What is a tent?
A tent can be defined as a temporary structure composed of a covering made of pliable material or fabric, that is supported by mechanical means such as poles, metal frames, beams, columns, arches, ropes and/or cables.

What is a canopy?
A canopy is an architectural fabric projection that provides weather protection, identity and/or decoration.  The term also refers to a small tent, a tent without sidewalls and a walkway marquee.

What is a liner and do you offer them?
A tent liner or ceiling liner is a fabric that is installed inside of a tent or any structure. In addition to liners, we also carry and install track lighting to give your tent an extra sparkle.  

Does one style of tent require less staking than another?
Frame tents require minimum staking and have no center poles, creating more space.  Traditional tension/pole tents with center poles require more extensive staking.  Frame and clearspan tents can also be weighted.

What size tent do I need?
Size is normally determined by the number of people you will have under the tent.  Our standard guidelines are:

1. 6-10 square feet per person for a stand-up cocktail reception and/or cathedral style seating (IE wedding ceremony.)  6 square feet is a little tight for these applications and 10 square feet provides more room for large aisles or furniture arrangements in a cocktail area. 
2. 12-20 square feet per person for a sit down dinner. 12 square feet leaves no room for a band, buffet, stage, etc., while 20 square feet is at the opposite end of the spectrum and can accommodate a large band, dance floor, bars, etc.  Our standard figure that we use is 15 square feet per person. This accommodates for average size band, dance floor, bar area and adequate space for servers and guests to walk between tables.

Some applications just need to cover or only have a certain size space available.  Our tents range in size from a 6' x 10' marquee to tents over 20,000 square feet.  Construction and industrial tent applications often require a specific size footprint to fit in available space or a high side clearance.  We are always happy to take a look at your site, free of charge, and help you decide the size an type of tent that is best your space and event. 

The most important aspect of event planning is projecting the number of guests you will host. For a seated dining event, you should estimate at least 15 square feet per person for most seated tent events.  For example, to seat one hundred guests comfortably at tables, you would need 1,500 square feet of tented space.  A 40 x 40 tent or 30 x 60 tent would be good options depending upon the site.

When sizing your tent, always plan for the worst case weather scenario. Ask yourself what you will do in the event of rain, because you will want enough room to cover everyone comfortably, or at least have a backup plan to use more of the event site.

Tents provide a wonderful ambiance whether it is sunny or rainy, providing both shade and shelter. Don't risk your entire event by waiting for the 5-day weather forecast to call for a tent rental. A great event requires sound planning.

Contact us today to help plan the right size tent for your event.

What type of tent is best for me?
There are a number of factors that can determine what type of tent works best for you. 

Location of site 

• On patios, concrete, or asphalt- frame tents or clear span structures are the sensible option.  These tents require less staking than pole or tension tents and can even be weighted for an additional charge.  Pole and tension tents can be viable options on these surfaces if the client doesn't mind having holes drilled and stakes driven into the asphalt or concrete.  Hole patches will be provided upon removal or as soon as weather permits.

Unobstructed interior

• Only frame and clearspan tents will give you an unobstructed interior.  A frame tent is more self-supporting than pole and/or tension tents; it is only anchored to keep it from blowing away.  Pole and tension tents must be anchored to be erected.  Frame and clear span tents can be weighted.  This can be accomplished with water barrels or concrete blocks.  Clear span tents are more time-consuming to install and can cost more.
• Clearspan tents are much like buildings with integrated vinyl skins, these structures are an excellent product for long-term, heavy duty installations. The structures are self-supporting, require no exterior perimeter staking, and provide an unobstructed interior up to 164' wide and expandable in length. 

Exterior and Interior Appearances

• Tension tents offer swooping dramatic peaks, but  have center poles for support.  Along with classic lines, graceful peaks, and dips; Tension tents offer an unfettered and clean look underneath. A tension tent is anchored in the ground by staking. This maximizes the tension and creates a nice, taut appearance. Within this category are also found the dramatic, sweeping tents with taller poles. These are sometimes called high-peak tension tents, and offer customers wonderful interior views as well as strongly engineered tents capable of handling substantial wind or rain. 
• Frame and clearspan tents are shaped more like traditional homes, and offer an advantage of not having a center pole support system in the interior.  Frame tents eliminate the need for center poles, but looking up from under a frame tent one will see the aluminum piping that supports the top unless the tent has a ceiling liner.  All tents have ceiling liners available.  Frame tents are available up to 40' wide.  Clearspan tents can be as wide as 164'.

