FlexPVC® Tech Articles - How do furniture fittings and pipe differ from regular pipe and fittings? Which is stronger?
by Eric, Technical Support for FlexPVC.com a division of PVC Distributors LLC, Pahrump, Nevada
Furniture Grade Pipe and Fittings
Are furniture grade fittings and pipe stronger than standard pipe and fittings?
Yes and no. At the start, they are both about the same in strength. In fact some plumbing grade fittings are actually stronger than furniture fittings. The differcence comes from being exposed to UV light. (See What are UV rated fittings and pipe?) Because Furniture fittings and pipe have a strong UV inhibitor, they can stand exposure to long term sun and UV light w/o degrading. So if you have a Furniture fitting and a plumbing fitting, they are about the same stength at the start. But put them them both under the sun for a few years and the furniture fitting or pipe will be much stronger than the plumbing grade fittings and pipe. If you are using these fittings for plumbing, irrigation, etc. Then it does not matter. But if you are building canopies, furniture, row covers, sun boxes, etc, anything that will be outdoors or exposed to strong UV light sources (like grow tents) then you should use Furniture grade pipe and fittings.
Also Furniture Grade Pipe and Fittings will not disclore when exposed to strong light sources wereas plumbing grade fittings and pipe will discolor badly.
(Also see our glossary,
PVC Fittings help,
Shipping Options Page and
Shipping FAQ pages.
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