use of epoxy with glue. This will help you find a better solution.
- Making use of polyurethanes is another way to seal the PVC in place. This substance is quite strong and can give you long-lasting results as well.
- You can also make use of all-surface adhesives. Although these won’t be as strong as other options, they do the job for you. Different manufacturers have different formulae, which will affect the strength of the hold. You can find some options that are specifically created for PVC. These will have a better hold on the material.
Conclusion
Some people feel that using nails will be a good way to attach PVC to wood. But that is not the case. With time, movement can loosen up the treads of the nails. And that will make the entire structure weak and prone to damages.
Although there is no fool-proof answer for how to attach pvc to wood, the methods mentioned above can help you out greatly. You will be able to make the most of your project as long as you follow the instructions.
With other methods and ways mentioned here, remember that the first three steps remain the same.
