Tent Styles
Layouts
Sailcloth
Sailcloth tents are a wonderful addition to any outdoor event, exuding elegance and charm with their high peaks and translucent fabric. Constructed of sailcloth material the tents have sculpted peaks and eaves, with a no-valance design. Translucent with ribbed stitching, the sailcloth allows natural light to enhance any daytime event and glows brilliantly when lit for evening gatherings. The sailcloth tent is oval and has wood-like side poles and center poles.
In comparison to traditional tent styles, sailcloth tents offer a more whimsical and romantic aesthetic. While traditional tents may feel more bulky and utilitarian, sailcloth tents have a light and breezy quality that enhances the beauty of a natural outdoor setting.
Sailcloth Tent Pros
Aesthetic appeal Sailcloth tents can create a romantic and stylish look with their nautical feel and high peaks.
Natural light the translucent fabric allows natural light to filter through, which can create a beachy ambiance.
Sailcloth Tent Cons
Grass surface required for suitable for proper installation and staking.
Poles of a sailcloth tent can obstruct guests' views, making it challenging to create an interior layout.
More expensive due to their elevated aesthetic
Not be suitable for extreme windy weather conditions or winter
Uses
With their elegant design and versatility, sailcloth tents are a great option for outdoor events where style, comfort, and protection from the elements are important. This makes them ideal for upscale coastal events, weddings, and other special occasions.
Frame
Classic frame tents, a design utilizing a structural aluminum frame, are joined by steel fittings that are used to support the vinyl fabric roof. The rigid framework allows the tent to be free standing with no interior poles required to support the vinyl fabric roof. Available with all types of anchoring, this tent style is the most popular in our inventory.
Frame tents are more versatile than pole tents. They can be set up pretty much anywhere, with rope-free base plates anchored by stakes keeping them held down.
Frame tents are significantly more difficult to set up compared with pole tents. Their rigid frames need to be lifted off the ground and set atop the poles, requiring more people to set them up. They tend to involve more parts and are generally heavier and more difficult to move around.
Frame Tent Pros
Minimal non-limiting, non-destructive anchoring
Can be used just about anywhere and anchored less aggressively
No center poles limiting your interior space
Frame Tent Cons
More people needed to set up
Heavier, with more components to keep track of
More expensive than a pole tent
Uses
Best for long-term setups where a large canopy tent is required. Great for fairs and festivals, weddings, and other outdoor events.
Pole
Tried and true, the pole tent is the most traditional form of party tent on the market today. So traditional, in fact, that it dates all the way back to antiquity. You'll find examples of pole tents going as far back in history as the Iron Age.
Pole tents use a simple tension method, with outward pressure pulling the tent poles into standing position, to stay standing. Ropes are staked into the ground to anchor the poles in place. Center poles are set up in the middle areas of the tent, raising the canopy so it’s taut.
Pole tents are easy to set up, so long as they're anchored correctly. It should be noted however that in most cases, you won’t be able to stake a pole tent onto concrete or asphalt, which does limit their usability. You’ll need heavy duty stake drivers and permission from the property owner to stake your pole tent on those types of surfaces.
Pole Tent Pros
Traditional aesthetics
Easy to set up; can be raised by just two or three people
Relatively lower cost than a frame tent or high peak tent
Pole Tent Cons
Center poles limit interior space
Special considerations required for staking on concrete, asphalt, etc.
Ropes and stakes increase the overall footprint of the tent and restrict close quarters movement near the tent
Uses
Great for shorter-term setups where lots of tent space is required. Ideal for parties, reunions, weddings, fairs/festivals, and trade shows.