DIY Cheap & Easy Classroom Divider with PVC Pipe

DIY Classroom Divider with PVC Pipe
I don't know a teacher who doesn't have at least one student who gets super distracted by things around the classroom. Room dividers are a popular way to block off areas in classrooms. I use room dividers to create spaces for rest time/ sensory breaks and to create spaces for independent work stations. I had a large metal room divider that was super heavy and bulky and honestly not very safe, so I made this super easy PVC pipe room divider!
Supplies:
  • 25 feet PVC pipe, I used 1 inch (the amount of pipe you will need depends on how high and how wide you want your divider)
  • 2 PVC pipe 90 degree elbows (in the same size as PVC pipe)
  • 4 PVC pipe tees (in same size)
  • 4 PVC pipe caps (in same size, if desired. Just attached to end of feet)
  • PVC pipe cutters
  • PVC pipe cement (if desired)
  • Measuring tape
  • Curtain with a rod pocket and sewing supplies
    • Note: Make sure you get a curtain that is tall enough and wide enough for the size of the stand you want. I found a single panel at Target that is 54 inches wide and 84 inches long. 
  • Spray paint (if desired)
  • Velcro (if desired)
  • Note: I purchased all of the supplies at Home Depot but you could find the stuff at Lowe's or another home supply store. All of the PVC pipe cost $19, you can get a cutter for about $10 and the cement is about $5.
Directions:
  • Start by cutting your PVC pipe. Here are the dimensions I cut (my stand is 4.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide) 
    • (2) 4 feet pieces (these pieces are for the sides)
    • (2) 5 inch pieces (these pieces are for the sides)
    • (2) 5 feet pieces  (these pieces are for middle bars)
    • (4) 10 inch pieces (these pieces are for the legs)
  • Start connecting your stand (reference the picture)
  • Spray paint, if desired.
  • Hang the curtain on the top middle piece of the stand (just put the middle piece through the curtain pocket).  Then measure where you need the pocket on the bottom part of the curtain. Mark where you need the second pocket, remove the curtain from the stand, iron the crease and then sew a straight line to create the pocket. You can use a sewing machine, sew by hand or use hemming tape and an iron. I just hand sewed it because it was quick and easy. 
DIY Classroom Divider with PVC Pipe

DIY Classroom Divider with PVC Pipe

  • Put the curtain on both of the middle pieces of the stand and you're done! 
  • If you want, you can use PVC pipe cement to attach pieces of your stand together to make it sturdier... but make sure you do this in your classroom if you don't have a car big enough for the stand! I cemented all of the pieces of my stand except the middle bars/ pieces so I can easily move the stand if I ever need to. 
  • I also attached rough Velcro to the bottom of the room divider to make it stick to the carpet. 
DIY Classroom Divider with PVC Pipe

Let me know if any of this tutorial doesn't make sense and I can clarify! Good luck!