1. What size of a tent is required?

Roughly, 10 sq. ft. per person is comfortable. Additional space for tables, stage area, and aisles should be included. See the charts in the Sizes for more details. An example using the above would be an event where 80 people are expected and a “10’ X 20’stage” in the front will be used for entertainment. The 1000 sq ft. space could be met with a 30x30 or a 20x50 pole tent.

2. What type of tent do I need?

Two basic types have typically been used. The frame and the pole. The frame doesn't use a center pole. The pole tents are anchored with stakes every 8-10 ft around the perimeter and will have center poles for all sizes and the larger sizes will have additional poles for the "hip". The frame uses a pipe frame to support the top and doesn't have a pole along the center line of the tent. It is still anchored like the pole tents, but could be anchored by weights instead of the stakes driven into the ground. Anchors are recommended since the wind can still easily move the tent with the typical weights that are used. Newer types are also available. These are generally called marquee tents which have much taller “spires” than a typical pole tent and the suspension style which minimize the number of stakes, but which require a larger area to spread out and be properly anchored.

3. What material are the tents made of?

Currently, most newer tents are using a heavy vinyl that is sewn together with a thick canvas like material at the seams. Some of the older tents still use canvas. Both materials are treated to be flame retardant. We do not recommend fires under the canopies because they are not flame resistant. They can still melt or may collect harmful gases.

4. What accessories are available?

The primary requests are for side walls, indoor outdoor carpet, chairs & tables, lights, platforms, pole covers and fencing. All are available plus many other items to make a gathering more enjoyable and easily planned.

5. What about set up and tear down?

The price quoted includes everything required for set up and tear down. If discussed prior to set up, the exact arrangement can be made on site to make everything ready for the function two or three days prior to the event. It is recommended that the customer checks with local authorities about any permits that may be required and to also call Dig Rite (1-800-DIG-RITE) to map any underground wiring or piping that may be present near the site the tent is to be located.

6. What are the prices?

We have sizes from 10’x10’ up to 60’x120’. Prices range considerably depending upon the size and function. Some events may be served with a good clean but used tent and these would be lower in cost vs. a “wedding” type event which would require a nearly new tent. The new tents rent for a higher price.