At Today’s Homeowner, we’re longtime advocates of green living and eco-friendly practices, especially recycling.

Whether it’s sorting paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans for weekly pickup or encouraging recycling construction waste in remodeling projects, recycling is great for the environment and saves money on materials.

However, there’s something even better than recycling: reuse. Reusing existing materials eliminates the labor and energy needed to recycle them into new products. Whether you turn a door into a desk or make a shoe caddy from a 5-gallon bucket, reusing is smart, creative, and inexpensive.

You may not realize you probably practice reuse already. Anytime you buy something from a garage sale or refinish a piece of furniture, rather than throwing it out, you’re reusing it. 

Check out this project from one of our viewers showing a great way to reuse leftover scraps of PVC pipe by turning them into a fence, then read on to learn how to build your own!


I like to keep things out of the landfill, so we took various sizes of PVC pipe that were being thrown out and cut them into different sizes to make this unique fence. The tallest piece is about three feet high and the smallest one foot. The fence took a little time and imagination, but very little money.

The pieces were joined together with rust-proof screws on the inside of the pipe. Rebar and a small amount of concrete were used in the center and end pipes to hold them in place, with small drainage holes drilled through the pipe just above the level of the concrete.

The back of the fence is flat, and the front has a sculptured look by the different size pipes. It can be painted or left white. I’ve had many people ask who manufactured our homemade fence!

— Mary Potts
Del Norte, Colorado

Gathering Materials for Your Fence Project

When starting this DIY fencing project, you’ll first need to gather the necessary materials. Having the right supplies on hand will make the construction process go smoothly. Here are some tips:

  • Call local construction companies and contractors to see if they have leftover PVC from job sites that they are willing to donate or sell cheaply. Scraps of one to three feet work well.
  • Look for people on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace who give away PVC pipe scraps cheaply — or for free.
  • Hardware stores sell new PVC pipe in various diameters if you need to supplement scrap pieces. Opt for the thinnest affordable walls to maximize cost savings.
  • For joining the pipes, rust-proof screws and PVC cement are ideal. Self-tapping screws make the process easier.
  • Use concrete and rebar cut to length to anchor the end pipes and provide stability. Quikrete is an affordable bagged concrete option.
  • Drill bits suited for PVC make quick work of drilling drainage holes before setting pipes in concrete.

With some effort to source recycled PVC pipe, you can build this fence project for a fraction of the cost of buying new materials.


Tools You’ll Need

While recycled PVC is the primary building material, you’ll need certain tools to build the fence. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

  • A miter saw, jigsaw or hacksaw to cut the PVC pipes to desired lengths
  • A power drill with bits sized for PVC to make drainage holes and drive screws
  • A screwdriver suited for self-tapping screws, taking the hassle out of joining pipes
  • For mixing and pouring concrete, a shovel, trowel, and wheelbarrow
  • Pipe cement completing seals joints (optional)
  • Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and a mask) when cutting PVC

With these basic tools, you can turn your fence-building into a simple DIY project. You can rent power saws if you don’t own them.


Constructing Your Upcycled PVC Fence

Once you prep your materials, the fence comes together quickly. The actual construction process involves just a few key steps. Think of it like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, taking it piece by piece. Here’s an overview of how it comes together:

  1. Cut the PVC pipes to varying lengths with a miter saw or hacksaw. Mix up sizes for visual interest.
  2. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each pipe. Holes should be just above concrete level.
  3. Lay out the pipe configuration and join with screws driven into pilot holes or PVC cement. Your fence is taking shape.
  4. Dig holes for the end pipes and center pipe, providing stability. This is the frame of your fence.
  5. Add rebar inside the holes and encase it with concrete to anchor the pipes.
  6. Paint your new fence with exterior acrylic paint to add color and extra durability.

Maintaining Your PVC Pipe Fence

A few easy maintenance steps will keep your recycled plastic fence looking good:

  • Monitor concrete footings and inspect joints for loosening. Reinforce with additional screws or cement if needed.
  • Clean the fence with a power washer to remove dirt and buildup.
  • Touch up the paint when it fades.
  • Keep the base clear. Remove grass or weeds growing around the base of the pipes or in drainage holes. 
  • Check that your fence foundations are solid.

One of the best perks of using PVC is that it naturally resists rot, decay, and insects. It’s impervious to moisture, so with proper installation, it will last for many years with minimal upkeep.


Cost Comparison

Here’s how an upcycled PVC fence stacks up cost-wise against new wood and vinyl fencing:

  • Wood privacy fence installed: $22–$35 per linear foot
  • Vinyl privacy fence installed: $20–$26 per linear foot
  • Upcycled PVC fence: $3–$5 per linear foot for materials
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Reusing scrap PVC pipe can save you about 85% compared to installing a new wood or vinyl privacy fence. And you get the satisfaction of diverting plastic from the landfill and constructing a unique, eco-friendly fence.


So, Is a Recycled PVC Fence Right for You?

Constructing a DIY fence from recycled plastic PVC pipe is a creative, budget-friendly project for homeowners wanting to repurpose materials headed for the landfill. It provides an opportunity to reduce your environmental impact through reuse.

The finished fence offers durability, low maintenance, and custom color options. You’ll save big by sourcing scrap pipe instead of buying expensive fencing.

Remember that this type of fence takes more effort to build than a prefab wood or vinyl fence. You must buy or collect used pipes, cut them to size, and anchor them. But if you have the time and DIY skills, a PVC pipe fence adds character to your yard at a fraction of the store-bought cost.


FAQs About Recycled PVC Fences

How long does a PVC pipe fence last?

With proper installation and anchoring, an upcycled PVC fence can last more than 20 years without rotting, decaying, or becoming brittle. Pipes are naturally resistant to moisture and insects.


What size PVC pipe is best?

For fence posts, 3- to 4-inch diameter pipes work well. For infill fencing, use thinner pipes, around 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Mix it up for visual variety.


How do I clean a PVC fence?

Clean a PVC fence with a pressure washer. For spot cleaning, wash it with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that weaken or damage the plastic.


How deep should I bury PVC pipes in concrete?

If you want to bury PVC pipes in concrete, bury them 6 to 12 inches to keep them sturdy and upright. Rebar will reinforce the concrete and anchor the posts.


Can you paint PVC pipe?

You can paint PVC with outdoor acrylic latex paint. Primer provides extra adhesion. Spray paint is also an option for quick touch-ups down the road.


*Cost estimates in this article sourced from Angi.

Editorial Contributors
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Elise LaChapelle

Author

Elise LaChapelle is a copywriter with over a decade's experience in the digital space. She specializes in blogging, website content, social media, and e-mail marketing across a diverse array of clients, helping them to connect with their target audience through concise, compelling messaging. When she's not crafting copy, Elise enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

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Sabrina Lopez

Editor

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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