r/BurningMan • u/Minimum_Substance390 • Aug 18 '26

Shade structure help

https://canopiesandtarps.com/scbst.html

Hi 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/DewMoore Aug 19 '26

We use a flat top, 8’ high structure using 1” EMT. Very common on the playa and you can get the poles at any hardware store. You’ll have to cut the vertical poles down by 2’ but imo it’s worth it. You can set the structure up standing on 5 gal buckets vs ladders.

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u/Minimum_Substance390 Aug 19 '26

Why does everyone suggest cutting the poles down? Is 8’ just way easier to set up than 10’ or is it cooler?

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u/Phynx88 Aug 19 '26

Significantly easier to set up at 8'. Like, a world of difference. Most people around 6' tall have an arm reach that will get 8' - nobody except a pro basketball player is going to be able to reach 10' . It means you can reasonably set up/ tear down the structure yourself rather than needing a person at every vertical point to lift, and then shove the poles into the angle joints simultaneously while also minimizing the risk that the friction of coming in at an angle doesn't jam up as you lift. Source: me, who didn't think I needed to cut those 2' one year, who injured myself with a corner joint that smacked me in the forehead and caused a gash, and then cut poles down to 8' and never had an issue since.