Safety

• Most clearspan tents are engineered to withstand 70-85 mph winds, most tension tents are engineered to withstand 60-85 mph winds, and most standard frame and pole tents do not have specific engineering but can typically withstand 40-60 mph winds depending upon a variety of conditions (surface, location, wind exposure, staked or weighted).  If at any time during your rental you feel that weather conditions are unsafe the tent should be evacuated.  If the wind decides that it wants to blow down a tent you can not stop it.  The tent can be replaced and you can not.

 
Intended Use

• SIZE - The size of the event is another consideration. Since frame tents are usually limited to a 40-foot wide structure, they can't handle a huge crowd or event. Tension, pole, and clearspan tents are all expandable in almost limitless lengths and over 100 feet wide.
• HIGH CLEARANCE - If you need tall clearance for heavy equipment, suspended lighting trusses, TV screens, or performance arts, etc; a clearspan tent might be the best choice.  Most frame and pole tents have a standard side height of 7 or 8 feet with a maximum side height of 10'.  Clearspan structures have standard side heights of 9, 11, and 13 feet and are available with legs up to 17' tall.  If you’re unsure about what type of tent you need exactly, then give us a call at 1-314-647-TENT(8368) or 1-800-352-8368 and talk to one of our representatives and together we will choose the perfect tent for your event. 

Is it better to buy or rent a tent?
The decision to buy or rent a tent has many variables. If the tent shall be used for 4 to 6 times each year, it is probably better and more economical to rent the tent.  Our expert installers are provided with the necessary training and expertise to safely install and remove the tent.   Our company also has the tools, washing facilities, and storage areas to maintain the tent when it is not in use.  We have had long-standing relationships with the fire marshals, code enforcement officials, and other regulatory officials, which can make renting the preferred choice. Renting will also allow you to vary the size of tent according to your specific needs.   Of course if you will be using the tent frequently or for long periods of time, it may be wise to purchase the tent. 

How long will it take to install my tent?
This can vary greatly from ½ hour for a small 10 x 10 or 15 x 15 up to a week or more for large projects with a floor, lighting, HVAC, etc.  Most average installations are completed in a single day or less.  

Where should we start?
Give us a call at 1-314-647-TENT(8368) or 1-800-352-8368 to schedule a no obligation site survey.  The major purposes of the site survey are to gather all pertinent information regarding the proposed event(s), temporary storage solution, or whatever your needs may be.  The site survey will be completed by a qualified professional and passed on to those responsible for the scheduling and installation. 

What Safety considerations are involved with the site?
The importance of safety as related to the site survey cannot be over-emphasized.  Considerations should be given to obstacles such as obstructions, location, weather, wind exposure, access, exit and anchoring stability.  All tent installers must be aware of and adhere to applicable building codes and fire regulations.  Information is available in The IFAI Procedural Handbook for the Safe Installation and Maintenance of Tents.

Can I set-up my own tent? 
We are responsible for set up and removal of all tents for your event.  Let the experts do it. What should I do prior to installation about underground water, gas and power lines?  Call the national one call system at 811.

It is the responsibility of the client to make sure that event site is clearly flagged for all underground water gas and power lines.  If site is not flagged prior to installation, The customers assumes all responsibility for any and all damages. 

Are you insured and bonded?
Yes. We carry a full line of liability, Workman's Compensation, and auto coverage's.  We will be happy to provide details as needed.

Can a tent be set-up against my house?
If your home has a clearance height of 8-10 ft, or more, the tent may be able to go directly next to your home. A little filler might be used to insure that guests stay dry as they walk out from the house and into the tent if possible.  A site survey is recommended to ensure the location of all tents and to identify potential hazards and obstacles.

What Precautions should we take for inclement weather?
During inclement weather, particularly when the tent is in use, experienced tent personnel should be on hand to insure the security of the equipment and those using it.  All parties must be aware of the limitations for safe occupancy of the tent.  The tent renter must retain the right to declare the tent unsafe for occupancy.  If you are ever in doubt of the integrity of your tent you should evacuate and give us a call to inspect the tent before anyone's safety is jeopardized.

When sizing your tent, always plan for the worst case weather scenario. Ask yourself what you will do in the event of rain, because you will want enough room to cover everyone comfortably, or at least have a backup plan to use more of the event site.

Tents provide a wonderful ambiance whether it is sunny or rainy, providing both shade and shelter. Don't risk your entire event by waiting for the 5-day weather forecast to call for a tent rental. A great event requires sound planning.