Pole Back

Mike Gerrells from Mission Hills in Littleton, CO brings us this great pole backdrop.

The design was a generic backdrop that could work for 3 months for weekend services and events that were happening this summer. They needed something simple but with a big look. Total cost for the boxes and pipe: $150.

Build

5 – 8′ long x 12″ tall x 12″ deep boxes made out of 1/2 MDF with 3/4 plywood on the edge and center for support. On the top and bottom layer of the box they drilled 16 – 1 1/8″ holes to support the 3/4 white PVC pipe then painted the face and top black. Mike then cut the PVC to different lengths from 10′ to 5′ and put them in the holes in random order.

Lighting Design

Rigging –
The V truss is a truss cube with 2 – 10′ and 1 – 5′ truss per side.

Moving Lights
10 – Chauvet R2 LED spots
3 – Chauvet R@ LED wash
4 – Elation 700 spots
10 – Elation Six par 200
1 – MDG atmosphere hazer
The controller is a MA dot 2

Why This Design Works

This pole backdrop design demonstrates how effective stage design does not require expensive materials or complex construction techniques. By using affordable PVC pipes of varying lengths arranged in a random pattern, Mission Hills created a visually striking backdrop that adds depth and texture to their stage. The vertical lines draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height and grandeur while the varying pipe lengths add organic visual interest that breaks up the uniformity.

The black-painted boxes serve multiple purposes: they provide structural support for the PVC pipes, create a solid visual foundation that anchors the design, and most importantly, they absorb light rather than reflecting it. This allows the lighting team to have complete control over how the backdrop appears during services. When front-lit, the white PVC pipes pop against the dark background. When backlit or side-lit, the pipes create interesting shadows and dimensional effects.

Materials Breakdown and Cost Considerations

One of the most appealing aspects of this design is its affordability. At just $150 for materials, this backdrop proves that budget constraints do not have to limit creativity. The 1/2-inch MDF used for the boxes is inexpensive yet sturdy enough for temporary installations. The 3/4-inch plywood reinforcements at the edges and center ensure the boxes maintain their structural integrity even with the weight of the PVC pipes.

The 3/4-inch white PVC pipe is readily available at any hardware store and can be cut to length with basic tools. By varying the pipe lengths from 5 to 10 feet, the design achieves visual variety without requiring additional materials or complex construction. The random arrangement of different pipe lengths creates a natural, organic feel that would be difficult to achieve with uniform sizing.

For churches looking to replicate this design, consider sourcing materials during seasonal sales or checking with local contractors for surplus materials. Many construction companies are willing to donate or sell scrap materials at reduced prices, which could bring the total cost down even further.

Lighting Possibilities

The combination of moving lights and LED fixtures in this setup provides tremendous flexibility for creating different moods and atmospheres. The Chauvet R2 LED spots can be used to create focused beams that highlight specific areas of the backdrop, while the LED wash fixtures provide broad, even coverage that can change colors to match different songs or service elements.

The Elation fixtures add additional texture and movement capabilities. With proper programming, the lighting can make the static PVC poles appear to shift and change throughout a service. Side lighting can create dramatic shadows between the pipes, while front lighting emphasizes the clean vertical lines. The addition of the MDG atmosphere hazer allows light beams to become visible, adding another layer of visual interest.

Related Designs

Looking for more stage backdrop inspiration? Check out these similar designs from other churches:

• Paper Partitions – An affordable backdrop using paper materials that creates beautiful texture and depth with creative lighting.
• Light Boxes – A modular backdrop design using illuminated boxes that can be rearranged for different looks.
• Yo Mondrian – A geometric backdrop inspired by modern art, using bold colors and clean lines for a contemporary stage look.
• Red Waterfalls – A flowing fabric backdrop design that creates dramatic vertical movement and works beautifully with colored lighting.
• Who Hung the Drapes – An elegant draped fabric backdrop that adds sophistication and warmth to any stage environment.

Pro Tips for Building PVC Backdrops

Plan Your Hole Spacing: Before drilling the 1 1/8-inch holes in your boxes, create a template to ensure consistent spacing. While the random pipe lengths create visual interest, consistent hole spacing ensures the structure remains stable and professional-looking. Consider marking hole locations with a pencil and using a drill press if available for cleaner, more precise holes.

Paint Before Assembly: Paint the MDF boxes and PVC pipes before assembling the backdrop. This allows for better coverage and prevents overspray on pipes that are already inserted. Use a primer on the MDF edges to prevent the material from absorbing too much paint. For the PVC pipes, a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper will help the paint adhere better.

Consider Transport and Storage: Design your boxes with transport and storage in mind. If possible, make the boxes stackable or design them to break down for easier storage. Label each box and its corresponding pipes to make setup faster in the future. Taking photos of the assembled backdrop from multiple angles will help volunteers recreate the exact look during reassembly.

Safety First: Ensure your backdrop is properly secured to prevent tipping. Depending on your stage surface, you may need to add weight to the boxes or secure them to the stage floor. Always test the stability of the completed backdrop before using it in a service, especially if you have active worship elements or children participating on stage.

Related: Walkin’ on Sunshine – Learn how to integrate LED tape lighting into your stage surfaces for dynamic floor illumination effects.

Related: Hex Pattern – A beautiful geometric wood pattern backdrop from Passion City Church featuring hexagonal honeycomb designs perfect for baptismal areas.

Related: Lights and Patterns – Explore affordable DIY LED lighting solutions that complement backdrop designs like this one.