How to Choose the Right Stage Truss for Your Event in Pakistan
How to Choose the Right Stage Truss for Your Event in Pakistan
Most people planning an event think about the lights, the sound and the LED screen first. The truss usually comes last, and that is a mistake. Everything you hang or mount on stage depends on it. If the truss is the wrong size or type, you will find out on the day of the event, which is the worst time to find out.
This guide covers the basics of choosing a stage truss, so you can talk to your supplier with a clear idea of what you need.
What does a truss actually do?
A truss is the metal frame that holds up your stage equipment. Lights, speakers, LED screens and backdrops all sit on it or hang from it. It also gives your stage its shape, which is why a good truss makes an event look more professional even before the lights come on.
Because it carries real weight, the truss is a safety item first and a design item second. Cheap, badly made trusses are not worth the risk, especially at crowded events.
The three main types of truss
Box truss is the heavy-duty option. It is what you see at concerts, large exhibitions and big LED screen setups. It can take a lot of load, so it is the usual choice when the structure is large or the equipment is heavy.
Triangle truss suits medium-sized events. Trade shows, product launches and brand activations are the typical jobs for it. It is lighter than box truss, so it makes sense when you do not need that much strength.
Circular truss is mostly about looks. Fashion shows, centre-stage designs and premium corporate events use it to get a curved, finished look. It is still sturdy, but you choose it for the design.
You can see the full range on our truss page.
Getting the size right
Truss comes in different cross-section sizes, and picking the right one matters more than most people think. Here is how the common sizes are normally used:
- 300mm x 300mm: Small stage setups, exhibition booths and indoor events.
- 400mm x 400mm: Medium-sized events, light rigging and small LED screens.
- 450mm x 450mm: Large concerts, stage roofing and festival setups.
- 600mm x 450mm: Heavy-duty work such as large productions, LED walls and stadium concerts.
If you are not sure which one fits, do not guess. Tell your supplier what the truss has to carry and they can match the size to the load.
Planning around an LED screen
LED screens are where truss decisions matter most, because screens are heavy and sit high. For a small screen, 400mm x 400mm is usually enough. For a big LED wall, you should be looking at the heavy-duty 600mm x 450mm size.
The simplest approach is to decide on the screen first and then work out the truss. If you are still choosing a screen, look at our SMD LED screens. If it is a one-off event and you do not want to buy, an SMD screen on rent is the easier option.
Do not forget lights and sound
The truss also has to carry your lighting and often your speakers. Think about this early, because lights and line-array speakers add up in weight and need proper hanging points. If you plan to run LED walls with effects, you will also need the right LED controller to drive the content.
It helps to get truss, lights, sound and screens from the same supplier. Everything is planned together, so there is less chance of something not fitting on the day. WWE can provide a professional audio system along with the truss.
Who will set it up?
This is the question people forget to ask. A truss needs to be assembled correctly, and it needs to be taken down properly after the event. Ask your supplier whether installation and teardown are included.
As a rough idea of timing, a standard indoor LED screen installation takes about 1 to 2 days. An outdoor setup with truss and cabling can take 3 to 5 days depending on the size of the project. Plan your schedule with that in mind, and do not leave the setup for the last day.
A few mistakes to avoid
- Choosing by price alone. The cheapest truss is not a bargain if it is not rated for what you are putting on it.
- Booking too late. Good equipment and crews get booked up, especially in wedding and concert season.
- Not sharing full details. Your supplier cannot size the truss properly unless they know what it will carry.
- Ignoring the venue. Indoor halls and outdoor grounds need different planning, particularly for roofing and wind.
What to tell your supplier when asking for a quote
To get an accurate quotation, have these details ready:
- Type of event
- Stage size
- City and venue
- Event date
- What the truss will carry (screen, lights or speakers)
With this information, a supplier can recommend the right truss and give you a proper price instead of a rough guess.
Why work with WWE
World Wide Electronics has been supplying LED screens, sound, lighting and truss in Pakistan since 1999. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified company with offices in Karachi and Islamabad, and our work has covered cities across the country, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat and Hyderabad. You can see some of it on our projects page.
If you are planning an event and want advice on the right truss, contact us or call 0331 5575501. Tell us what you are building and we will tell you what it needs.
