Hidden Candle Holds

Drew Tankersley from Crosspointe Church in Ringgold, GA brings us these pallet towers with shelves for candles.

They were able to secure some pallets from a contact at FedEx and began built the frames for all of the walls with pallets. They broke up some pieces at different widths and nailed them to the frame using a finish nailer. They built the shelves by setting in plywood between the pallets and nailed them to the pallets. They used existing lighting fixtures from a previous set. Then they screwed the cross to the frame and set it off by placing spacers in the middle of the cross on the backside. They purchased some LED rope lighting and lined the back of the cross to set it off.

Manpower: 10 dedicated volunteers.
Time: less than 24 hours.
Cost: less than $100.

Creating Atmosphere with Pallet-Based Stage Design

Pallet wood has become one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials for church stage design. What makes this particular design from Crosspointe Church so compelling is the innovative use of vertical pallet towers combined with integrated shelving for candles. This approach transforms humble shipping materials into a sophisticated backdrop that brings warmth and intimacy to worship services.

The genius of using pallets lies in their inherent structure. The slatted design provides natural spacing for lighting effects, while the rugged texture adds visual interest that reads beautifully on camera and in person. When Drew Tankersley and his team at Crosspointe Church conceived this design, they recognized that the natural compartments within pallet structures could serve double duty—both as structural elements and as display shelves for decorative items.

The Candle Element: Adding Warmth and Symbolism

Candles have held spiritual significance across virtually every faith tradition for millennia. Their inclusion in stage design serves multiple purposes beyond mere decoration. The flickering flame creates a sense of sacred space, drawing worshippers into a mindset of reverence and contemplation. In this design, the candles are strategically positioned within the pallet shelves, creating a layered lighting effect that adds depth and dimension to the stage.

The practical implementation of candle shelving within pallet structures requires careful planning. The team at Crosspointe Church used plywood cut to fit between pallet slats, creating stable platforms for the candles. This approach ensures safety while maintaining the rustic aesthetic that makes pallet designs so appealing. LED candles can be substituted for real flames in venues where fire codes prohibit open flames, providing the same visual warmth without safety concerns.

Sourcing and Preparing Pallets for Church Use

One of the most significant advantages of pallet-based designs is the minimal cost. As the Crosspointe Church team demonstrated, pallets can often be sourced at no cost from local businesses. FedEx, warehouses, and retail stores frequently have excess pallets they’re willing to give away. When sourcing pallets, look for heat-treated (HT) stamps rather than chemical-treated (MB) markings to ensure safety for indoor use.

Preparation is key to transforming rough shipping pallets into stage-worthy materials. Start by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and removing any protruding nails. Sanding the wood not only improves appearance but also prevents splinters during handling. Consider applying a clear sealant or stain to enhance the natural wood grain while providing protection. The goal is to elevate the humble pallet into something that looks intentional and professionally crafted.

Related Designs

• Death to Life – Another inspiring pallet-based stage design featuring vertical elements and creative lighting techniques.
• Curved Wall – See how pallets can be arranged in curved configurations to create dynamic stage backdrops.
• Radiant Pillars – Wooden pillars with DIY LED tube lighting that complement rustic pallet designs beautifully.
• Office Party – Fluorescent light panel design showing how everyday materials create stunning worship backdrops.
• Stage Origami – Geometric Coroplast design demonstrating creative material reuse on a budget.

Pro Tips for Pallet Stage Designs

Safety First: Always inspect pallets for structural integrity before use. Look for cracks, rot, or loose boards that could compromise stability. When building tall structures like these towers, secure them to walls or use weighted bases to prevent tipping. Remember that volunteers will be moving around these structures during setup and services.

Lighting Integration: The spaces between pallet slats are perfect for hiding LED strip lights. Consider battery-operated options for areas without easy power access. The LED rope lighting used by Crosspointe Church along the cross backing creates a halo effect that adds visual interest without requiring complex electrical work.

Modular Construction: Build your pallet elements in sections that can be easily transported and stored. This design approach allows the same materials to be reconfigured for different sermon series or seasonal themes. Label each component during construction to streamline future setups.

Candle Alternatives: If your venue prohibits open flames, battery-operated LED candles have improved dramatically in recent years. Look for options with flickering effects and warm color temperatures (2700K-3000K) to mimic real candlelight. Some models even include remote controls for easy operation during services.

Related: He’s Got the Whole World – Discover how to create a stunning globe stage design with paper lanterns and projection for under 00.

Related: Blinder in an Arch – Discover how to create stunning blinder lighting effects for your church stage using truss-mounted fixtures and youth volunteer teams.

Related: Flourishing Life – Discover how to create stunning church stage designs from repurposed materials, featuring a beautiful rocking chair transformation.