How to Build a Pipe and Drape Backdrop (Video)
You’ve got your pipe and drape base plates, uprights, drape supports, and drapery panels, right? If you do, then read on and we’ll teach you how to construct a basic pipe and drape display. If not, check out our article on what you need to build a pipe and drape backdrop first.
Let’s start building!
Step 1 – Assemble and place your bases.
Before beginning this step, we recommend putting on some work gloves as base plates can sometimes have sharp edges and corners. We also recommend having a screwdriver handy.
Your base plates and base pins will arrive unassembled, so you’ll need to put those together first. Your base pin will come with a threaded bolt. Take that bolt and slide it through the bottom of your base plate. Thread the base pin onto the bolt with your hands until you get to a point where you can no longer tighten it. Use your flat head screwdriver to finish tightening until the pin is secure. This will be the foundation of your setup so please ensure that everything is snugly assembled before continuing.
Once your base plates are assembled, place them the desired distance apart wherever you intend to build your pipe and drape display. Remember that these are the “feet” of your display.
Step 2 – Install your uprights.
With your bases placed, slide an upright (whether fixed or adjustable) onto each base pin.
Step 3 (optional) – Add a base weight or sandbag.
Once your uprights are placed, you can optionally create more stability for your pipe and drape display by adding a rubber base weight or sandbag.
Step 4 – Adjust the height of your upright.
If you’ve installed fixed height uprights, you can skip this step. If your uprights are adjustable, open the locking clamp on your upright and extend the inner pipe to the height required. Secure the upright by closing the locking clamp.
Step 5 – Install your drapery and drape support.
Extend your drape support to the desired width. Slide your drapery panel(s) onto your drape support. Once complete, align the drape support’s hook end with one of the slots at the top of an upright and lower into place. You may need to rotate your upright to get a slot to line up with the hook end. Do this for both sides. Depending on the width of your drape support and weight of your drapery, sometimes it helps to have someone else assist you.
Step 6 – Marvel in your pipe and drape accomplishment.
If you followed the steps above, you should now have a beautiful pipe and drape display that looks like the one pictured below.
8′ x 10′ pipe and drape backdrop with royal blue Banjo panels at 50% fullness
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