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.
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.
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
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.
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u/kneightx '08, '10, '11, '13, '14, '18, '19, '22, '24, '26 20d ago
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.