Customize A Folding Table To Any Height With An Easy Pvc Pipe Hack

Portable foldable tables are clutch for craft fairs, garage sales, extra holiday seating, and much more (basically anywhere you need a flat surface fast). The only snag is that most of these tables sit at a single height that may be fine for sitting but awkward if you're standing at them. Hunching over a low table is rough on your back and shoulders, and raising it with a wobbly stack of books is hardly ideal. The simple, sturdy fix? Try slipping short PVC extensions over the legs to lift the table to a comfortable custom height.

You don't need any fancy hardware or power tools for this trick. You'll only use four pieces of PVC pipe that are just wide enough to fit over your table's legs and protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear, if you're cutting the pipes yourself. Each pipe will be cut to the same length, and then you'll slide a piece onto each leg. That's the whole hack — just another genius way to repurpose extra PVC pipes that adds even more versatility to a much-used portable table and keeps it comfortable no matter how you plan to use it.

To determine how long to make your leg extensions, start by measuring the table's current height from the floor to the work surface. Decide on your target height. Counter height (around 35 to 40 inches) is great for standing work, while bar height (around 41 to 43 inches) suits tall users or display tables. Since the leg will slip into the PVC pipe, you'll have to add the amount of leg covered by the pipe to the final cut length to get the desired height. For example, if you want a 30-inch-high table to be 40 inches tall, and the PVC pipe covers 10 inches of the leg before it stops, you'll need to cut 20-inch extensions.

Mark your measurement on the PVC pipe, and use a handsaw with fine teeth for a straight cut. Slide one sleeve onto each leg, making sure each piece is even. You can cap each pipe with rubber tips or add felt pads to protect the floor and keep the table from moving around. To customize this hack, you could paint the PVC to match your table or your craft room aesthetic. Otherwise, customize your new setup as you see fit, like taking it to the next level by giving your plastic folding table a makeover with a DIY wood topper. The great news is that this PVC height hack is temporary, and you can make multiple sleeve sets for different situations, whether you're using your table to create a more functional laundry room or setting up a display space outside.