Creating a backdrop stand out of PVC pipe is an easy and affordable way to build a customizable photography backdrop support system. With just a few basic supplies and tools, you can make a PVC pipe stand that meets your specific needs. In this article, I’ll walk through several quick and simple methods for putting together a backdrop stand from standard PVC parts.

Choosing PVC Pipe and Fittings

The first step is to purchase PVC pipe and fittings. Here are some tips:

• Opt for 1/2″ or 3/4″ PVC pipe – this will provide enough strength to support backdrops without being overly heavy. 1/2″ works for smaller stands while 3/4″ is better for larger ones.
• Standard 10′ length PVC pipes are ideal and provide enough length.
• Purchase common PVC fittings like 3-way elbows, 4-way crosses, end caps, and T joints to connect the PVC pipes.
• Get a PVC cutter to cut the pipes cleanly to the desired length.
• Optionally, sandpaper can help smooth PVC edges.

Basic A-Frame PVC Backdrop Stand

An A-frame is a simple backdrop support that uses two upright legs and a crossbar to hold the backdrop. Here’s how to make one from PVC pipe:

Supplies

• 3 x 10′ lengths of 1/2″ PVC pipe
• 2 x PVC 3-way elbow fittings
• 1 x PVC 4-way cross fitting
• Sandpaper (optional)

Steps

1. Cut two 10′ PVC pipes in half to create four 5′ lengths. These will act as the two legs.
2. On each leg, attach a 3-way elbow fitting at the top end. Make sure the openings of the elbows all face the same way.
3. Connect the elbow fittings at the top of each leg with a 4-way cross fitting. This will create the top crossbar.
4. Sand the cut PVC edges smooth (optional).

The A-frame backdrop support is now ready to stand up and attach a backdrop! Adjust the angle of the legs to create a wider or narrower top, depending on the backdrop size needed.

Advanced A-Frame Multi-Backdrop Stand

For a more advanced A-frame that can hang multiple backdrops, follow these steps:

Supplies

• 3 x 10′ lengths of 3/4” PVC pipe
• 2 x 3-way PVC elbow fittings
• 1 x 4-way PVC cross fitting
• 1 x 10′ length of 1/2″ PVC pipe
• 2 x end cap fittings
• 2 x T joints
• Sandpaper (optional)

Steps

1. Cut two 10′ lengths of 3/4” PVC pipe in half to create the two legs.
2. Attach a 3-way elbow to the top of each leg, facing the same direction.
3. Connect the two elbows with a 4-way cross fitting.
4. For the top crossbar, cut the 10′ length of 1/2” PVC pipe in half.
5. Insert the two 5’ crossbars into either side of the 4-way connector.
6. Cap each end of the crossbars with an end cap fitting. This completes the frame.
7. For multiple backdrops, insert T joints into the bottom of the elbow fittings on each leg.
8. Then cut and insert horizontal support pipes into the T joints. Space them evenly apart for backdrop positions.

Sand any rough edges and the advanced A-frame stand is ready for backdrops! Adjust the width and angle the legs to customize.

Box Frame PVC Backdrop Stand

A box frame stand creates a rectangle backdrop support for full wall backdrops. Follow these steps to make one:

Supplies

• 6 x 10′ lengths of 1/2″ PVC pipe
• 8 x corner elbow fittings
• 4 x end cap fittings
• Sandpaper

Steps

1. Cut the six PVC pipes in half to create 12 pipes that are 5′ long. These will form the sides.
2. Attach corner elbow fittings to either end of each 5’ pipe. Make sure all openings face inward.
3. Connect the sides together into a square or rectangle by inserting them into the corner elbows.
4. Cap the four open ends with end caps to close the frame.
5. Sand any rough edges smooth.

The box frame backdrop stand is ready for use. Adjust the width and height by repositioning the pipes in the elbows.

Hanging Multi-Backdrop Stand

To hang multiple backdrops from one stand, make an H-frame with crossbars at various heights.

Supplies

• 2 x 10′ lengths of 3/4” PVC pipe
• 2 x 3-way PVC elbow fittings
• 1 x 4-way PVC cross fitting
• 3 x 5′ lengths of 1/2″ PVC pipe
• 6 x end cap fittings
• 2 x T joint fittings
• Sandpaper

Steps

1. Cut the two 10′ PVC pipes in half to make the two legs.
2. Attach a 3-way elbow to the top of each leg facing inwards.
3. Connect the elbows together with the 4-way cross fitting.
4. Insert two 5’ crossbars into each side of the 4-way connector.
5. Cap the ends of the crossbars with end caps.
6. Insert a T joint near the bottom of each leg.
7. Cut one more 5’ crossbar and insert into the T joints to create a third low crossbar.
8. Sand any rough edges smooth.

Hang backdrops from the multiple crossbars on this PVC stand by draping them over. Adjust the crossbar heights as needed by changing which slots they connect to on the 4-way fitting.

