Pipe & Drape Rentals Explained: A Simple Guide for Clients & Event Planners

From Garages to Stages Pipe And Drape Rental is your answer.

Pipe & drape is one of the most versatile event tools available—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you’re creating a backdrop, dividing a room, hiding storage areas, or building a trade show booth, understanding how pipe & drape works will help you plan correctly and avoid confusion when requesting a quote. This blog post covers building a pipe and drape wall. For Trade Show Booth Click Here (coming soon)

This guide breaks it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way so both clients and your sales planner are on the same page. Pipe & Drape Rental Info Click Here

What Is Pipe & Drape?

Pipe & drape is a modular system made up of:

• Upright poles (vertical pipes)

• Crossbars (horizontal pipes)

• Base plates (feet that sit on the floor)

• Curtains (fabric panels)

• Base weights (for safety and stability)

All pieces connect to form straight runs (rows) of drape at adjustable heights and widths.

Row Starter vs. Row Add-On (Most Common Question)

✅ Row Starter (Required to Begin Each New Row)

A Row Starter is a complete pipe & drape set.You need one Row Starter for every row you start.

Includes:

• 2 upright poles

• 2 base plates

• 1 crossbar (up to 10 ft wide)

• 2 metal "pins"

• 2 bolts

📌 Rule: If you’re starting a new straight line of pipe & drape, you need a Row Starter.

➕ Row Add-On (Used to Extend an Existing Row)

A Row Add-On is used to extend a row after the row starter (max ten feet)

Includes:

• 1 upright pole

• 1 base plate

• 1 crossbar

• 1metal "pins"

• 1 bolt

It does not include a second upright because it connects directly to the previous section.

📌 Rule: One Row Add-On is needed for each additional 10-foot section of there of

Common Example

For 30 feet of pipe & drape in a straight line:

• 1 Row Starter = first 10 ft

• 2 Row Add-Ons = next 20 ft

✔ Total: 1 Row Starter + 2 Row Add-Ons

Curtain Size Options & Fit

We offer two standard curtain sizes:

• 8 ft curtains

• 12 ft curtains
  

Curtain Fit Info

• If your frame height is shorter than the curtain:👉 The curtain will puddle on the floor.

• If your frame height is taller than the curtain:👉 A visible gap will be left at the bottom.

📌 Choosing the correct height ensures a clean, professional look.

Set up Instruction Click Here...

Pipe & Drape Frame Size Limits

Height

• Minimum height: 7 ft

• Maximum height: 12 ft

• Minimum width: 6 ft per section

• Maximum width: 10 ft per section

Anything beyond 10 ft requires a Row Add-On.

Base Plates & Floor Space Reminder

Pipe & drape bases sit on the floor and extend outward from the uprights.

✔ Always allow extra floor space✔ Be mindful of walkways, exits, and tight layouts

⚠️ Base Weights (Required for Safety)

For stability and safety, base weights should be used whenever possible.

Base Weight Details

• Weight: 20 lbs each

• Non–high-traffic areas:✔ Base weights can be used on every other foot

• High-traffic areas or outdoor setups (pipe & drape is best used indoors):✔ Base weight on every foot is strongly recommended

📌 Base weights help prevent tipping, movement, and accidental contact—especially in busy event spaces.

Pipe & Drape Rental Info Click Here

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• New row → Row Starter

• Every additional 10 ft or there of → Row Add-On

• Curtain sizes → 8 ft or 12 ft

• Frame height → 7–12 ft adjustable

• Frame width → 6–10 ft per section

• Base plates stick out → plan floor space

• Base weights → 20 lbs each

• High traffic or outdoor use → weight every foot

• Curtain shorter than height → gap

• Curtain taller than height → puddling Set up Instruction Click Here...

  
  

  

  
  

Need Help Planning Your Pipe & Drape Layout?

If you’re unsure how many Row Starters, Add-Ons, curtains, or base weights you need, the Awesome Entertainmentteam is happy to help. Share your room size, ceiling height, and layout, and we’ll make sure your pipe & drape setup is safe, clean, and event-ready.

👉 Planning ahead means smoother installs, accurate quotes, and an awesome event. Pipe & Drape Rental Info Click Here