The Best Pipe For Wind Chimes

Wind pipes are an easy project to tackle if you are looking to add aesthetics to your yard or home. You can choose from so many materials depending on what you are searching for. But what are the best pipes to use for your do-it-yourself project?

There are many types of materials you can use, but stainless steel is considered the best choice. Although this may be the best one, it is one of the most expensive and may not be the best choice for you. 

If you are looking for more inexpensive options, don’t fret, you have so many options you can choose from that you may not know what to do. You’ll see that stainless steel is not the only metal pipe that can offer the same durability and longevity.

Why Are Stainless Steel Pipes The Best?

Stainless steel pipes are one of the best materials to create your wind chime from. They are durable and long-lasting. They also make for a beautiful sound that only adds to the aesthetics of your home.

When you polish up your stainless steel, that shine will last for a long period. It doesn’t matter what the weather conditions are; that shine will outlast what other metals do. 

Because stainless steel is more durable and lighter, it will be easier to create a wind chime. These pipes are also often longer and can have a greater diameter to reach those lower octaves that other metals may not reach because of their weight and size.

One con to using this type of metal is that it is quite expensive compared to other metals. You will expect to spend quite a bit of money if this is the route you choose. Some may say that the durability and longevity make it worth it, but this also is a contributing factor as to why many people do not choose stainless steel.

What Other Metal Pipes Can You Choose From?

You can make a wind chime out of many types of materials, and the great thing about metal is that there is a variety to choose from. You don’t have to stick with the most expensive option like stainless steel if you don’t have the money and still want a long-lasting wind chime.

Here are a few alternatives if the stainless steel is out of your price range or you feel is not right for you:

• Aluminum pipes
• Copper pipes
• Galvanized steel pipes
• Brass pipes
• Cast iron pipes

Aluminum Pipes

Aluminum is one of the most popular alternatives to steel mainly because it is a lower cost. You won’t expect to pay a large chunk of money to get these. It is also one of the more available products.

They make a wonderful sound and are lighter than stainless steel pipes. They also don’t rust as easily as some of the other metals and are long-lasting. They are also thinner and make for such a clear sound that makes them even more popular.

You will find that many metal products that use metal pipes use aluminum. If you are trying to recycle parts around your house, this is most likely the material you will find. It is easily accessible, and you can help save the planet while making trash into something beautiful.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes can be quite expensive but not as much as stainless steel. It has a great sound, especially for deep-tone wind chimes or very large wind chimes. You will find yourself falling asleep to its melodies and that deep tone that resonates in your chest.

If you are looking for a more rustic look, then these are the pipes for you. Copper pipes will not rust like other metals but will turn green from oxidation. Many people who use copper pipes like them for this change of color. It will turn into a piece of art as well as provide a deep melody.

It is a very durable pipe and will last a while. It won’t rust. It is a little heavier than the other metals. This means wind chimes made from this material will do better where there are high winds.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are one of the better choices for larger wind chimes. They are one of the heavier metals because of their thickness, but they still are durable. They are also thicker and heavier than aluminum.

It doesn’t withstand weather and the environment like the other metals. It will eventually rust, even though it won’t be immediately. Often the rust happens internally, so you may not even realize it until it may be too late. It is cheaper compared to other metals because of this. 

You can paint them if you want to make them more pleasing to the eyes. Painting the galvanized steel can also offer extra protection against rust and weathering. The downfall to this is that the paint will chip and fall off over time and will need to be reapplied.

Brass Pipes

Brass pipes have been used for centuries compared to copper pipes. They are thicker and sturdier. If you are looking for something a little more decorative and fancier, brass would be the way to go. With their golden brown color, you can add a little elegance to your yard with these pipes.

This metal has been used for plumbing, and its properties resist water and acids, so it is great for durability. It can last for quite a while. It can be a little expensive but a great choice for the decoration.

Cast Iron Pipes

One of the heaviest of metals is pretty durable even compared to the other metal pipes. Iron pipes have been used for many centuries, but it is not as long-lasting. Rust ends up being a big factor in degrading iron pipes.

The sound isn’t as resonating as the other metals, but it can still add to your yard’s aesthetic. This one is not as popular to use as a windchime, but you can still do so if you are looking for something a little cheaper.

What Are Other Alternatives To Metal?

You can make wind chimes out of anything, but you can use some alternative pipes if you want a simple DIY project. You can find many products around the house to use as part of the wind chime. Here are some of those products:

• Bamboo
• PVC pipes
• Metal frames/poles

Any of these would work as a pipe for wind chimes. You can use dried bamboo that has been treated. They make a great hollow, wooden sound that adds to a beautifully serene atmosphere. Many people love using this type of material when trying to make a more tropical feel.

PVC pipes can be as colorful and unique as you want. You can paint it all in different colors and patterns to make it your own.  It is available around the house, especially when you are doing some housework. 

Many household products can be turned into a wind chime. If you have an old broom that you aren’t using anymore, this product is made with aluminum and turned into wind chimes. You can also use the frame of an old bicycle. There are so many options you can choose from.

Conclusion

The variety of metals allows you to choose and style your yard to your unique taste. Each one has its sound and color that will help you express your personality. You just need to figure out what best fits you and your home.