Question: How to build a support structure for lights etc.? Help CannaDana out and get a written guarantee you're going to heaven!

  • Thread starter CannaDana
  • Start date
  • Tagged users None
CannaDana

CannaDana

201
93
As a 65-year old woman, I'm not very knowledgeable about building things. So I need your manly help, please!

I want to build a framework for holding lights, clip-on fans, scrog nets, etc., etc., etc. Kind of like the structure that holds up a grow tent. The dimensions have to be 5' deep x 10' wide x 6'-7' high. I previously built one 4x4x6 out of 3/4" PVC, and it was wobbly as hell. I need something affordable, that can be assembled and taken down easily, and is very sturdy.

It has to hold 90+ lbs. of LED lights (2 lights, each weighs 44 lbs., plus a 3rd light that weighs 8 lbs.), plus all the other stuff that gets attached to these grow spaces. And it has to span 10 feet in width.

Can anyone suggest materials that an old lady can work with, and a design that will be solid? I can measure, use a hand saw, hammer and screw, use a hand drill, and otherwise fasten parts together.

Whatcha got?
 
MyGrowYo

MyGrowYo

261
63
I like wood, that’s what I would use because I know how much load I can put on it, but I could see construction potentially being an issue for older folks. if you have a son or grandson to help out that’s what I would do.

but where is this structure going? It sounds like you have a room your going to grow in, and if that’s the case I would just hang them from the ceiling by screwing into the joists.

a big grow tent might be cheaper than you think, constructing a 5x10x7 is a decent sized space, and might only be half the price of a grow tent that size.
 
PK1

PK1

Supporter
3,459
263
why not just use a closet? put up some anchors and set up your lights. Couple Ushape screws to hold the scrog net and call it a day :)
4x8x10 walking closet called the flower room :p
2021 12 11 083411
 
CannaDana

CannaDana

201
93
MyGrowYo said:
I like wood, that’s what I would use because I know how much load I can put on it, but I could see construction potentially being an issue for older folks. if you have a son or grandson to help out that’s what I would do.

but where is this structure going? It sounds like you have a room your going to grow in, and if that’s the case I would just hang them from the ceiling by screwing into the joists.

a big grow tent might be cheaper than you think, constructing a 5x10x7 is a decent sized space, and might only be half the price of a grow tent that size.
Click to expand...

mysticepipedon said:
Yes. tell us more about the grow space. You may be able to put up some framed walls/partitions that are cheaper than a big tent.
Click to expand...

Good point.

I have an 11x11x8 room devoted to growing. Of that, I'm using a 5x10 space -- or roughly half the room -- for the plants, all along one wall, with the additional space being used for equipment and supplies. I wanted a structure surrounding the plants, kind of like what is in grow tents, upon which to hang lights, fans, scrog nets, etc. I suppose to could suspend the lights from the ceiling, though I would have to disassemble the fan blades in the existing ceiling fan. I was thinking I'd probably prefer a structure from which to hang the lights, as it allows me to move everything around, or modify the space as needed, for this and future grows, and can be put away when not growing. I plan to squeeze 18 plants into that 50sf space. If that doesn't work, I have another light and will use some of the equipment space for the remaining plants.

Unfortunately, I don't have a closet big enough to do this, as PK1 suggests. And even if I did have one that size, I still need space for heat and air, humidifier, dehumidifier, CO2, carbon filter, watering system, etc. All that stuff, with plants and lights, pretty much fills the room.

Am I painting a decent picture here? If not, let me know.

Wood is probably a no-go for me, just for weight and portability issues, and lack of power saws. I'm thinking PVC if I can design it in such a way that it's solid enough, but I'm nervous about that. Metal scaffolding sounds interesting, but it's super expensive and not very susceptible to making the right size. If there's a PVC design that would be stiff and solid enough, that's probably my first choice. PVC is cheap, easy to work with, can be made in any size, is extremely portable and can be disassembled and put away in minimum space, and is something a senior citizen can move alone.
 
Last edited:
CannaDana

CannaDana

201
93
gristle said:
Extruded aluminum(easier to use, lighter but considerably more expensive)or uni-strut.
Click to expand...

Okay, I'm gonna have to look up what those things are. But thank you.

Edit: Unistrut looks interesting and easy to use. Is it solid enough?
 
gristle

gristle

154
43
Yes, very solid. Made for mounting in industrial applications. You can bolt it straight to the ceiling(rafters) and hang whatever. They make fittings specifically for it also but aren't necessary.
 
