I'm working with a party planner who wants me to create some champagne walls using 3/4" plywood. The design includes some bracing to prevent warping or sagging. However, I'm looking for advice on how to secure these walls so they can be: 1) easy to disassemble and transport, and 2) unobtrusive enough that guests won't trip over any bracing or supports. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Does it have to be 3/4" plywood? If it's not meant for people to walk on, you could try using two layers of 1/4" plywood with an internal frame. This setup gives you a strong edge for mounting hinges. You can use loose pin hinges like those for interior doors, and bend some smaller gauge wire into 'R' shapes for easy assembly. This way, you can connect the panels in a 'W' shape to keep them upright without any major supports getting in the way. It's a common technique in temporary theater setups!
You might want to check out using 8020 aluminum framing or a similar extruded aluminum. It's designed for structural projects, which means the bracing won't take up much space and can be easily disassembled later. McMaster Carr has the branded version, but Tnutz offers a more affordable alternative. They also provide good documentation on setup and hardware options, so you'll have plenty of guidance!
I've done something similar! I attached the supports for the walls on hinges, so they could tuck away when loading or transporting. I fixed them to the back of the walls, which worked great! For warping issues, I used both vertical and horizontal bracing spaced out appropriately. It’s been effective for what I needed!
Do you have any photos? I’d love to see them for some ideas!