How to Choose the Right Flanges and Nipples for Any Project

Flanges and nipples might not be the “flashy” parts of a build—but they’re the parts that make your project feel solid, level, and built to last.

Flanges are your anchors. Nipples are your connectors and spacers. When you choose the right ones, installation is smoother, your frame stays stable, and your finished piece looks intentional (not improvised).

This guide breaks down how to choose the right flanges and nipples for any professional or DIY pipe furniture project without overthinking it.

What flanges and nipples actually do

Flanges: the anchor point

A flange is the fitting that mounts your project to a surface or stabilizes a leg/frame. You’ll see flanges used in:

• Pipe shelving

• Pipe Clothing racks and storage systems

• Pipe Table and desk legs

• Pipe handrails and rails

• Workbench builds

If your build wobbles, sags, or pulls away from the wall, the flange choice (and the mounting method) is often the first place to look.

Nipples: the builder’s spacer + connector

A nipple is a short threaded pipe piece that connects fittings together and fine-tunes spacing. You’ll use nipples to:

• Connect elbows, tees, and flanges

• Create consistent stand-offs from the wall

• Adjust width/height in small increments

• Make frames “fit” without redesigning the whole build

Think of nipples as your micro-adjustment tool in pipe form.

Step 1: Start with the job type (mounting vs. framing)

Before you choose anything, answer one question:

Is this project being mounted or just assembled as a freestanding frame?

• Mounted projects (wall shelves, wall racks): prioritize flange strength + stud placement + spacing nipples

• Freestanding projects (tables, desks, carts): prioritize stable base flanges + symmetry nipples + leveling

Your “best” flange and nipple combo depends on how the build interacts with the space.

Step 2: Choose the flange based on stability needs

Not all flanges work the same across projects. Use this simple decision guide:

For wall shelves and wall-mounted storage

Goal: strong mounting + clean stand-off

• Use flanges at mounting points

• Plan nipple lengths that create consistent distance from the wall

• Always map your flange positions to studs when possible (or use appropriate anchors)

Planning tip: If your shelf needs multiple support points, design your flange placement first, then build the frame around it.

For tables, desks, and workbenches

Goal: stable legs + no wobble

• Use flanges as footers at the base of each leg

• Use matching nipple lengths to keep leg heights consistent

• Add crossbars using tees for wider frames (stability beats flex)

Pro tip: If a pipe desk frame feels shaky, it usually needs a better base layout and/or bracing—not just tighter connections.

For pipe clothing racks and freestanding storage systems

Goal: balance + load support

• Flanges help stabilize the base and anchor uprights (if wall-mounted)

• Nipples help you dial in spacing so hang bars sit square and level

• Extra stability comes from symmetry and consistent lengths

Step 3: Pick nipple lengths like a builder (not a guesser)

Nipples are where most projects win or get frustrating.

Use shorter nipples when you need tight spacing

Great for:

• Compact frames

• Clean shelf brackets

• Tight connections between fittings

• Minimal stand-off from walls

Use longer nipples when you need clearance

Great for:

• Deeper shelves

• Space around baseboards or trim

• Clearance for hooks, hangers, or bulky items

• Wider frames that need more breathing room

Builder rule: Don’t rely on “eyeballing” lengths. Pick a standard set of go-to sizes and build your frame around repeatable spacing.

Step 4: Match components for a cleaner finish

A polished build isn’t just “tight.” It’s consistent.

To keep everything looking intentional:

• Use the same style/finish across your visible components

• Repeat the same nipple lengths on both sides of a frame

• Use matching flange placement (symmetry reads as professional)

• Keep threads aligned where it matters visually (especially on open frames)

Small consistency choices make a project feel designed.

Step 5: Avoid the three most common fit issues

1) The frame is off by a small amount

Fix: swap to a slightly different nipple length to adjust spacing without redesigning.

2) The build looks uneven after mounting

Fix: dry-fit first, mark flange points, level early, then tighten.

3) The mount feels weak or wobbly

Fix: use stronger anchoring (studs/anchors), ensure flange placement is correct, and avoid over-tightening before everything is aligned.

Quick “cheat sheet” by project type

Pipe shelves: flanges + nipples for clean stand-off + level mounting

Pipe desk/workbench: base flanges + matching nipple lengths + bracing for stability

Pipe Clothing racks: symmetrical nipples + stable bases + optional wall anchor flanges

Stock up smarter: the parts you’ll reuse constantly

If you build with industrial pipes often, flanges and nipples are the two parts worth keeping on hand. They show up in nearly every shelf, rack, desk, and storage project and they’re the easiest way to save time on your next build.

Need more materials for your next DIY build? Head on over to PIPE DECOR® and shop flanges & nipples.