CannaDana

CannaDana

201
93
gristle said:
Yes, very solid. Made for mounting in industrial applications. You can bolt it straight to the ceiling(rafters) and hang whatever. They make fittings specifically for it also but aren't necessary.
Click to expand...

Is it solid enough to build a freestanding frame, not bolted into anything, and be able to hang stuff from it, like lights, nets, fans, etc.? It sounds like a great solution, thank you. I just want to make sure it's solid enough for what I want to do. Last thing I need is to have it all come crashing down on the plants, ruining them and $3000 worth of lights.
 
MyGrowYo

MyGrowYo

261
63
CannaDana said:
Good point.

I have an 11x11x8 room devoted to growing. Of that, I'm using a 5x10 space -- or roughly half the room -- for the plants, all along one wall, with the additional space being used for equipment and supplies. I wanted a structure surrounding the plants, kind of like what is in grow tents, upon which to hang lights, fans, scrog nets, etc. I suppose to could suspend the lights from the ceiling, though I would have to disassemble the fan blades in the existing ceiling fan. I was thinking I'd probably prefer a structure from which to hang the lights, as it allows me to move everything around, or modify the space as needed, for this and future grows, and can be put away when not growing. I plan to squeeze 18 plants into that 50sf space. If that doesn't work, I have another light and will use some of the equipment space for the remaining plants.

Unfortunately, I don't have a closet big enough to do this, as PK1 suggests. And even if I did have one that size, I still need space for heat and air, humidifier, dehumidifier, CO2, carbon filter, watering system, etc. All that stuff, with plants and lights, pretty much fills the room.

Am I painting a decent picture here? If not, let me know.

Wood is probably a no-go for me, just for weight and portability issues, and lack of power saws. I'm thinking PVC if I can design it in such a way that it's solid enough, but I'm nervous about that. Metal scaffolding sounds interesting, but it's super expensive and not very susceptible to making the right size. If there's a PVC design that would be stiff and solid enough, that's probably my first choice. PVC is cheap, easy to work with, can be made in any size, is extremely portable and can be disassembled and put away in minimum space, and is something a senior citizen can move alone.
Click to expand...
Ok I gotcha now.
https://www.thcfarmer.com/threads/g...t-easy-cheap-to-replace-with-all-steel.60245/
I think this forum I linked too had a good idea using 3/4 conduit, I don’t think it would be to heavy for you to handle. But if you really want to stick with pvc, I would suggest hanging the lights from the ceiling with some hooks, and making a rectangular structure around the plants out of pvc for your scrog netting.
 
MyGrowYo

MyGrowYo

261
63
mysticepipedon said:
You might save yourself a lot of hassle by buying a suitably sized grow tent, and only use the frame if that's what you want to do. There are some good sales right now on Gorilla tents.
Click to expand...
I actually think this is the best route. you Might pay a bit more than using pvc, but it will just work hassle free for years and years. I can’t really see if failing ever if it’s just holding the lights and some fans
 
gristle

gristle

154
43
CannaDana said:
Is it solid enough to build a freestanding frame, not bolted into anything, and be able to hang stuff from it, like lights, nets, fans, etc.? It sounds like a great solution, thank you. I just want to make sure it's solid enough for what I want to do. Last thing I need is to have it all come crashing down on the plants, ruining them and $3000 worth of lights.
Click to expand...
Genuine Unistrut P2942-EG Narrow 2 Hole Square Mount Post Base Strut Mount for All 1-5/8" Single Strut Channel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3B1FPG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_F6QNPTD3PDH65672FPV1
Yes. You can use these. Search unistrut hardware, alot of possibilities.
 
CannaDana

CannaDana

201
93
MyGrowYo said:
Ok I gotcha now.
https://www.thcfarmer.com/threads/g...t-easy-cheap-to-replace-with-all-steel.60245/
I think this forum I linked too had a good idea using 3/4 conduit, I don’t think it would be to heavy for you to handle. But if you really want to stick with pvc, I would suggest hanging the lights from the ceiling with some hooks, and making a rectangular structure around the plants out of pvc for your scrog netting.
Click to expand...

Re: Hanging lights from the ceiling: I am told that because each light weighs 44 lbs., I would have to hire a contractor to cut out portions of the drywall and install supports between ceiling joists, otherwise it will eventually rip out the drywall and collapse. Nope, nope, nope. Ain't doin' that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Top Bottom