Parts Needed For Frame
- 2 lengths of 3/4" PVC schedule 40, 10 feet long
- 2 3/4" 90 degree elbows
- 2 3/4" Tee fittings
- 2 pieces rebar approximately 3' long - if your banner will be displayed outdoors over soft ground
- Rope, tie wraps, bungee cords or ball bungees to fasten the banner to the frame
- 2 3/4" Tee fittings
- 4 lengths of 3/4" PVC pipe 12-18" long
- 4 3/4" end caps
- PVC ratcheting pipe cutter or hacksaw with a fine-tooth blade
- Tape Measure
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Frame Assembly
The PVC slip fittings make assembly easy. These can be pressure fit; glue is not needed or recommended. To make assembly easier, you might want to lay out each pipe section on the floor or ground - with each associated connector laid out next to each pipe end. Doing so makes it easier to visualize the finished frame, and assembly on the ground is much easier than when standing.
Place an elbow on each end of one of the horizontal pipes - in our case, a 62" length pipe. Place a "T" fitting on each end of the other horizontal pipe. These should be oriented so that the pipe goes through the "T" end that has no pass through. If comparing the "T" fitting to the letter "T", this pipe would be inserted into the bottom, or vertical part of the "T".
Insert one of the vertical pipes into the elbow on one end a "T' fitting assembled in the previous step. In our example, these would be the 38" long pipe sections. Repeat with the remaining vertical pipe section.
Insert the riser pipes into the open ends of each of the "T" fittings. These risers are the shortest pipe sections - in our example, 20" long.
Display Options
For outdoor events on relatively soft soil, rebar stakes can be used as upright supports. Drive a piece of rebar 12-18 inches into the ground and slide the PVC leg over the rebar at each end. For indoor events, or outdoor events on hard surfaces, a base or feet can be easily added.
In areas with heavy winds, there are a number of ways to make your banner stand more stable outdoors. Empty coffee cans can be filled with concrete around a larger diameter PVC that's oriented vertically in the center of the concrete filled can. In this instance, the weighted coffee cans are positioned and the banner stand legs are inserted into the vertical supports.
Another alternative in windy areas is to create a more substantial base. Instead of using end caps on the feet, use elbow fittings and insert a lateral front and back support also made of PVC pipe. Inexpensive tent stakes can be put over the pipe and pounded into the ground, or for hard surfaces, weights can be placed over the legs. This could be sandbags, bricks, dumbbells, a water cooler, or whatever you have available.
Disassembly
Your PVC banner frame is easily broken down for transport and storage. To make reassembly easier, we recommend leaving the fittings on one end of its associated pipe. These fittings will serve as a clue to make assembly easier subsequently. In use, we have found the easiest way to leave assembly clues is to disassemble the frame in a zig-zag manner. Starting from the top left, leave the elbow connector on the horizontal support. On the upper right, leave the other elbow on the right vertical support. Leave the "T" connector on the bottom of the left vertical support, then leave the other "T" connector on the right leg. In this manner, you don't have to guess which parts connect with which - just match elbow to elbow, "T" fitting to "T" fitting and it all comes together for you without much thought.
Notes
If your banner stand will have feet, the end caps can be considered optional. However, the "T" fitting raises the center of the feet beneath the riser, so the base will be a bit wobbly without the end caps to raise the ends to the same height as the center.
An illustration of the banner frame referenced in this article is available here.
If all this sounds too complicated, you are welcome to come by our shop. We frequently have a 3' x 5' banner PVC banner frame on-hand.
About Spectrum Signs
Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County - Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service.
For more information, contact: Spectrum Signs 23382 Madero Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 297-3800
For more information, contact: Spectrum Signs 23382 Madero Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 297-3800
