One of the most common questions we hear is a fair one:
“Why should I buy Camp Corrals when I could just make something similar myself for cheaper?”
It’s a reasonable question. Honestly, it’s one we asked ourselves at the very beginning.
When we built our first set of corrals, we did exactly what most people would do: we went to the hardware store and bought standard plumbing-grade PVC. It was easy to find, inexpensive, and seemed like a great solution at the time.
But it didn’t take long to realize something important: not all PVC is created equal.
🛑 The Problem with Plumbing-Grade PVC 🛑
Plumbing-grade PVC is designed for one primary job: moving water. It is meant to live indoors, inside walls, or underground—not outside in the elements, and certainly not around 1,000-pound animals.
When we used standard PVC, we quickly noticed major safety issues:
- It lacks strength: it wasn't nearly strong enough for containment.
- Sun damage: Prolonged UV exposure caused it to discolor (yellow), burn and degrade rapidly.
- The "Shatter" Factor: Over time, plumbing PVC becomes brittle. When brittle PVC breaks, it doesn't bend—it shatters.
This is the biggest risk. When sun-damaged PVC breaks, it leaves behind sharp, jagged edges. Around horses, that isn't just an inconvenience—it’s a dangerous injury waiting to happen.
"What If You Paint It?"
That was our next thought, too. Painting plumbing-grade PVC does help protect it from UV exposure—temporarily.
But paint chips. It wears off where panels touch, where horses lean, or where panels are stacked for transport. This leads to:
- Constant upkeep.
- Frequent repainting.
- Eventually, the exposed pipe becomes brittle anyway.
For something meant to be hauled, set up, and trusted around horses, we realized this wasn't a long-term solution we felt good about.
✅ Why We Chose Furniture-Grade PVC
Over the years, we have refined our design to ensure safety and durability. Today, Camp Corrals are built using Furniture-Grade PVC.
These pipes and fittings are chemically different from those available at a hardware store.
Here is the difference you can feel:
- UV-Resistant: UV protection is built into the material, not just a coating.
- Impact-Resistant: Designed to withstand impact and flexing without cracking.
- No Shattering: It is much less likely to shatter under stress, eliminating those dangerous jagged edges.
The Bottom Line: Safety Over Theory
Can you build something cheaper with plumbing PVC? Yes. Would we recommend it for containing horses? NO.
That answer comes from experience, not theory. We have tested these materials side-by-side. We have seen how they behave under pressure, in heat, and over time. When it comes to horses, durability isn’t about convenience—it’s about reducing risk.
Camp Corrals weren't designed overnight. They are the result of years of trial and error because we use these panels around horses we care deeply about—including our own.
It’s not about doing things as cheaply as possible. It’s about doing them the right way, so you can focus on enjoying your horse rather than worrying about your setup.
Thanks for asking the tough questions and caring about the safety of your animals!
Happy Trails,
The Camp Corrals Team
P.S. Want to see the difference with your own eyes? Click here or watch below to see our durability test video comparing plumbing PVC vs. Furniture-Grade PVC side-by-side. The results speak volumes.