In oil and gas construction, a temporary pipestand is a small piece of a very big project. But when it comes to keeping the job moving safely and efficiently, the quality of that pipestand matters—a lot.
For decades, wood blocks and skids have been the standard solution. They’re familiar, cheap, and easy to source. But they’re also inconsistent, weather-sensitive, and not built for long-term exposure. And on today’s high-stakes pipeline projects, the weaknesses of traditional wood supports are becoming harder to ignore.
That’s why a growing number of pipeline contractors are switching to plastic pipestands—like the DuraPlas engineered TuffStand. These modern supports are stronger, longer-lasting, and easier to handle in the field. And in large-scale infrastructure builds, those advantages add up fast.
The Problem with Wood Blocks in Pipeline Construction
Wood blocks might seem simple, but they come with hidden costs and persistent field headaches. Most are used to elevate and stabilize pipeline segments before welding, coating, or installation. That’s a critical role—and it’s being filled by a material that’s vulnerable to the elements and inconsistent by nature.
Here are the most common issues with wood supports:
Moisture Absorption and Rot
Even treated lumber can absorb moisture, especially when exposed to rain, snow, or ground contact. That moisture leads to swelling, softening, and eventual rot. As the wood degrades, it loses load-bearing integrity, which can compromise pipe positioning or cause settling.
Inconsistent Sizing
Wood blocks vary in dimension depending on supplier, source, and condition. This inconsistency can lead to uneven support, which complicates line-up, rolling, and welding. Crews often waste time cutting, shimming, or adjusting to compensate.
Breakage and Splintering
Heavy pipe or machinery contact can split lower-grade wood. Damaged supports not only slow progress—they pose safety risks to workers on-site.
Debris and Environmental Compliance
Once degraded, wood leaves behind splinters, fragments, and stains. Many projects require full cleanup of temporary materials, and deteriorated wood often becomes a disposal problem.
The Case for Plastic: Stronger, Safer, and Field-Tested
DuraPlas’ TuffStand pipestands are specifically engineered to address these challenges. They offer a field-proven alternative that’s purpose-built for oilfield and pipeline work—whether you’re operating in wet ground, cold climates, or rugged terrain.
Here’s what contractors gain by making the switch:
Uniform Load Support
Each stand is injection-molded to precise dimensions. That means every piece is the same height, width, and profile—eliminating the guesswork and adjustment that comes with wood. Piping rests level across long segments, speeding up layout and assembly.
High Load Capacity
DuraPlas pipestands are designed to handle high compressive loads typical of heavy-wall pipe. Their ribbed internal structure and polymer formulation provide the strength needed to keep segments stable during staging and welding—without cracking or collapsing.
Waterproof and Rot-Resistant
Plastic doesn’t absorb moisture. It won’t swell, shrink, or rot on wet ground or in humid environments. Whether you’re operating in muddy right-of-ways, coastal regions, or snowy elevations, the stand performs consistently.
Safer to Handle
No nails, no splinters, no sudden breaks. TuffStand supports are lightweight and smooth, reducing handling risk for crews. They’re stackable for easier storage and transport, too.
Reusable for Future Projects
Unlike wood, which often becomes job-site waste, polymer stands can be cleaned and reused again and again. That reduces long-term costs and makes cleanup easier and faster.
Faster Installs, Fewer Surprises
Ask any field superintendent or welding crew: time is money. When wood blocks crack, settle, or need constant adjustment, the lost minutes become lost hours.
Plastic pipestands help eliminate these time-draining tasks:
- No trimming or shimming to get pipe level
- No breakage to replace mid-install
- No variability from load to load or crew to crew
For crews trying to meet aggressive timelines or install in tough conditions, predictability and speed make a big difference.
Better for Distributors, Too
For distributors serving the energy sector, polymer pipestands present a smart opportunity:
- Clean, consistent product for shelves and yards
- Lower breakage or weather damage in storage
- Palletized and stackable = more efficient freight and stocking
- High-margin accessory with long-term reorder potential
More and more EPCs, general contractors, and major operators are writing plastic supports into their specs. Distributors who stock DuraPlas are ready to serve that demand.
Use Cases Where Polymer Stands Shine
While TuffStand can replace wood in almost any use case, they’re especially effective in these high-risk environments:
Wet, Unstable Ground
Plastic stands don’t wick water or sink unevenly. Their broad base and rigid design provide stable support on saturated surfaces.
Cold and Freeze/Thaw Regions
Wood expands and contracts with temperature swings, causing shifting. Plastic holds its form across temperature extremes without warping or cracking.
Heavy-Wall Pipe Staging Yards
Consistent height and strength make TuffStand ideal for line-up support before welding or coating—helping crews move faster with less adjustment.
High-Visibility or Environmentally Regulated Sites
When visual presentation, cleanliness, or environmental compliance matters, plastic supports leave no debris and no breakdown behind.
Ready for the Realities of the Job
It’s easy to stick with what’s familiar. But in today’s oil and gas landscape—where project costs are high, labor is stretched, and uptime is everything—wood blocks just don’t cut it.
TuffStands aren’t a premium alternative but a practical upgrade. They help crews work faster, safer, and smarter—while reducing the total cost of support infrastructure over the course of a project.
Whether you’re staging 20" pipe for a transmission line or laying gathering lines in tough terrain, DuraPlas pipestands are built to handle the load.
