How To Make A Tent With PVC Pipe

If you want a portable and lightweight tent, you can make it with PVC pipes. So, know the method of how to make a tent with PVC pipes. 

While camping can be fun, it can be expensive. However, you can avoid spending too much if you build yourself a PVC tent. Using PVC tubes, you can construct a tent that is durable, water-resistant, and very easy to set up.

Let’s dive right into the method of making a PVC tent and then start your process. 

Things You Will Need To Make A Tent With PVC Pipe 

To make a PVC tent, you should gather the necessary supplies and organize them so that you can build the tent. Making a PVC tent is not difficult when you have this list of materials. It will help you make sure that you have everything you need for the job.

• PVC pipe (1-inch-diameter) 
• 3 tarps, 6-foot-by-8-foot 
• Permanent marker 
• 4 tent stakes 
• 2 three-way PVC corner connectors
• 4 90-degree PVC connectors
• Nylon cord
• Hacksaw
• Tape measure 
• Rubber mallet
• Scissors
• Duct tape (optional) 
• Zip ties

Steps Of Making PVC Pipe Tent 

Once you are done arranging the things you need to do while making a PVC pipe tent, now you can start the process. We are sharing the step-by-step procedure with you so that you don’t have any confusion regarding this. See the method in detail. 

Step 1: Do The Measurements First 

You need to do the measurements first. Check the details and then measure by marking the sections. Now, cut the three 8-foot-long sections of PVC pipe. Then cut four 3-foot-long sections in the same way. Use a marker, tape measure, and hacksaw to do that. And that is the way you need to cut the sections first. 

Step 2: Place A Three-Way Connector 

Now, take the three-way connector and place it on the end of the 8-foot-long pipe. It helps to work as the spine of the tent. So, make sure you place this connector well so that it will be stable and enough to hole the tent properly. 

After that, take the two 3-foot-long pipes and attach them well into the open receptacles. Make sure you attach the three-way connectors to each of the open receptacles. It should look like it has four angled legs. 

Step 3: Place A 90 Degree Connector 

Now, you need to take the 90-degree connector. Place this connector on each of the legs. There are four legs and you should attach the connector to each of them. Now, carefully insert the remaining 8-foot-long sections. 

You should insert it between the connectors and to the bottom part of the border of each side panel. Make sure you have the proper understanding of this before you start attaching it. 

Step 4: Drape The Tarp 

After you finish attaching the connectors, now it is time to use the tarp. There is a total of three tarps you will need. This is the first tarp you need to drape over the spin of the frame. And to do that, thread the zip ties well through the tarp’s grommets. Also, do the same with the PVC pipes. 

That is how you should attach the first drape. To tighten it, cinch the zip ties until it is properly tight. And when it’s done, cut off the excess by using scissors. 

Step 5: Place A Nylon Cord 

Now, it’s time to place the nylon cord. Measure it well and then cut four 2-foot-long lengths of the cord. After that, tie one cord to each stake. Make sure you attach them appropriately. 

Then carefully drive the stakes of the tent into the ground. Use the mallet to do it well. Now, place the cord near the corners of the tent. There are four corners and you should attach the cords to the areas well. After doing it, tie the three cords to each of the cords to the corners of the frame of the tent. And that is it. 

Step 6: Fold The Second Tarp 

It is time to use the second tarp. You need to measure first so that it helps to fold the tarp perfectly. After measuring 6 feet and 10 inches long by 4 feet and 1 inch wide, fold this second tarp into a rectangle way. It can be used as the ground cloth. 

Place this cloth well inside the completed tent. Make sure that the ground cloth is a bit smaller than the footprint of the tent. That is how it will be easier to place it well into the ground. If the ground cloth extends the perimeter of the tent, it won’t work properly when it will rain. And water will come into the tent. 

Step 7: The Third Tarp 

When attaching the third tarp, the process is almost the same. First, the measure by marking a 3-foot-by-3-foot square from the third tarp. Then cut the measured area accordingly. Now, fold it in half and cut the fold. It creates two triangles. 

After that, cut six 1-foot-long pieces of cords. Measure it well and then cut. Then tie the tarp to the frame by using the cord at each corner. Pass the cord through the grommets. Tie one of the bottom corners to easily enter or exit. And you are all done. 

Tips 

• If the tarp doesn’t have grommets, use Velcro instead. And to use it, apply one side of the Velcro to the tarp edge and the other side to the PVC pipes. 
• To make the tent portable, you can cut the 8-foot-long pipes in half. Then pitch the tent by connecting the sections together with inline connectors. 
• Try to use commercial-grade Velcro. It keeps the tarp secure in any kind of weather. 
• You can also use duct tape to keep the edges of the ground cloth in place. 

Wrap Up 

As you know that there is a proper way that you can use to make a PVC tent, you can choose this procedure to make a tent. Check out the entire process of how to make a tent with PVC pipes. 

See the method well and then apply it to make the perfect tent with PVC pipes. Make this portable tent and make your tent camping comfortable.

Want to read another interesting tent guide? Then read the steps of making a tent from scratch.