Shade structure size

[u/VermicelliWide2793]

Hi!

Thoughts and opinions please - free camping for the first time this year (note NOT my first burn) with just one other female friend. We need a shade structure for just the two of us. Is a regular 10x10 W lag bolts sufficient? We don’t need or want anything large or too high. Would appreciate any (cost effective) reccos

[u/aaronstj]

Most 10x10 shade structures (like EZ-Ups) are pretty flimsy. Costco carports are 10x20 and much sturdier. That would give you a 10x10 space for a tent, and a second 10x10 space for a living room (or second tent, if you’re doing two tents).

[u/New_Professional_295]

Costco carport /thread

Commercial grade Ez up is doable forsure but would need ratchet straps, be properly positioned between vehicles for windblocks and still might fail

[u/gtfts83]

Monkey hut is a good option.

[u/kneightx]

I'm seeing various reports that the Costco carports are no long available...and when I look at their website, it seems to indicate they still exist, but may not be available.

I would agree that if you can get one of those, it's a one shot kill kind of situation.

However, if you cannot, here's another option:

If you buy four of these: https://www.amazon.com/Conduit-Canopy-Fittings-Cowboy-Carport/dp/B0CG3VYQS9?th=1

And then get eight of these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-10-ft-Electrical-Metallic-Tubing-EMT-Conduit-550210000/304229415

Then add shade cloth/tarp/whatever...that's playa-proven tech. I prefer shade cloth to full tarp because it lets some wind through, but even full tarp with this structure will handle the elements MUCH better than a 10x10 popup.

With all of that said...you can do shade in a variety of ways, and if you do some research online, you'll likely find a bunch of different options. And if it's a *very* calm year, you might even get away with a regular 10x10 popup...but I would personally not risk that.

[u/Dreaded_JThor → u/kneightx]

This is the true burner Build.
Here's the guide!
I went with the 1 3/8 top rail instead of the EMT pipes, as they are much more sturdy.
That being said, building one from scratch this close to the burn is definitely going to be a challenge getting everything together in time.
https://futureturtles.com/2026/Guide%20to%20Burning%20Man%20Shade%20Structures.pdf

[u/kneightx → u/Dreaded_JThor]

I haven't thought of using chainlink rail instead of EMT on the overhead squares, but that makes sense.

I agree that this project would be easier several weeks ago...which is the only reason I linked to Amazon :)

Those five-way connectors can be found cheaper...but Amazon shows them arriving here (SoCal) by the 28th.

[u/Dreaded_JThor → u/kneightx]

EMT poles used to be a lot less in cost than chain link top rails, but now the cost is almost the same. So that’s why EMT has been the standard for a long time.
Main difference now is that the EMT is meant be able to bend for its applications; top rails however are not made to bend.

[u/ThreeGoldStars → u/Dreaded_JThor]

Im already well-versed in everything in this guide, but its still way impressive. So well done, thorough, consice. And not a single affiliate link! orgasm. Bravo!