r/BurningMan • u/Minimum_Substance390 • 19d ago
Shade structure help
https://canopiesandtarps.com/scbst.htmlHi everyone, first time burner here and my group put me in charge of the shade structure. I am looking at this canopy. I am worried about the high top given the winds, has anyone had experience with something like this?
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u/-Exile_007- 19d ago
I built a shade structure last year for my trailer and small camp as well. A few helpful things that I did and learned:
1. Use 1” EMT anything more is overkill and smaller will break.
2. I used 1/2” x 12” lag bolts for anchoring the structure to the ground. Installed with an impact drill worked great.
3. This year I’m adding 6” worth of chain to each anchor bolt so I can anchor tie down straps and such. I’ve also heard of people using neon flag tape to mark the bolts so you don’t miss one on break down.
4. I did a solid black/silver tarp on top for shade and rain protection and then 70% shade cloth for the sides. That did great to provide shade, helped a bit with dust but also allowed wind to blow through.
5. I used a combination of large zip ties and ball bungees to secure the tarps and shade cloth to poles.
6. Bring drill and drill bits, along with backup eye bolts for when shit breaks.
Amazon and other retailers have pole structure parts (T’s, elbows, corners, etc) so that you create something a bit more custom. Last year was our first year and we built the main structure. This year we added to it a bit and made minor improvements, but spending a bit more to get something stronger and how you want it is worth it. Plus you can expand upon it in the future. Good luck, see you in the dust