Cardboard Display Tubes
Our cardboard display tubes are perfect for a wide range of creative applications, from film and TV set props to retail window displays and visual merchandising. Whether you’re building custom display tubes for promotional use or large-scale installations, the possibilities are endless.
We’ve produced display structures for major productions—trees in Band of Brothers, Roman shields in Gladiator, oil drums for James Bond, and even a full paddle steamer for The Legend of Tarzan.
Our jumbo cardboard tubes feature a smooth finish, making them ideal for painting or wrapping with lining paper to suit your project’s visual needs.
Information on our cardboard display tubes
Cardboard Display Tube Guarantees
Strong Cardboard Display Tubes
Our display tubes can be sawn, screwed or stapled. In drum form they are capable of supporting items as heavy as a washing machine!
Bespoke Sizes
We can create any size display tube for bespoke projects, our facilities allow us to create tubes up to 13 metres in length, perfect for large film sets and display stands.
Lightweight
Although strong, our display tubes are extremely light, meaning they have easy manoeuvrability around film sets.
Fire Resistance
The tubes are made of multi layered cardboard coils compressed together. In itself not very combustible, but with a simple application of a retardant liquid such as Broguard, will satisfy any recognised tests for fire resistance.
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Eco-Friendly Cardboard Display Tubes
All of our products are 100% environmentally friendly, being able to be recycled after use, even down to the water-based glue. The tube winding process itself is chemically waste-free, and any cardboard waste from the tube winding process is also re-pulped and reused in further cardboard tubes.
Creative Applications of Cardboard Display Tubes
Cardboard display tubes are not only used for presenting physical products; they also serve as a versatile component in set design, staging, and visual installations.
Their lightweight structure, smooth surface, and adaptability make them a popular choice in the creative industries, particularly for film, television, and theatre production.
Our tubes have been featured in projects requiring structural props, custom-built backdrops, and artistic installations.
To see real-world examples and explore how they support creative direction on set, read our blog: How Cardboard Display Tubes Bring Creative Visions to Life in Film and TV.
We also offer bespoke sizing, finishes, and colour options to help bring unique design concepts to life.
How Cardboard Tubes Enhance Creative Projects
- Lightweight & Strong – Provides structural integrity without the weight of metal or plastic.
- Seamless Customisation – Paint, wrap, or coat for a flawless, professional finish.
- Sustainable & Recyclable – A greener alternative to plastic or fibreglass props.
From themed retail displays to large-scale installations, our jumbo cardboard tubes help designers push creative boundaries while keeping costs and environmental impact low.
Industries Using Cardboard Display Tubes
- Film & TV Production – Used for props, set pieces, and immersive backgrounds.
- Retail & Window Displays – Custom-sized tubes for in-store branding and promotional installations.
- Theatre & Live Events – Lightweight, durable materials ideal for stage props and scenic backdrops.
- Exhibitions & Museums – Creating interactive displays and art installations.
Choosing the Right Display Tube for Your Needs
Not all display tubes are the same. Size, thickness, and finish all play a role in how well they integrate into your project. We offer custom display tubes tailored to specific dimensions and design requirements, ensuring you get the perfect solution.
Need advice? Contact our team to discuss your project requirements!
Explore Our Full Range of Cardboard Tubes
Alongside display tubes, we manufacture a variety of high-quality cardboard tubes for other applications:
- Mailing Tubes – Designed for secure and reliable shipping, protecting important documents, posters, and artwork.
- Custom Cardboard Tubes – Tailored to your specifications, with options for custom branding and sizes.
- Industrial Packaging Tubes – Perfect for protecting large or fragile components during shipping and storage.
No matter your project needs, Essex Tubes has the right solution to ensure strength, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
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Get In Touch
We love creating new and unique projects with our cardboard display tubes and taking on challenging ideas. We’re certain we will be able to fulfil your desires and go above and beyond your expectations, so get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are cardboard display tubes used for?
Cardboard display tubes are versatile, lightweight, and strong tubes used in creative industries and promotional applications. Their most common use cases include:
Film and TV set props (e.g., trees, shields, industrial elements)
Retail window displays and visual merchandising
Theatre and stage set pieces
Exhibitions, museums, and interactive art installations
Their smooth finish allows for painting, wrapping, or coating, making them ideal for custom visual effects and bespoke designs.
Can cardboard display tubes support heavy items?
Yes. Our display tubes are structurally strong, capable of supporting heavy objects such as appliances or stacked props when used correctly.
Multi-layered, compressed cardboard construction ensures rigidity
Can be sawn, screwed, or stapled for assemblies
Lightweight design allows for easy handling on film sets or retail spaces
With additional fire-retardant treatment, they meet recognised fire safety standards for public or commercial settings.
What sizes and customisation options are available for display tubes?
We manufacture bespoke display tubes up to 13 metres in length and in any diameter or wall thickness required.
Customisation options include:
Full-length or cut-to-size tubes
Custom colours, coatings, or surface finishes
Smooth finish for painting or wrapping
Fire-retardant treatment available for safety compliance
This flexibility makes our tubes suitable for everything from large-scale set constructions to intricate retail displays.
Are cardboard display tubes environmentally friendly?
Yes. Our display tubes are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, including water-based adhesives.
Tube winding is chemically waste-free
Manufacturing offcuts and waste are re-pulped and reused
Lightweight design reduces transport emissions
Eco-friendly alternative to plastic, metal, or fibreglass props
Using cardboard tubes supports sustainable production practices without compromising strength or usability.
Can display tubes be used for film and theatre production?
Absolutely. Our cardboard display tubes are widely used in film, TV, and theatre for props, set pieces, and backdrops:
Lightweight design enables easy positioning on stage or sets
Smooth finish for painting, wrapping, or coating
Customisable dimensions for immersive scenery or large installations
Strong enough to create structural props and interactive displays
We have supplied tubes for major productions, including Band of Brothers, Gladiator, and The Legend of Tarzan.
Customer Testimonials
Presented below are testimonials from our customers who have purchased our mailing tubes.
Our belief lies in fostering robust customer relationships, attainable solely through the delivery of mailing tubes that are both high-quality and efficient.
As the creators of the mailing tubes themselves, you have a direct connection to the individuals responsible for their production. Should you have any inquiries regarding our mailing tubes, please contact us today!