I'm hoping to build a a semi-permanent outdoor pole...

poledanceromance started this discussion · 5/27/2010

I have an idea for an outdoor semi-permanent pole that could be dug up and moved when I move if desired. My recent play session on the playground made me fall in love with powder-coated poles. It had the perfect amount of grip for me to play outside without the humidity making it impossible. So, I was thinking of getting a powder-coated length of pole from the hardware store. My plan is to use a thread cutter, spray the inside of the pipe with a sealant to prevent rust-through, then use thread locking compound and a pipe cap to seal off the top. Then I want to attach a base to the bottom at least a foot in diameter, probably square so that when I dig a hole in the ground about two feet down, I can weight the base down with a brick or two along each side, then fill the hole back up with dirt and pack it down very tightly. The goal would be to sink the pole down far enough that I could keep it stable with occasional maintainence/repacking, yet still be able to both take it inside for the winter and move it when I move. My only question mark at this point would be how to attach the base to the bottom/what to use as a base that would have enough surface area to keep the pole stable. Do you guys think this would work? I have a friend with a pickup so i could probably get a 10' piece home for a total danceable area of like 8', which for occasional outdoor playtime is plenty for me. Ideas??

13 replies

Poledancefan · 7/4/2010
It might take considerably more weight to keep the pole stable than a few bricks, even if you are very light weight. Spins develop a LOT of sideways force. One option might be to pre-prepare a "socket" by filling a 5 gallon paint bucket (about $2.00 at Home Depot) with concrete or cement and centering a sleeve of plastic PVC pipe wide enough to fit the OUTSIDE diameter of your pole. After the concrete hardens, you'll have a fairly heavy item you can bury deep enough just so the PVC sticks up a few inches to insert your pole. Joel
poledanceromance · 7/4/2010
Oh my gosh, that's an amazing idea. Thank you so much for replying! I bow to you, King of All Things DIY-pole!!! 👑
pole-twista · 7/12/2010
oh you may have just saved me from buying a stage pole which can't really afford at moment.. could you please let me know if you do this and if it works out. am soo dying to be able to pole outside, but pole nearest house not in best neighborhood. would love to pole in my own yard! oh what an idea! 🤸 🥂 💣
PilatesPoleKat · 4/22/2011
Did you ever go thru with this?? I would LOVE to try it....gonna see what hubby thinks!
Later · 4/22/2011
You guys are so lucky! I would love to have an outdoor pole but my hubby wont let me =( Hes embarassed by my poling i guess..
poledanceromance · 4/22/2011
I do still want to do it. I ended up moving and had to abandon the idea with so much else to do. But now the question is: do big box hardware stores like Home Depot carry lengths of pole in workable finish like powder coat, chrome, or polished solid brass or ss...or is that the sort of thing I'd have to special order from some kind of specialty warehouse or metalworker? Once I get a sense of how much this costs, I can figure out what the timeline for the project will be.
TiffanyM · 4/22/2011
In the plumbing section they have 13ft galvanized pipe, you can find a variety of widths (in inches). When you get it just go over to the paint section and buy high temperature auto paint (glossy) for the finish. It works great! I had one in my basement. BUT!!! Dont forget to get cement if you plan on putting it in the ground! And if you need it cut get a pipe cutter ($30), it takes some elbow grease to cut but it works. Before you paint it scuff it up with some sand paper and wipe it down so the paint takes to it better. The pipe, paint (get 2-3 cans of spry paint), cutter and cement should all come to under $90. It will take you about 1 full afternoon (even on your own). Good Luck!! To Get: 10-13 ft galvanized pipe 1 1/2" to 2" diameter 2-3 cans high heat spray paint 1 bag cement (25lbs) Pipe cutter (optional) Possibly a hole digger ( you can rent one there for the weekend) They aren't too big. I did find bar rails at menards that were brass but they only come in 8ft. And they are only 1 1/2 inches wide (very small). You can ask, maybe they have different stock now.
monary · 5/1/2011
This gives me hope, as I am in no position to buy a pole right now. But I am very interested in pole dance. TiffanyM: What did you pour the cement into? the ground? a bucket like poledance fan suggests? Pole dance fan: What is the PVC pipe sleeve for? If your pole just fits into the sleeve does this mean it would move? Have you done this?
Buterflii · 5/1/2011
wow, pole outside! that would be heaven, in nice weather of course :)
emotioncatcher · 5/1/2011
i would love to have a stage for my pole, too, so that i could use it everywhere! my dad made a outdoor pole for me one week ago, when i visited my parents. we just put a metall rod (about 2cm thick and between 0,5 and 1m long) in the ground, put the pole (which is normally part of a scaffolding and about 5m long) over it, hit it a few times with a big hammer, so that the pole was put a bit into the ground and fixed it with three ropes on the balcony (one to the left, on to the right side and one in the middle). it only needed about 10min to prepair and was very solid! but of course you can´t put this up everywhere, so i can only use it when visiting my parents =) you can see it on my newest pole vids, if you want
chemgoddess1 · 5/1/2011
PDR...check specialty automotive shops...like the kind where you can really customize your auto. If you have a Summit Racing near you even better! They carry lengths of stainless tubing.
SashaMae · 5/1/2011
I found this nifty contraption that may or may not work, but it's a thought. I really like the cement in a bucket idea but this could work...http://www.amazon.com/Umbrella-Flag-Pole-Stand-Green/dp/B000Y03KY4
SashaMae · 5/1/2011
Nope. Nevermind. Now that I'm looking at it...I really don't know if it would hold.