I originally shared this idea over on Or So She Says a while ago. Just in case you missed it, I wanted to share it here as well. Do you need an affordable, creative, and fun idea that will keep the kids busy for hours? I have the perfect thing for you! Today we are making a DIY fort kit using PVC pipe. I’ve done a few PVC projects and they are always lots of fun, but my favorite part is that PVC is cheap!
All the supplies you need to make your fort kit is 1/2 inch PVC pipe, pipe connectors, a pipe cutter (the metal sturdy one is best!), duct tape, clamps, blankets (or drop cloths), and a box to store everything in.
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About how much should one expect to spend on a project like this? Any tips for cutting costs? Thanks so much:)
Curious what size drop cloth you would suggest? Never bought those before and seeing a variety of sizes online. Thanks!
I bought 2 drop cloths that are canvas 6ftX9ft. Sometimes I wish they were bigger, but they work.
I have not used the pvc pipe for forts but I think it is great. Another option to the canvas drop clothes would be sheets. I get sheets at the local thrift store for really cheap. My kids paint on them and drag them thru the dirt. They have been the best purchases I have ever made.
How many connector pieces do you recommend having?
I think I started with 10 connectors of 4 different shapes, then I went back for more! Good luck!
Where did you purchase the connectors?
Love this fort kit…want to make for grandsons…about the cost of materials for kit?
Thanks
How much did it cost. I got a kit like this on line it was a 55 peace kit and cost $30.00 it came with a tarp too.
I was wondering where you got the storage bin to put the kit in? I’ve looked around a few places and can’t find one long enough for the 36″ pieces.
I bought mine at Target. I put a link to one in the post. It is made by Sterilite and is called an Underbed box and is 74 Qt. Hope this helps!
Also wondering about where you were able to find a container that long. I have not found anything bigger than 32”. I may cut my pieces down to 30” but don’t really want to.
I bought mine at Target. I put a link to one in the post. It is made by Sterilite and is called an Underbed box and is 74 Qt. Hope this helps!
What size pvc pipe did you use? 3/4 inch or larger?
Yes, 3/4 inch.
Love this idea. Can I use, share, with credit to you of course on my blog? Also I would like to talk with you regarding being a guest blogger about a fun/kid/family friendly activity
Yes, please share! Thanks for asking.
What a great, fun idea! Do you know the approximate cost of the supplies you listed? Thanks!
I just tried to buy this for my boys for Christmas. At Lowe’s this rang up as $100, including the storage box, but no pipe cutter, and only three colors of duct tape. So we’ll be doing something else for Christmas.
I went to Home Depot today and you’re right. $40 was too low! I’ve added approximate costs on the post. I wish it didn’t add up so fast!
Melissa, I believe you 100 percent. I just figured up stuff in my head and I came up with at least $80. There’s no way you could buy everything for $40.
I went to Home Depot today and you’re right. $40 was too low! I’ve added approximate costs on the post. I wish it didn’t add up so fast!
Hi there- I love this idea and was just pricing it out on Home Depot’s website. I have a couple quick questions (I am 100% unfamiliar with everything involving building, which is why I am determined to let my daughters immerse themselves in it). Does it matter if I get 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch PVC, because I saw both mentioned in your article and in the comments. Also- any chance you might have a breakdown of what shapes of connectors to buy and how many of each one? Anything in particular I need to know about buying clamps, or can I just walk in and demand clamps and they will know what I mean? Thanks for any help you can offer!
I love this idea. However, the post says 10 feet of PVC pipe, but for 12 of each size we would need way more than that. Is your $20 estimate for PVC pipe for one of each size (which 10 ft would work for) or for enough PVC to get 12 of each size? I have no idea how PVC is priced. Thanks
She says that you need 10 pieces of 10 foot pvc- 100 feet total. Our Home Depot sells 10 foot 3/4″ pvc for $2.40 per piece, so $24 total.
Great idea, but sorry to say, PVC pipes off gas something terrible. Please look into this. Not only during use, but when discarded and burned it will cause damage to us and our environment. http://chej.org/wp-content/uploads/Documents/Be%20Safe/about-precaution/documents/PVC_Consumer_Products.pdf
You might want to edit the post to reflect that it’s 3/4″ inch PVC not 1/2″ that you used. You can clearly read the 3/4 in the picture of the kit in the storage tub. Also 3/4 is not much price different and much sturdier. Thanks!
Oh! And I did buy all the pipe and fittings including the pipe cutter for less than $60 at Lowes then got colored duct tape at the dollar store. Total costs less than $70.
Thanks for the great idea! Gave a kit for Christmas and it was an absolute hit with my two boys, ages 8 and 10. It was great family time and spurred the boys to use their imagination, planning, and problem solving skills.
Where did you get the clamps?
Great idea !
Thanks for sharing.
I hope to try assembling…building this with my Son & Grandchild.
Thanks to all who’ve asked questions here and made informed suggestions too.
Just finished this project and can’t wait to show my grandkids all the possible fort structures they can make. Lowes made all the cuts for me yesterday so I didn’t have to buy any cutters. They also had a bag of 14 clamps in 4 different sizes for $12.99. I have a bunch of old sheets already and just needed the colored duct tape and the sterilite box which I picked up today. This was an easy kit to put together and I am looking forward to hours of fun with my grandkids. Thanks for this great idea!!
Just noticed that some people were commenting on the size of PVC pipe, that 1/2 inch isn’t as sturdy or stable as the 3/4 inch. Well, I bought the 1/2 inch like it said in the original instructions, so hope it all works well. Will let you know how it turns out after the grandkids start building 🙂
Did you end up liking the 1/2 pvc pipe or wish you had gotten 3/4 inch?
I love this idea! I wanted to share with everyone that you can buy the PVC and connectors at Habitat for Humanity, if you have a store near you. I was able to buy scrap PVC for $.10 a foot and connectors for $.20. Plus, you get to help a good cause. I wasn’t able to get enough PVC and connectors for the entire project, but I think if I keep on going back I will find enough.
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What size of clamps dis you use? Would a roll of fabric from a fabric store work for the cloths? Trying to cut costs
So the pvc you used is .5” or .75” because in the post you say .5” and in the comments you say .75”.
It says above 3/4. Which is a sturdier PVC pipe.
Does anyone have a list of how many different connector pieces and quantities needed? Thanks in advance.