procedure for installing pipe and drape

Begin by laying out the drape support horizontals.

The horizontal drape support length is selected by the span that needs to be covered, and the weight of the fabric being hung.

TIP: Use a horizontal that is 1 to 2 feet less than the actual span that you wish to cover. This will achieve optimum stability.

Next, select a screw hole in the base for the slip fit pin. The pin diameter and height is determined by the upright size being used.

The center hole is always best for stability, but pins can be placed in any hole as long as there is additional weight provided by a sand bag, or if the base placement dictates that it can’t easily fall, for example if it’s backed against a wall.

Screw the pin on finger tight and for complete stability, it should not wobble.

Use your horizontals or a tape measure to define the distance between your bases.

Once the perimeter is laid out with horizontal drape supports, the next step is to select and place the pipe and drape bases.

Bases are selected by the height and weight of the drape to be hung.

TIP: Most pipe and drape sections are hung on 8ft to 10ft spans. This is usually based on the width of the fabric to be hung.

Now slip the adjustable or fixed height upright over the pin.

If it’s adjustable, keep it at its lowest position for easier drape set-up.

TIP: Adjustable uprights are usually better than fixed uprights as they offer more flexibility in any pipe and drape setup, and allow for easier installation at a lower position. Transport and storage is also easier since the upright is nearly half of its extended size when retracted.

It’s time for the drape. Select the appropriate drape panel based on the size and desired fullness. Unfold the entire drape panel on to the horizontal.

Now hook each end of the drape horizontal into the upright vertical slots.

Using our top slot eliminates “humps”, as seen in most stock pipe and drape uprights.

Once all the horizontals are hooked into the uprights, you can level the run.

However, keep the adjustable uprights down, and don’t raise them until all final adjustments are made.

Before going any further, adjust the drape fullness by sliding the drape pipe pocket evenly across the horizontal span.

Also, if using any accessories such as sign hooks, clip rods, skirt / header clamps, or other gadgets, add them now.

TIP: The more you do on the ground, the less you’ll need to do up on a ladder.

You’re almost there. Add sandbag if suggested for the height and pin location to further stabilize the upright. NOW you can raise it up! Walking from upright to upright, raise each up a foot at a time, sequentially, until the entire assembly is raised to the desired height.

Adjust the individual uprights up or down to achieve the “no hump” clean line look, and stand back to see that the top of the drape line is even.

TIP: It really helps here to have a second person to spot the top level of the pipe and drape from a distance, while the other person does the adjustments.

Last but not least, FLUFF.

The final step is to go along the drape walls to adjust and puddle any and all extra drape as required.

TIP: A typical special event will require multiple fluffings. As the event gets closer, other staff will always walk through the pipe and drape until the last minute, so be ready to hide those pipes, re-puddle and adjust fullness right up to showtime.

You’re done, and you’ve got a beautiful wall of pipe and drape.