Lights and Patterns

Frank Yazvac from Hope Church in Bettendorf, IA brings us these cool light bars and a great textured wall.

They created this design for their Easter set. A gentleman in the church made some 6 1/2 foot wood frames built like a trough. They painted the outside black and the inside of the trough white. Then they took LED tape and ran it up either side of the trough. The man had drilled a hole in the back of the bottom to feed the tape out the back for control. Frank had 6 LED DMX assignable control boxes that he attached at the back of each frame and then connected them all using DMX cable. He assigned each control box a different number so they could do different things with each light bar.

Then he ordered some 4×8 fluted transparent plastic sheets, cut them into strips that fit the front of the trough and attached them, so it hid the LED tape and diffused the light so it wasn’t quite so harsh. Then they mounted them directly on their stage floor and attached everything.

Because of already having the control boxes and having some wood lying around, they spent under $100.

Understanding LED Light Bar Construction for Church Stages

Creating custom LED light bars for your church stage does not require professional lighting experience or expensive equipment. This project demonstrates how a volunteer team can build professional-quality lighting fixtures using readily available materials and basic woodworking skills. The key to success lies in understanding how to properly diffuse LED light to create a smooth, even glow rather than harsh individual points of light.

The trough-style frame design used here is particularly effective because it provides multiple mounting options while protecting the LED strips from damage. Painting the interior white maximizes light reflection, while the black exterior helps the fixture blend into the background when not illuminated. This contrast technique is essential for creating dramatic lighting effects that can transform your worship space.

DMX Control Basics for Church Lighting

One of the standout features of this design is the use of individual DMX controllers for each light bar. DMX (Digital Multiplex) is the standard protocol for controlling stage lighting, and using assignable controllers allows you to program each bar independently. This means you can create chase sequences, color fades, or synchronized patterns across all six fixtures.

For churches just getting started with DMX lighting, this approach offers an affordable entry point. Rather than investing in expensive intelligent fixtures, you can build custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing lighting console. The ability to assign different DMX addresses to each controller means you can control them as individual fixtures or group them together for unified control.

Material Selection and Cost Considerations

The fluted transparent plastic sheets used as diffusers are a brilliant choice for this application. Often called corrugated plastic or twin-wall polycarbonate, these sheets are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent light diffusion. They are commonly used in greenhouse construction and signage, making them easy to find at hardware stores or online suppliers.

For churches working with limited budgets, this project total cost of under 100 dollars is remarkable. Even if you need to purchase the DMX controllers new, the total investment remains significantly lower than buying commercial LED bars. The modular nature of the design also means you can build additional units over time, expanding your lighting rig as budget allows.

Related Designs

• Line of Rays – Similar linear LED lighting arrangement creating dramatic vertical light beams
• LED Sunburst – Radial LED pattern using similar tape light and diffusion techniques
• LED by the Spirit – Creative LED strip installation with dynamic color capabilities
• LED Wood Reflect – Combining wood elements with LED lighting for warm, natural aesthetics
• Tilted Light – Angular light bar arrangement creating visual interest through geometry

Pro Tips for DIY LED Stage Lighting

Plan Your Power Distribution: Before building multiple LED bars, map out how you will power and control them. LED tape typically runs on 12V or 24V DC power, and you will need adequate power supplies. Calculate the total wattage of your LED strips and choose power supplies with at least 20 percent headroom to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.

Invest in Quality LED Tape: Not all LED tape is created equal. Look for high-CRI (Color Rendering Index) strips with a CRI of 90 or above for accurate color reproduction. This is especially important for video recording and live streaming. Waterproof IP65-rated tape offers extra protection against accidental spills or humidity.

Test Your Diffusion Materials: Before committing to a specific diffusion material, test how it affects your LED light. Some materials can create hot spots or uneven diffusion. The fluted plastic sheets used here work well because the corrugated structure helps scatter light evenly. Acrylic diffuser panels or frosted plexiglass are also excellent alternatives.

Label Everything: When working with multiple DMX controllers and power connections, clear labeling saves hours of troubleshooting. Label each fixture with its DMX address, and color-code your cables. This organizational step becomes invaluable when you are setting up for services or troubleshooting issues under time pressure.

Related: Word Lights – a professional LED pixel mapping design from Cambridge Community Church