What Is Stage Truss? Types, Materials and Uses
Stage truss is the aluminum framework that turns a stage or venue into a working rig. It supports lighting, audio, LED walls, scenery, and sometimes roof systems. We are Guangzhou Benjie Stage Equipment Co., Ltd., founded in 2015 in Guangzhou, China. We manufacture aluminum stage equipment: aluminum truss, portable stage, crowd control barriers, aluminum bleachers, scaffolding towers, and truss accessories. This guide is for buyers who need to choose a truss type, material, and connection system.
What Stage Truss Actually Does
Stage truss is a modular space frame. Aluminum chords and diagonal braces form sections that join into spans, towers, grids, arches, and ground-support systems. It is not just a visual frame; it is a load path. Lights, speakers, banners, and LED panels add weight and force. Those forces travel through the truss to base plates, towers, or motors, then to the ground or building. That is why buyers should think in systems, not single pieces. A truss section needs the right couplers, spigots, corners, and base plates. We manufacture these accessories because a truss purchase is rarely just about the main tube. See our full range at aluminum truss.
Main Types of Stage Truss
Square Box Truss
Square box truss has four main chords in a square or rectangular profile. It is common for concert stages, exhibition structures, and LED walls because it offers multiple faces for rigging and good resistance to twisting. Our square box truss lineup includes BJF14, BJF24, BJF34, BJF44, BJF45, BJF54, BJF64, BJF74, and BJF76. These are separate section families. A common starting point is a mid-range box truss such as BJF34 or BJF44, but the right choice depends on span, load, and support layout.
Flat Truss / Ladder Truss
Flat truss, sometimes called ladder truss, uses two main chords in a flat plane. It is lighter and less visually bulky than box truss. It often suits short spans, exhibition booths, banner frames, and vertical LED surfaces where depth is limited. Our flat truss families are BJF22, BJF32, and BJF42. For long spans or heavy rigging, box truss is usually more practical.
Triangle Truss
Triangle truss has three main chords, forming a triangular section. It can work for certain lighting grids, architectural features, and medium-duty structures where a flat truss is not stable enough but a full box truss is not necessary. Our triangle truss models are BJF33 and BJF43. It can also give a different look when the truss is visible.
Pre-Rigging Truss
We also make BJM36-A pre-rigging truss. This is a specialized format for preparing lighting rigs before they are flown or installed. It is not a replacement for general-purpose box truss.
Bolt vs Spigot / Conical Connections
Connection method is a key buying decision. Bolt truss uses bolts to join sections. Our bolt truss range includes BJB30B, BJT14, and BJT24-A. Bolt connections are direct and field-serviceable, though they add assembly time. Spigot or conical connections use a push-in connector to align and join truss sections. Many truss systems use this style because it can speed up repetitive touring or exhibition builds. We supply spigots as part of our accessory range. Do not mix bolt and spigot/conical systems unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility. Use the correct couplers, corners, and base plates for the truss family you buy.
Why 6082-T6 Aluminum Matters
We manufacture from En-Aw 6082-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum. These are structural aluminum grades with a good strength-to-weight balance. For stage truss, that matters because every kilogram has to be transported, lifted, and assembled. 6082-T6 is a common choice for structural aluminum applications, while 6061-T6 is also widely used for truss and accessories. Both help the truss resist corrosion and handle outdoor or semi-permanent use when properly maintained. Material is only one part of the equation; design, welding, connection type, and load distribution matter too.
Common Section Sizes and How to Choose
Truss size is not one number. It is a family of dimensions: chord diameter, wall thickness, overall width, and connection design. Our catalog uses model codes to separate these families. For square box truss, we offer BJF14, BJF24, BJF34, BJF44, BJF45, BJF54, BJF64, BJF74, and BJF76. For flat truss: BJF22, BJF32, BJF42. For triangle truss: BJF33, BJF43. For bolt truss: BJB30B, BJT14, BJT24-A. For pre-rigging: BJM36-A. To choose, start with load and span. Add rigging points, indoor or outdoor conditions, wind exposure, and transport limits. A smaller section may suit a trade show booth; a larger box truss may be needed for a concert roof or long LED wall. Share your drawing and load list, and we can help match the truss family to the job.
Where Stage Truss Is Used
Concerts and Touring
Concerts use truss for ground support, lighting rigs, PA hangs, video walls, and stage roofs. Truss often works alongside a portable stage. Our portable stage range includes BJ-ST-02 to BJ-ST-07 and BJ-ST01-A/B/C assembly and folding stages. Together, truss and stage create the working platform and overhead structure.
Exhibitions and Trade Shows
Exhibitions use truss for booth frames, arches, lighting grids, banner supports, and product display structures. Flat truss and box truss are both common. The goal is usually fast assembly, clean looks, and reusable parts.
LED Walls
LED walls need a precise, stable support grid. Square box truss is often used because it provides multiple rigging faces and can handle the weight and alignment demands of video panels. For outdoor LED walls, wind and base support become major design factors.
Other Applications
Truss is also part of larger event infrastructure. We manufacture crowd control barriers, aluminum bleachers, and scaffolding towers. Accessories such as couplers, spigots, corners, and base plates complete the system. If you are planning a full venue setup, sourcing these elements from one manufacturer can simplify compatibility.
Practical Buyer Checklist
Before you buy, define the load, span, connection type, indoor or outdoor use, and transport method. Confirm that the truss family, couplers, and base plates are compatible. Plan for future reuse. Ask for a layout review. We are Guangzhou Benjie Stage Equipment Co., Ltd., and we work with event producers, rental companies, and venue teams. Reach us at lan@bjtruss.cn or +86-20-39280432, or visit our contact page to discuss your project.
Final Thoughts
Stage truss is a structural system, not a commodity tube. The right choice comes from matching type, material, connection, and section family to the actual load and venue. Whether you need square box truss for a concert, flat truss for an exhibition, or a complete stage and barrier package, we manufacture the aluminum equipment and accessories to support it. Explore our projects or learn more about us.