How to Set Up a Step and Repeat Banner with One Person (and Save Money Doing It Yourself!)

At Step and Repeat LA, you can save on setup fees by installing your step and repeat banner yourself—and the good news is, it’s easier than you might think!

What You’ll Need:

  • Telescoping banner stand (or pipe and drape stand)

  • Your printed banner

  • Zip ties

  • A flat surface for setup

  • An extra set of hands (recommended for banners 8′ x 12′ and larger)

Easy DIY Setup for Most Banner Sizes

For banners sized 8′ x 10′ or smaller, setup is totally manageable solo. Just follow these steps:

  1. Lay the Banner Flat
    Start by laying your banner face down on a clean, flat surface. This will make attaching the frame much easier.

  2. Assemble the Telescoping Poles
    Take all poles out of the bag. Begin assembling the vertical and horizontal poles. For the horizontal ones, extend them to match the width of your banner—plus an extra inch or two on each side. This extra length allows room for zip-ties and helps pull the banner taut.

  3. Check Pole Lengths
    Make sure both horizontal poles are the exact same length. Uneven poles can cause tilt, difficulty during setup, and potential damage.

  4. Slide the Poles Into the Banner
    Feed the horizontal poles through the top and bottom pole pockets on your banner.

  5. Attach to Vertical Poles
    Extend the vertical poles and connect them to the base stands. Then, attach the horizontal poles to the verticals using the included tightening knobs. Important: Do not overtighten the knobs, as this can pinch and damage the poles.

  6. Raise the Banner Upright
    With the frame assembled, gently lift the banner from the top center and push it upright. It’s okay if the stand leans back slightly during this—once vertical, you can adjust.

  7. Tighten and Secure
    Adjust the vertical poles by unscrewing the tightening couplers, pulling upward to increase tension, then re-tightening. Use zip-ties through the grommets along the sides to secure the banner tightly to the vertical poles.

  8. Use the Center Support Pole (If Provided)
    For larger stands (like the 8′ x 10′), insert the center vertical support pole for added stability.

  9. Final Adjustments
    Once upright, make any final tension or alignment tweaks to ensure your banner looks smooth and professional.

Tip: If you have a pipe and drape stand, you’ll only be working with one horizontal pole—just follow the same steps for lifting and tensioning.

Need an extra hand? Even a passer-by can make setup easier for larger banners!

Want to see how it’s done with a helper?
Watch our full visual guide on setting up a telescoping banner stand with two people.