Wheeled PVC Backdrop Stand

To create a portable rolling backdrop stand, add wheels to the base of a PVC frame.

Supplies

• 1 x 10′ length of 3/4” PVC pipe
• 2 x 3-way elbow fittings
• 2 x end cap fittings
• 2 x T joint fittings
• 2 x 5” locking wheels
• Sandpaper

Steps

1. Cut the 10’ PVC pipe in half to make two 5’ lengths for the legs.
2. Cap one end of each leg with an end cap.
3. Insert a T joint 2-3 inches up from the capped end on each leg.
4. Attach a locking wheel to the end of each leg.
5. Connect the top of the legs with a 3-way elbow facing inward on each side.
6. Sand any rough edges smooth.

The wheeled PVC stand can now be tipped back onto the wheels to roll the backdrop setup around as needed.

Telescoping Backdrop Support

For adjustable width and height, use telescoping poles made of smaller PVC pipes inserted into larger ones.

Supplies

• 2 x 10’ lengths of 1” PVC pipe
• 2 x 6’ lengths of 3/4″ PVC pipe
• 2 x 3-way elbow fittings
• 1 x 4-way cross fitting
• End caps for each pipe size

Steps

1. Cap one end of each 10’ 1” pole and each 6’ 3/4” pole.
2. Insert the 3/4″ poles completely into the 1” poles.
3. Attach a 3-way elbow to the exposed end of the smaller poles.
4. Connect the elbows with the 4-way cross connector.

The inner poles can now telescope in and out of the outer poles to adjust both height and width. Cap the top of the outer poles when set.

Low-Budget Stand from Electrical Conduit

For a super cheap PVC stand alternative, use electrical conduit and corner joints instead of PVC.

Supplies

• 1 x 10’ length 1/2” electrical conduit pipe
• 4 x 90° corner conduit elbow fittings
• Light duty conduit straps

Steps

1. Cut the conduit into four equal lengths a little over 2’ long each.
2. Attach a 90° corner elbow fitting to each end of the conduit pieces.
3. Lay the pieces on the floor in a square shape and use conduit straps to connect the corners.
4. Stand the frame upright and hang backdrops from the top straps!

This basic and lightweight conduit stand is highly affordable and can be made in under 5 minutes.

Safety Tips

When making and using any PVC pipe backdrop stand:

• Wear gloves when handling PVC – the edges can be sharp.
• Use a PVC cutter for clean cuts – don’t try cutting by breaking.
• Sand any rough edges smooth.
• Make sure PVC joints fit snugly together.
• Weight down the stand legs to prevent tipping over.
• Check that crossbars can support the weight of backdrops.
• Don’t hang too much weight from any one section.
• For tall/heavy stands, secure to a wall for stability.

Following basic safety tips will ensure your PVC backdrop stand functions properly for a long time!

Conclusion

Creating a PVC pipe backdrop stand is an easy DIY project that can be customized to your specific photography needs. With just some basic PVC pipe, fittings, and tools, you can make A-frame, box frame, H-frame, and wheeled stands on a budget.

Key tips are using the right PVC pipe diameter, purchasing the necessary elbows and connectors, securely connecting all fittings, supporting the weight safely, and adding wheels or telescoping poles for adjustability. Follow the safety guidelines provided to ensure your stand functions reliably for many backdrops to come.

With a little creativity, you can build the perfect PVC pipe solution to display backdrops for any photo shoot or video production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size PVC pipe is best for a backdrop stand?

A: 1/2″ or 3/4″ PVC pipes work well for most backdrop stands. 1/2″ is lightweight but can only support smaller stands while 3/4″ can handle larger and heavier backdrops.

Q: How many elbows and connectors do I need?

A: Plan for at least 2 elbows and 1 cross connector for an A-frame stand. Box frames need 4 corner elbows and 4 end caps. Get extra fittings to create multi-backdrop stands.

Q: What is the maximum weight a PVC stand can hold?

A: It depends on the size of PVC used, but roughly:

• 1/2″ pipe stand can hold 10-25 lbs
• 3/4″ pipe stand can hold 50-75 lbs
• 1″ pipe stand can hold 100-150 lbs

Q: Is it okay to use electrical conduit instead of PVC pipe?

A: Yes, thin-walled 1/2″ electrical conduit can substitute for PVC in a pinch for lightweight backdrops. It’s very affordable but cannot hold heavy weight.

Q: How wide and tall should I make the backdrop frame?

A: For photography, common sizes are 5-10 feet wide and 6-8 feet tall. Make your frame 1-2 feet larger than the backdrop size for pulling it taut.

Q: How can I hang multiple backdrops on one stand?

A: Use T joints to add additional horizontal crossbars at different heights. Space crossbars out evenly to hang several backdrops.

Q: Is there an easy way to make the stand adjustable?

A: Telescoping poles made from smaller PVC pipes inside larger ones allow you to customize width and height.