Setting Up Tall Pipe & Drape Is Easier Than You Think

Tall pipe and drape setups don’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right equipment and proper installation techniques, expanding into taller heights is one of the easiest ways to increase versatility, efficiency, and revenue potential.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key considerations for setting up pipe and drape up to 20 feet high, highlight the equipment that makes it possible, and share practical tips to help you work safer, faster, and smarter.

Why Consider Taller Pipe & Drape?

Offering taller pipe and drape opens the door to more opportunities:

• Take on larger venues and higher-profile events
• Create dramatic backdrops and effective space separation
• Support ballrooms, convention centers, and exhibit halls
• Charge more for taller installations
• Say yes to projects that previously felt out of reach

Many event professionals assume tall setups require completely different hardware. Adjustable-height systems allow you to cover a wide range of applications with far fewer components.

One Upright. Major Flexibility.

Adjustable height uprights are designed to grow with your needs. A single upright can handle:

• Standard 8’ high pipe and drape setups
• Mid-range heights for larger rooms
• Tall installations reaching 20 feet and beyond

Using adjustable uprights means:

• Fewer uprights to store
• Reduced equipment costs
• Faster setup and teardown
• Greater flexibility from one system
• Increased profit potential per install

Instead of purchasing separate uprights for every height, one well-designed system can support multiple applications.

Tall Upright Sizes Available

We offer a wide range of tall and extended-height uprights suitable for professional event environments. Common size ranges include:

Two-Piece Slip Collar Uprights

• 7’–12’
• 8’–14’
• 9’–16’
• 10’–18’

Three-Piece Slip Collar Uprights

• 6’–14’
• 7’–17’
• 8’–20’
• 9’–16’
• 10’–22’

These options allow you to choose the right height range without overcommitting to equipment you may not use every day.

Shipping Considerations for Tall Uprights

When ordering taller uprights, it’s important to plan for shipping. Uprights that exceed 8 feet when fully collapsed must ship via freight instead of standard ground service due to carrier restrictions. Be sure to factor freight costs into your project budget when ordering extended-height uprights. If you’re unsure which size makes the most sense—or want help balancing height needs with shipping costs—our team can help you evaluate the best option.

Built-In Accuracy with Laser-Etched Height Markers

We’re the only manufacturer to offer laser-etched height markers on pipe and drape uprights—a feature designed to remove guesswork and dramatically speed up setup.

Our height markers are tailored to upright style:

• 2-piece uprights are laser etched and numbered by full foot increments, making it easy to set exact heights at a glance.
• 3-piece uprights feature laser-etched line markers, with short hash marks indicating ½ foot increments and long hash marks indicating full foot increments.

This system makes it easy to:

• Set consistent heights across an entire run
• Eliminate the need to eyeball measurements
• Speed up setup and teardown
• Achieve a cleaner, more professional finished look

We also offer custom laser etching for branding, inventory identification, or location tracking.

Proper Setup for Tall Pipe & Drape

When working with tall pipe and drape installations, proper setup is critical.

Best practices include:

• Selecting the appropriate base pin height (6″, 9″, or 12″) for added stability
• Spacing uprights correctly based on height and fabric weight
• Installing drape while the system is set lower whenever possible
• Raising three-piece uprights by extending the top section first, followed by the middle section
• Securing bases with additional weight as required by the application

Following these steps helps reduce strain during installation and improves overall stability.

Custom Drape for Tall Applications

Tall installations often benefit from custom drape solutions.

Because all of our drape is made to order, we can accommodate:

• Multiple panels sewn together to help minimize visible gaps
• Grommets and ties on one end for tying into truss
• Standard pockets on the opposite end for pipe and drape use

These options allow a single panel to perform in multiple environments, increasing its overall value and versatility.

Safety First

Pipe and drape is an industrial product and should always be installed with safety as a priority. It should never be used in environments where a tip-over could cause injury or property damage. Always follow proper installation guidelines, select appropriate base weights, and wear protective gloves during setup and teardown.

Learn More

If you’re considering expanding into taller pipe and drape setups, the right equipment and guidance make all the difference. Watch our step-by-step video on setting up tall pipe and drape up to 20 feet high, or contact our team to discuss upright options, base weights, and custom drape solutions for your next project. Taller installs don’t have to be complicated—with the right system, they’re an opportunity.