Parachute shade structure Q's

[Chicken]

Hi!

I'm thinking about building a parachute shade structure this year and I'm just trying to decide on the most efficient structure options.
The plan I'd like to build is http://www.instructables.com/id/Parachu ... Structure/

I was thinking about using either metal piping or PVC instead of 4x4 wood posts and putting them on straight rebar a-la monkey hut style.
Would bringing 4ft sections of pole and attaching them with couplers be secure enough? and probably using T or X sections on the top to run rope through instead of the eye bolts in the plan provided.

Thanks for your help!

[Ratty]

That shade looks so romantic but...parachutes don't provide much shade and all that flapping will drive you nuts. Go for it.

[gaminwench]

Parachutes also do not provide any UV protection.

[Token]

A parachute is the absolutely worst material for shade.

It is translucent nylon.
It is designed to catch air and create a sail.

Unless you are building a heat oven or sauna, there are much better choices available.

[LowePro]

Chicky, you're getting accurate feedback and parachutes are very hot and not ideal. The EMT conduit structure is an easy, efficient shelter that's good for a beginner, and you can customize it as you advance. See the other forums here and/or pm me if you want some plans. Good
Luck!

[Ratty]

I read the link in your post. I can hear them yelling, "More rebar! Get some ropes! Will someone please cut some holes in this damn parachute? It's turning over all the tables and chairs in here.

I too love the looks of it but do yourself a favor, put up a carport with tarps and dress it up with your parachute. You could fold it in half over a sturdy rope. Attach that to the front of the roofline. Let it hang down the back and secure it. If it annoys you bag it.

[Chicken]

Thank you for the feedback and definitely heard!

I'm just trying to find a large enough shade structure to put two tents in and still have a little extra room for lounging.

I wanted to put this tent (or two, on opposite sides) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QZUO ... 0DER&psc=1
Under something like aluminet with some extra space to set up chairs bags and pillows. I'm just having a hard time finding plans that would be able to accommodate.

Would a large enough conduit structure be good here?

[LowePro]

The conduit structures are infinitely customizable, that's why they are really quite good. If you did a 10 x 30 foot structure you could fit 2 tents and a courtyard between them as a patio, and be pretty good for simple/cheap. Just modify the plans to add 10 extra feet and a longer tarp.

[Chicken]

Thanks for your suggestions.

Are there plans already available?? I was about to just start making it up as I go but I figured it would be worth asking if they already existed to make life easier since I have no idea what I'm doing. XD


Also, transportation. Will a shade structure like this be difficult if I'm not driving my own vehicle? I'm worried about over burdening a ride share with shade structures and such.

[DrCook]

Here are plans for a 1" EMT shade structure from Kostume Kult:

The only thing I'd change is to use lag bolts instead of rebar.

As for transportation, you will need at least a 9' U-haul style van or larger to transport the 10' long metal poles.

[Ratty]

I can put 10 foot poles in my minivan. Along side the passenger door. It is very inconvenient.

[LowePro]

Sent you a pm with some plans, good luck!

[Eric]

You've been steered away from a parachute, but just to drive the point home: this is what happened to a brand-new parachute on our dome when a microburst hit it (same storm had a microburst that partially collapsed a steel dome). This even had venting in it. Make sure you use something stronger than this - we spent so much time hunting after the storm to get as much of this playa toned moop rounded up as possible, and I'm sure we barely dented it.

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