How to Size Your Shade Structure for Burning Man

Building shade at Burning Man isn't just about having enough cover — it's about building something that won't collapse in a 60 mph whiteout(not saying it won't happen, lets be honest here, most things won't withstand those type of winds) or leave you scrambling in 105°F heat. Getting your sizing right before you leave home saves you money, weight, and a lot of stress on the playa. Here's how to plan your footprint, choose your pipe size, and figure out exactly how many fittings you might need.

Step 1: Choose Your Footprint

Start with how many people you're shading and what you're covering. A general rule:

  • 10x10 — 2 - 3 people with gear, 4-6 people if sitting at a table
  • 10x20 — 5 - 7 people with gear, 16 - 20 people if sitting at a table
  • 20x20 — 8 - 12 people with gear, 32 - 40 people if sitting at a table
  • 20x30+ — large camp or multi-bay structure

Plan for more shade than you think you need — the sun moves and the playa reflects heat from below.

Step 2: Pick Your Pipe Size

EMT electrical conduit is the standard for playa builds. The pipe diameter you choose determines which fittings you need:

  • 3/4" — lightweight, good for smaller 10x10 builds or accent frames
  • 1" — the most common all-around size for 10x20 and 20x20 structures
  • 1 3/8" — heavier duty, ideal for larger spans or high-wind exposure
  • 1 5/8" — maximum strength for large multi-bay camps

All of our fittings come in all four sizes, so once you pick your pipe, you're set.

Step 3: Count Your Fittings by Structure Type

10x10 Flat Top (4 legs):

10x20 Flat Top (6 legs):

20x20 Flat Top (9 legs):

Want a peaked roof instead of flat? Swap your corner and edge fittings for the angled versions — we carry Low Peak and High Peak options.

Step 4: Plan Your Pipe Lengths

Standard EMT comes in 10' sections. For most builds:

  • Uprights (legs): 5'–7' depending on desired height (cut to length or use a full 10' for tall structures)
  • Top rails: match your footprint dimension — a 10' span uses one section, a 20' span needs two pipes connected at a mid-point with fittings. Depending on your build, use a 2 Way Joiner, a 4 Way Flat Edge, or a 5 Way Flat Top Center at that connection point
  • Best Rule of Thumb: You always want to have a support leg every 10' feet
  • Always buy 10–15% extra pipe for cuts, mistakes, and last-minute additions

Anchoring Your Build

On the playa, your legs need to stay put. Use Short Foot Pads on hard ground. Stake through the foot pad holes and use rebar or heavy-duty stakes rated for desert conditions.

Ready to Build Your List?

Once you know your footprint and pipe size, your fitting count is straightforward. Browse our full range of canopy fittings and order your 10-packs to save — you'll use them again next year.

Also check out our post on why galvanized fittings hold up in the desert — a great companion read before you finalize your build.

Back to blog