The Ultimate Guide to Fittings | PIPE DECOR

21 Jul.,2025

 

The Ultimate Guide to Fittings | PIPE DECOR

Are you thinking about starting a new DIY project? In order to bring your vision to life, you’ll need to use the right parts. At PIPE DECOR®, we offer a huge selection of pipes and fittings to help you build anything from bar carts to TV stands.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding on one of our premade DIY kits, we’re here to help. Here’s a complete guide to the fittings we sell so you can see what pieces you’ll need for your next build.

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Elbow

What it is: An elbow is a fitting that connects two pipes at either a 90-degree or 45-degree angle, depending on the elbow.
What it’s used for: We use elbows to build frames for our pipe wardrobes and shelving racks. You can also find them in some of our table bases and our Hanger floor lamp.

Street Elbow

What it is: A street elbow is similar to an elbow, except that instead of connecting two pipes, it connects a pipe with another fitting. They also come in 90- and 45-degree angles.
What it’s used for: Street elbows are featured in our angled shelf bracket kits.

Side Outlet Elbow

What it is: A side outlet elbow is an elbow with a third opening on the side, allowing you to connect three pipes.
What it’s used for: We use side outlet elbows in our quad-flange wall-mounted clothing racks.

Square Elbow

What it is: Our square elbows are a patented design that’s exclusive to PIPE DECOR®. It’s a 90-degree elbow, available in an exciting square design that helps achieve a modern, geometric look.
What it’s used for: Use a square elbow anywhere you might use a regular elbow!

Reducing Elbow

What it is: A reducing elbow is an elbow that can connect two pipes of different diameters, from smaller to bigger or vice versa.
What it’s used for: You can use a reducing elbow in almost any project that you would normally use a regular elbow for, as long as the smaller pipe size can support the right amount of weight for your project. Using two different pipe sizes can make for a unique visual effect.

Tee

What it is: This is a T-shaped fitting that has three places to connect a pipe.
What it’s used for: We feature tees in many of our table base kits, as well as our clothing rack kits.

Side Outlet Tee

What it is: A side outlet tee is a four-way fitting that looks like a tee but with an extra opening on the side, allowing you to connect four pipes together.
What it’s used for: Side outlet tees are what allow you to mount your Double Hung Clothing Rack to the wall.

Reducing Tee

What it is: A reducing tee is a tee that can connect two pipes of different diameters, from smaller to bigger or vice versa.
What it’s used for: You can use a reducing tee in almost any project that you would normally use a regular tee for, as long as the smaller pipe size can support the right amount of weight for your project. Using two different pipe sizes can make for a unique visual effect.

Cross

What it is: A cross is a cross-shaped four-way fitting that allows you to connect four pipes, each at a 90-degree angle from the next.
What it’s used for: You can see some innovative cross designs in our Blackjack kitchen table and our M Design desk.

Coupling

What it is: A cylindrical fitting that’s used to connect two pipes of the same diameter.
What it’s used for: You can use a coupling to add height or length to table legs, bar stool legs, clothing racks, and more by attaching two pipes of different lengths together. We feature them in some of our table and desk base kits, like the X Desk.

Reducing Coupling

What it is: A reducing coupling is a coupling that can connect two pipes of different diameters, from smaller to bigger or vice versa.
What it’s used for: In furniture projects, a reducing coupling can make for a cool effect on a table leg or clothing rack while still adding length. You can also use them as feet for a table or desk in lieu of a flange, as you can see on some of our pipe leg sets.

Bushing

What it is: A bushing is a reducing fitting that can connect a fitting with a pipe of a smaller diameter. 
What it’s used for: A bushing can be used in any project that involves connecting a larger fitting with a smaller pipe. 

Union

What it is: A union is a three-piece, octagonal-shaped fitting that’s used to join two pipes together, similar to a coupling. The union allows for sophisticated pipe design by enabling you to create a perfect loop, as seen in our Loop coffee table. Without the union, it would be impossible to fully connect a loop of pipe. 
What it’s used for: If you're not making loops in your pipe furniture, the difference between a union and a coupling really comes down to aesthetic. A coupling is a smooth cylinder, while a union has a blockier appearance. Like couplings, we feature these in a few of our table base kits such as the Streetlights Coffee Table.

Flange

What it is: A round flange is a circular fitting that screws onto the end of a pipe.
What it’s used for: Flanges make great feet for table legs. They also allow you to attach your pipe decor to a wall, like with a wall-mounted wardrobe or shelf.

Square Flange

What it is: Square flanges are a patented design that are exclusive to PIPE DECOR®. They can act as feet for table and desk legs or as a way to mount pipe furniture like shelves or clothing racks to a wall.
What it’s used for: The square design has a sleek, modern edge that can upgrade the look of any project that would normally require a flange. See them in our barn door handles and shelf bracket kits.

Mini Square Flange

What it is: Our mini square flange is another patented design that you’ll only find at PIPE DECOR®. These flanges are smaller than our standard square flange.
What it’s used for: We feature mini flanges in our Square Barn Door Handle kit, but you can use them in any project where you would normally use a flange!

