Are you looking for a ConteStage aluminum structure for a stand, store, event or stage? Between the different shapes, finishes, capacity in terms of weight and lengths of metal beams, and the standards that go with it, the choice can seem complex.
This guide will help you make sense of it all. We’ll go over the essential criteria for choosing your ConteStage stage structure, exhibition stand, sound system, lighting rig or architectural installation.
Whether you’re an entertainment professional building complex modular structures, a sports hall manager installing a freestanding grill, a mobile DJ looking for a compact lighting gantry, or a retailer wanting to showcase your products, you’ll find the ConteStage solution to suit your project here.
Lift and weight: the technical key to your success
The bearing capacity (or span) is the maximum distance between two vertical support points (legs, uprights, hangers). The greater the distance, the greater the strength of the steel structure required to support weight.
So the load your ConteStage aluminum beam can support depends directly on the span. Knowing your requirements in terms of load-bearing capacity and weight will help you make the right technical choices.
Load charts: the rule to follow
ConteStage aluminum structures are certified by an independent body, TUV, to the strictest standards. This certification is accompanied by a load table indicating the maximum weight supported by a beam or set of beams between two vertical fixing points.
To find out exactly what this capacity is, ALWAYS consult the load-bearing capacity tables supplied by ConteStage.
These tables show the maximum load as a function of :
- Beam length between two supports
- Type of load (centered or distributed)
- Load distribution (metre, centred, 2, 3 or 4-point)
How do I use them?
Each range(DECO, TRIO290, QUA290, QUATRO290, QUATRO390) has its own table. Simply cross-reference your span (distance between supports) with the type of suspension to find out the maximum permissible load.
Concrete example with QUATRO390 over 8 metres between two fixing points:
- Distributed load: 295 kg/m
- Centered load (at 4 m): 1,183 kg
- 2 load points (every 4 m): 2 × 887 kg
- 3 load points (every 2.66 m): 3 × 591 kg
- 4 load points (every 2 m): 4 × 493 kg
These panels are your guarantee of safety. Never neglect them, especially for installations open to the public. They are available on the product sheets for each range, or on request from our teams.
Which structure range?
The first question to ask: which ConteStage steel structure range to choose? Depending on your constraints and needs, it’s important to determine which range of structure to choose from the outset, to avoid technical errors and unnecessary costs.
The ConteStage range of steel beams is simple to understand and well organized into easily identifiable series:
QUATRO 390 and 290: strong resistance
These square-format aluminum structures consist of 4 main tubes forming a square frame, reinforced by crossbars. With an aluminum thickness of 3mm, the QUATRO 290 and QUATRO 390 series specialize in long lengths and high loads.
These are the most versatile and strongest series in the ConteStage range, making it possible to create simple, long lighting bridges, suspended or self-supporting grills, as well as complex, more architectural structures.
QUA 290: the square format standard
With the same external format and fully compatible with the QUATRO 290 range, the QUA 290 series is based on 50 mm tubes, 2 mm thick. Lighter in weight, it’s also easier to transport. This is the series to choose for ephemeral or semi-permanent installations.
Its square structure enables it not only to support high loads over long distances, but also to create suspended or self-supporting grills with great ease. This is the ConteStage range usually favored by stage and lighting professionals, as well as trade show stand designers.
TRIO 290: the weight/resistance compromise
The TRIO 290 triangle frame by ConteStage consists of 3 x 50mm tubes forming an equilateral triangle. Lighter than the square structure, it offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, its triangular shape may pose some constraints for complex structures.
This structure is also appreciated for its aesthetic qualities. Visually airier than ConteStage’s QUA 290, it also offers the effect of a point at the top or bottom, on which to hang spotlights and accessories. That’s why it’s so popular with show and lighting contractors.
DUO 290: discretion and flat frames
ConteStage’s DUO 290 ladder frame consists of 2 parallel tubes connected by crossbars. Its slim profile makes it particularly discreet and lightweight. Although this structure isn’t really suited to high load-bearing capacities with weight to support, it can nevertheless be used to hang numerous spotlights on large surfaces, without taking up a lot of visual space.
The DUO 290 can also be used as a stage suspension, as a frame for tarpaulins or screens, and as an ultra-lightweight gantry thanks to a range of accessories suitable for DJs and touring shows alike. A solution in its own right, or as a complement to other structure ranges.
UNO 290: simplicity and accessories
The UNO 290 monotube by ConteStage is an aluminum beam 50mm wide, 2mm thick, with no reinforcement. Minimalist solution for light loads and extensions. This type of tube is generally used to add bars for spotlights and accessories, create structural reinforcements, or provide support in places where the structure needs to be virtually invisible.
The DECO range: aesthetics at a low price
The DECO range takes up the aesthetic codes of the square (DECO22Q) and triangular (DECO22T) structures, but with thinner tubes (Ø35mm instead of Ø50mm) and a width of 220mm. Available lengths of 1m, 1.5m and 2m make this range easy to transport in everyday vehicles.
Incomparable with 290 mm structures in terms of mechanical qualities or cost, ConteStage’s DECO series is a compromise between discretion and strength. They are ideal for use in retail outlets, public places, or above DJ decks to accommodate a coherent number of spotlights and accessories on reasonable load-bearing capacities.
Color: an important criterion
ConteStage aluminum structures are available in three sizes (22, 29 and 39 cm) and three finishes (aluminum, black and white). And your choice of size and color influences the visual impact of your structure.
A black structure stands out on stage or in the evening, ideal for shows and concerts. White brings elegance and luminosity, perfect for corporate events, weddings or architectural installations.Natural aluminum remains the versatile choice par excellence, suitable for all contexts.
Please note: not all ranges are available in all finishes. QUATRO390 is available in black only, DECO in aluminum only, while QUA290, TRIO290, DUO290 and UNO are available in all three colors. Consult our product data sheets to find out which options are available for your range.
Our tips for choosing
Assess your real needs before you buy
Before choosing your aluminium structure, ask yourself three essential questions:
- What scope?
- What’s your total weight and load distribution?
- How complex is the structure?
Always refer to the load tables before validating.
Our load tables are produced in collaboration with an independent testing organization (TUV). They guarantee your structure’s resistance to the various weights it will be subjected to. If in doubt, contact us.
Think accessories and upgradeability from the outset
There’s more to a steel structure than just beams: floor bases, suspension hooks, certified slings, clamps and connecting sleeves are all essential for assembly. Check the compatibility of these accessories with your range.
The ConteStage range
European manufacturing and certifications
All ConteStage aluminum structures are manufactured in Europe to the highest industry standards. Each range (DECO, TRIO, QUA, QUATRO, DUO, UNO) is ISO DIN 4113 and TÜV certified, guaranteeing maximum reliability and safety for your installations, whether permanent or temporary. These certifications are essential for safety commission inspections in establishments open to the public.
A complete range
Bases, beams, angles, hanging or safety accessories, totems and hooks for spotlights – the ConteStage range is extensive and designed to fit into the worlds of entertainment, sound, lighting, trade shows and retail. Remember to check the compatibility of the various accessories before integrating them into your projects. Our teams are here to advise you.
Contact us
Our final word of advice: if you’re in any doubt about the dimensions of your stage structure, lighting gantry or freestanding grill, contact our teams. We’ll help you choose the right structure for your project, free of charge, and select the necessary accessories (bases, hooks, slings). We can also recommend ConteStage-approved installers for your projects.
