🌲 Choosing the Best Materials for Your Sasquatch™ MegaTree™ in Harsh Climates
When building a Sasquatch™ MegaTree™, selecting the right materials is crucial, especially if your display will be exposed to harsh weather conditions. The legs and tubing you choose will directly impact the stability and longevity of your tree. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best material choices for your MegaTree, focusing on durability, strength, and weather resistance.
1. The Importance of Tubing Thickness for Stability
The thickness of the tubing is critical for ensuring stability, especially for taller trees. Taller trees face more pressure from wind and need stronger support to prevent bending or collapse. Here's a quick guide on tubing thickness based on tree height:
- Up to 20 feet: Use a wall thickness of 1/8 inch (0.125 inches). This provides enough strength while keeping the tubing manageable.
- 20 to 30 feet: Opt for a thickness of 3/16 inch (0.1875 inches) for added durability.
- Above 30 feet: For trees taller than 30 feet, use 1/4 inch (0.25 inches) to ensure the tubing can handle the extra weight and wind forces.
Thicker tubing will provide more resistance to external forces, ensuring that your MegaTree stands tall and stable, even in challenging conditions.
2. Why Galvanized or Stainless Steel Tubing is Best
When it comes to choosing materials for your MegaTree’s legs and pole, galvanized steel and stainless steel are the best options for durability, especially in harsh climates.
Stainless Steel
- Pros: Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use, especially in coastal areas or regions with high humidity. It's incredibly durable and can withstand exposure to the elements year after year.
- Cons: It’s more expensive and heavier than other materials, but its durability makes it worth the investment for harsh environments.
Galvanized Steel
- Pros: Galvanized steel is another excellent option, as it’s coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. It’s less expensive than stainless steel but still provides the strength and weather resistance needed for outdoor setups.
- Cons: Slightly less corrosion-resistant than stainless steel, but still effective in most environments, especially in areas with high winds or rain.
3. Avoid Using Aluminum for the Pole
While aluminum is a great option for the legs of your MegaTree due to its lightweight and rust-resistant properties, it should not be used for the main pole. The topper of the Sasquatchâ„¢ MegaTreeâ„¢ is made from steel, and sliding it up and down an aluminum pole can cause damage. Since aluminum is softer than steel, the topper can dig into the aluminum, leading to structural weaknesses and operational issues.
If you're considering aluminum for the legs, that's fine—just make sure the main pole is made of stronger materials like stainless or galvanized steel.
4. Leg Materials for Stability: Steel is Your Best Choice
Each Sasquatchâ„¢ MegaTreeâ„¢ DIY kit uses four legs to stabilize the base. For trees taller than 17 feet, it's essential that these legs are made from strong materials, and steel is the best option. Here's why:
- Galvanized Steel Legs: These legs are strong and resistant to rust, making them ideal for outdoor use. They provide the stability needed to support the tree, especially in high-wind areas.
- Stainless Steel Legs: If you’re in an area with severe weather or corrosive conditions, stainless steel is the best choice for longevity. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and will keep your tree stable for years to come.
For a 17-foot tree, the legs should be at least 5 feet long, and for taller trees, increase the leg length to 6-8 feet for maximum stability.
5. Cutting the Tubing 8 Inches Longer for Topper Clearance
One critical detail when setting up your MegaTree is to cut the tubing 8 inches longer than the final height of your tree. This extra length ensures that you have enough clearance to easily crank up the topper.
For example:
- If you want a 17-foot tree, cut the tubing to 17 feet 8 inches. This will allow room to smoothly lift the topper and secure it without difficulty.
The extra 8 inches simplifies the assembly process and prevents issues with operating the winch mechanism.
6. Materials to Avoid for Legs and Poles
While it might be tempting to explore cheaper or more accessible materials, some options are not safe for MegaTree construction:
- Wood: Although wood is strong, it’s prone to rot, warping, and weakening in wet or humid environments, making it unsuitable for long-term outdoor use.
- PVC or Plastic Tubing: These materials are not strong enough to support a large, heavy tree, and they can become brittle in cold weather, leading to breakage.
Sticking with galvanized steel or stainless steel ensures that your tree is safe, stable, and built to last.
7. Ensuring a Successful Setup
- Check Topper Fit: When selecting your tubing, bring the tree’s topper along to make sure it slides smoothly over the tubing. A good fit will prevent issues during assembly.
- Setup Variations: Remember that every setup is unique, and results may vary depending on the materials you choose and the conditions in your area. Mattos Designs is not liable for DIY setups that do not work as expected, so follow these guidelines carefully to ensure success.
Conclusion: Build a MegaTree That Lasts
Choosing the right materials for your Sasquatchâ„¢ MegaTreeâ„¢ is key to building a strong and stable display. Use galvanized or stainless steel for both the legs and pole, avoid softer metals like aluminum for the main pole, and ensure your tubing has the proper thickness to support your tree. By following these tips, your MegaTree will be able to withstand harsh weather and shine brightly for seasons to come.
Let me know if you need further guidance on setting up your MegaTree!
