Hanging Pipes

Josh Brown, Benjamin Moore, and Austin Knight from First Church of Christ in Burlington, KY brings us this PVC design.

They used paracord to hang the PVC sections with standard knots. They drilled a hole into the top part of the PVC and threaded the cord through it. Then they used a hot knife to efficiently cut the cord.

They started by cleaning the labels off each PVC pipe but soon realized that if they hung it correctly, they could avoid this step and hang with the labels facing the wall. Score!

Creating a Hanging PVC Pipe Backdrop

This suspended PVC pipe design offers churches an elegant, affordable solution for stage backdrops that can be installed quickly and stored easily. The clean lines and repetitive pattern create a modern aesthetic that works beautifully for contemporary worship services while remaining neutral enough for traditional settings.

The construction method is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Each PVC section is suspended using paracord threaded through holes drilled near the top of each pipe. The team at First Church of Christ discovered a time-saving pro tip: by facing the manufacturer labels toward the back wall, they eliminated the tedious process of cleaning and prepping each pipe individually.

Paracord proves to be an excellent choice for this application—it’s strong, lightweight, and easy to work with. Standard knots hold securely, and a hot knife makes quick work of cutting the cord cleanly without fraying. The 550-pound test strength of standard paracord provides more than enough support for PVC pipes, though you should always follow proper rigging safety protocols when hanging anything above people.

One of the greatest advantages of this design is its flexibility. You can vary the lengths of PVC sections to create visual interest, or keep them uniform for a more structured look. The spacing between pipes can be adjusted based on your stage width and the density of the visual effect you want to achieve. LED uplights positioned behind the pipes create dramatic silhouettes and color washes that transform the atmosphere for different service elements.

For churches on a budget, this design is particularly appealing. PVC pipe is inexpensive and readily available at any hardware store. A typical installation covering a 20-foot stage width costs under $150 in materials. When the series or season ends, the entire backdrop can be taken down in minutes and stored in minimal space until needed again.

Related Designs

• What’s the Pipe Pattern? – Wall-mounted PVC design with graduated pipe lengths creating geometric patterns
• Patterned PVC – Similar suspended PVC concept using 1000 feet of pipe for dense, rhythmic backdrop
• PVC Columns – Floor-mounted vertical PVC arrangement creating architectural presence
• Minimalist Hanging Elements – Clean, simple suspended designs for modern worship spaces
• Cord Suspended Designs – Various techniques for safely hanging stage elements with rope and cord

Pro Tips for Hanging PVC Designs

Skip the Label Removal: As the First Church team discovered, simply orienting pipes with labels facing the back wall saves hours of prep work. This small insight makes a huge difference when you’re working with dozens of pipe sections.

Use a Hot Knife for Clean Cuts: Paracord frays badly when cut with regular scissors. A hot knife (or even a sharp knife heated over a flame) melts the synthetic fibers as it cuts, creating clean ends that won’t unravel when you tie your knots.

Plan Your Attachment Points: Before drilling any holes, map out exactly where each pipe will hang. Consistent hole placement ensures your pipes hang level and at the intended height. Mark your drill bit with tape to ensure all holes are the same depth.

Test Your Knots: Different paracord brands have slightly different textures that affect knot security. Test your chosen knot with the actual cord you’ll be using, and always leave a sufficient tail (at least 6 inches) beyond the knot for safety.