DIY Balloon Stands – PVC Balloon Stands – Columns/Arches

1. Gather All Your Ingredients

• (2) 10′ 1/2″ PVC Pipe (for each stand)
• (3) 1/2″ PVC Tees
• (4) 1/2″ PVC Elbows
• Tape Measure
• Pen or Pencil
• Small Level
• PVC Pipe Cutters
• PVC Glue
• Craft Glue
• Black Spray Paint (Optional)
• Drill And Drill Bit (7/64)
• #6-32 x 1-1/2″ Screw And Matching Nut
• Funnel
• Play Sand

2. Cut PVC Pipe To Size

I want my final base to be fairly big (19″x19″). Measure and cut 2 18″ pieces of 1/2″ PVC pipe and 6 8″ pieces of 1/2″ PVC pipe using the PVC pipe cutter.

You will also need to cut 1 piece of PVC pipe to whatever size you want your final columns to be (ex: 4′ or 5′ ).

I have several sizes that all fit these bases depending on what size column or arch I am making.

3. Dry Fit PVC Pipe

Dry fit (put together pipe pieces without glue) the pieces of pipe to make sure they all fit and are the correct size.

4. Scuff Ends

Take the PVC pipe pieces apart and scuff the ends of the pipe pieces with sandpaper that will be glued. This will help the glue adhere to the PVC better. Make sure to scuff both sides, the PVC pipe ends, and the inside of the connector pieces.

5. Glue

Start by applying the purple primer by making several passes over each side being glued together and then adding the adhesive. Work quickly because this adhesive sets pretty fast. Make sure to read all the instructions for your specific glue and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Using the level make sure the PVC pipes are lining up correctly and level. Especially the middle piece of PVC pipe.

DO NOT glue the middle piece of PVC pipe to the balloon stand. The center piece will be removable for easy transport.

Make sure to let the PVC pipe completely dry before moving on to the next step.

6. Attach Middle Piece

Using the drill bit and the drill, drill a hole through the middle tee and the center pipe. Go slow and make it as straight as possible.

Next, remove the drill bit and secure the screw through the hole, and attach the nut to the end of the screw.

7. Paint

Make sure to cover your workspace before you begin painting. Using black (or whatever color you want) paint, slowly coat the PVC pipe evenly. It is better to make several thin coats of paint allowing them to dry in between coats than it is to make a single thick coat.

Allow the paint to completely dry prior to moving on to the next step.

8. Mark For Future Use

I like to make a little mark on each side of the PVC pipe from the tee to the pipe so that when I go to attach the pipe later I can line them up easier.

9. Fill With Sand

Remove the center pole by unscrewing the nut and screw. Then place the funnel over the hole and begin filling the base with sand.

This step will take some time to get the base filled with sand. Shake the base back and forth to allow the sand to fill the base. You may have to bang the base on the table (or whatever surface) you are using.

If the sand is slightly damp, allow it to dry prior to filling your base because it will go a lot smoother.

9. Glue

Using your regular glue create a layer of glue on top of the sand but inside the PVC pipe. Make sure the glue won’t interfere with the center pipe when it is reinserted.

10. Enjoy!

Sometimes you will need to make tabletop balloon centerpieces. These PVC Mini Table Top Balloon Bases are perfect for just that.

Follow the same instructions as the big balloon column stands except the PVC pipe sizes are smaller. Here you will use 2 1/2″ by 6″ PVC and 6 1/2″ by 2″ PVC.