Mini Flange

What it is: Our mini flange is yet another exclusive design. These flanges are smaller than our standard flange.
What it’s used for: Use them in any project where you would normally use a flange. The smaller size can provide a more minimalist look for shelf brackets or table legs. 

5-Way Fitting

What it is: A PIPE DECOR® exclusive, the five-way fitting connects five pipes together.
What it’s used for: A five-way fitting is used in our Roots end table kit, and can also be used to assemble your own projects from scratch.

6-Way Fitting

What it is: Another PIPE DECOR® exclusive, this patented design allows you to connect up to 6 pipes to a single fitting.
What it’s used for: Use a 6-way fitting as the center of a pipe light fixture or for other creative projects. The sky’s the limit!

Cap

What it is: A cap closes off the end of a pipe by covering it from the outside, like the name suggests.
What it’s used for: Use a cap to provide a finished look to any pipe that’s not connected to another pipe or fitting, like at the end of a shelf bracket.

For more Can black iron pipe fittings be used outdoors?information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Square Cap

What it is: A square cap works just like a standard cap, but with a fun geometric shape that's exclusive to PIPE DECOR®. 
What it’s used for: Replace any cap in your pipe projects with a square cap for a cool, modern look!

Plug

What it is: Plugs can be used to close off the end of a pipe. The design is more subtle than that of a cap. A plug is screwed inside of a pipe, while a cap goes on the outside.   
What it’s used for: We feature plugs in some of our barn door handle designs.

A Complete Guide to Essential Pipe Fittings for Plumbing and Gas ...

When undertaking any residential or commercial plumbing or gas project, having the right fittings for joining and assembling pipework is critical. Pipe fittings are indispensable components that allow you to alter pipe direction, connect pipe sizes, regulate flow, and repair or install piping safely and effectively. Below we’ll explore popular options like galvanized fittings, black fittings, and banded fittings and how to select the ideal fittings for the job.

Versatile Galvanized Pipe Fittings

Galvanized pipe fittings are hugely popular for many piping systems due to their robust construction and relatively low cost. Here’s an overview of galvanized fittings:

  • Corrosion Resistant: Galvanized refers to zinc coating applied to the fittings and pipe to prevent rusting and corrosion. This allows them to withstand outdoor and underground environments.
  • Strong and Durable: Galvanized steel is exceptionally strong, allowing it to handle high water pressures and temperatures. Galvanized fittings have a long service life.
  • Use with Galvanized Pipe: For optimal corrosion resistance, galvanized fittings should be paired with galvanized steel pipe vs. black steel or copper.
  • Types Available: Elbows, tees, couplings, reducers, unions, and more. Galvanized fittings are available in most styles.
  • For Water or Gas Systems: With proper pipe sizing, galvanized fittings can be used to assemble both water and natural gas systems.

For a versatile option suitable for many applications, galvanized fittings are an ideal choice.

Sturdy Black Pipe Fittings for Gas and Steam Systems

Known for their distinctive black finish and durable iron construction, black pipe fittings are a common selection for assembling gas and steam systems. Here are the key benefits of black pipe fittings:

  • Made of Malleable Iron: Provides great strength and temperature resistance for gas and steam lines.
  • Naturally Black Finish: The fittings achieve an attractive black finish through the manufacturing process rather than a coating.
  • National Pipe Threads: For easy assembly with black iron pipe via standardized tapered threads. Many sizes available.
  • Strong Seals: Tapered threads form tight seals that prevent leaks in gas pipe systems when properly installed.
  • Range of Fitting Styles: Tees, elbows, couplings, caps, crosses, reducers, nipples, and more in black finish.

For creating secure gas and steam lines, trust rugged black pipe fittings for optimal safety.

Heavy-Duty Banded Fittings for Large Water Systems

For assembling large commercial and municipal water supply systems, heavy type banded fittings are an ideal choice to handle substantial water flow. Here’s an overview:

  • Made of Ductile Iron: Provides great strength for large water transfer lines and high-pressure applications. More resistant to shock.
  • Joint Secured by Bands: The pipe ends slide together into the fitting which is sealed with a tight metal band around the joint.
  • Suitable for 12″ Diameter and Above: Larger fittings are joined with banded couplings vs. threading or welding.
  • Cement Lined for Drinking Water: Fittings have an interior cement lining that protects water quality. External asphalt coating also applied.
  • Flanged End Options: For connecting to equipment like valves and hydrants via bolted flange joints.

When dealing with sizable water mains, treatment plants, or distribution systems, specify heavy banded fittings for reliable long-term service life.

Choose the Right Fittings for Your Plumbing or Gas System

When it comes to assembling any piping system, start by considering the application, pipe material, pipe size, and operating conditions to select suitable fittings. Galvanized and black fittings are ideal for small to medium residential and commercial systems, while large municipal water systems demand substantial banded fittings. With this overview of popular options, you can choose fittings with confidence.

Are you interested in learning more about Best Uses for Galvanized Pipe Fittings in Plumbing and Construction? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!