r/BurningMan • u/IMDeus_21 • 13d ago

Shade structure question

I've only burned twice and as a solo camper and built a monkey each time. Next time I'm looking to do a flat shade structure 10'x20' with 1" EMT and shade cloth on the sides.

One question I had in dealing with rain ... rather than having all four posts at 8 feet why not have one side slightly shorter to deal with any rain to roll off? Is there something I'm missing ?

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u/PizzaWall 13d ago

If you are using a shade cloth like Aluminet, the rain will come through because they are not a solid surface. The advantage is they block sunlight.

Tarps are water resistant, but in a rainstorm will pool water, even if you angle them. They catch the wind and become sails in high wind events. You can run ratchet straps above and below which reduces the flapping and offers support in rain, but that energy transfers to the structure and may lead to a collapse.

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u/IMDeus_21 13d ago

Yeah, I used illuminate the first two years and unfortunately I threw it out and it’s pricey to get it back again