Just find what you can for used materials, check marketplace for used pvc. If you can find somebody getting rid of their deck just ask if you can use the wood. I built my setup without having to drop a dime.

Rob a construction site

Drive around town looking for materials. I did that in Portland and found a lot of abandoned pallets and used them for the drop in, extra wood, etc.

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/471848/TUTORIAL--How-to-build-a-summer-setup

I throw this link as a reference anytime I see any of these threads. I built my setup about 7 years ago basing it on this thread besides using pallets to cut costs on lumber (still stands strong/works). PVC can be easily found on Facebook, Craigslist, etc marketplace listings.

Get some cheap 2x4 and any rails or tubes you want, check my thread to see the design I used for my rail

See if you can find pallets near shipping areas or at work.

Or, you can take some off this truck I saw today😂

the best set up for you depends on what youre working with...

as most have already said, PVC is the cheapest rail option. but a rail isnt an entire set up.

where do you plan on using it? will it have a permanent place to stay? what sort of budget do you have? what sort of tools do you ahve?

i got this pvc tube at a gas station because i asked if i could take it and they said sure lol, when theres no snow i just use that wooden box to slide on the rail, astroturf works real good at the end too, some slush or soapy water helps too! go around construction sites and shit and search for some pvc my man! worst thing they say is no .... or just "tactically acquire" it as we say in the army haha

thanks everyone, hopefully I can drop some clips on it soon

How do you guys calculate the drop in height? The place I’m working with already has a small natural decline but I just don’t know how tall I should make it.

ill upload pics later

whats an estimate on the cost? im thinking about building one but im on a budget lol.