Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pole tent and a frame tent?

A pole tent requires extensive staking or anchoring to hold the tent up.  The fabric of the tent is supported by exterior or side poles as well as larger center poles.  Stakes are installed at each exterior pole to provide tension to hold the fabric tight and keep the tent up.  A frame tent uses a system of aluminum poles to form a free-standing structure that the tent fabric is secured to.  The frame eliminates the need for interior center poles.  Frame tents must be anchored, but do not necessarily require staking.  They can be set-up on asphalt, concrete, decks, etc.  Different forms of weight can be used to secure frame tents.

What is the difference between a canopy and a tent?

There is no real difference between a canopy and a tent.  Canopy and tent are interchangeable terms used throughout the industry.  Typically a canopy is smaller, light-weight tent that can be easily set-up with little or no experience.  They are typically rented as over-the-counter units that a customer picks up and sets up themselves.  The term tent usually refers to anything other than a canopy which encompasses a large variety of styles.  The following list is brief summary of some common styles:

Frame tent:  free-standing structures that rely on an extensive aluminum framework to    support the fabric.  Frame tents vary in size from 10 x 10 to as large as 50’ wide. 

Pole tent:  fabric tents supported by exterior side poles and larger interior center poles.  These tents require extensive staking to support the tent.  They can vary in size from 20 x 20 to as large as 120’ wide.

Century or Hi-Peak tent:  Century is a trademark name of Anchor Industries, one the largest tent manufacturers in the country.  The Century system of tents is a form of pole tent that has a curved peak at each center pole providing an elegant look.  Century tents are engineered tension structures that can withstand inclement weather.  There are many manufacturers of hi-peak tents in the industry however not all are engineered systems like the Anchor’s Century tents.  We carry almost exclusively Anchor products in all styles of tents to provide our customers with professional and worry-free tent rentals.

Clear span tent:  Clear span tents are large frame tents, usually 40’ in width or larger.  These tents utilize engineered beams that can span large widths allowing for less framework while at the same time providing a rigid structure that can withstand high winds.  These tents require extensive installation and are usually used for long term rentals. 

Can you install a tent on asphalt/concrete/decks/etc?

Pole tents require extensive staking and are typically installed on flat, dry, level surfaces of either dirt or grass.  Pole tents can be installed on asphalt but will require installing stakes into the asphalt.  The holes in the asphalt can be filled and patched.  Asphalt installations must be arranged in advance and are subject to additional labor fees as well as material costs for patching holes.  Frame tents can be installed on almost any surface.  Frames can be anchored using weights, usually water barrels.  Frame tents on decks are possible but require a site survey prior to installation. 

What size area do I need for a tent?

Pole tents require a minimum of an extra 12’ on each dimension.  For example: a 40 x 60 tent will require an area of 52 x 72 for installation.  Frame tents can in some cases be installed within the dimension of the tent itself so long as there is proper anchoring.  We highly recommend a complimentary site-survey before installation.

What size tent do I need?

The size of a tent needed for a particular event depends on many factors from the number of people, the size of tables used, if there is a dance floor, a dj, a buffet, a bar, etc.  Every event is unique and can require very different sizes.  An event for 200 people could require a tent as small as a 40 x 60 or as large as a 60 x 120.  Our event rental consultants can help you determine the best size tent for any event you wish to have.  You can get some basic ideas from our Event Planning Page.

Are sidewalls included with a tent?

Sidewalls are not included in the price of a tent.  There are many instances where sidewalls are not needed for an event.  In order to keep our prices competitive and provide our customer with the best value, sidewalls are priced separately.  We offer three styles of sidewalls; cathedral windows, solid white, or mesh.

What size dance floor do I need?

The size of a dance floor, like a tent, can depend on different factors.  The number of people at the event, the number that will be dancing at one time, price, and available space for installation can all affect the size of a dance floor.  Visit our Event Planning Page for more information on dance floors.

Where can a dance floor be installed?

Our dance floors are made of wood and must be installed and kept under cover at all times.  Dance floors must be installed on flat, level surfaces.  They can be shimmed to a certain extent to prevent “bouncing” of the floor.  Our installers can help you choose the best spot for a floor.

Will I need power for my tent?

With any outdoor event you are apt to need power for something.  With tent rentals power may be need to run lights or heaters.  Lights and heaters do not usually require a large amount of power and can typically be run using extension cords if you are near a power source.  Generators are an alternate solution if you are not near a power source.

Can I heat my tent?

We do carry specially designed tent heaters.  They are propane fueled, forced-hot air units.  Tent heaters require electricity; the propane is included with the heater.  The heater itself and tank are installed just outside of the tent.  A blower on the heater blows hot air through a vent system underneath the sidewalls of the tent.  Our event consultants can help you determine how many heaters you will need for your tent.

When will my tent be delivered?  When will other items be delivered?  When will they be picked up?

For a weekend event, we typically install tents beginning on Wednesday and continue through Friday.  We can be flexible and work with you if you have specific requirements for installation and breakdown.  In some cases after hour work either late at night or on weekends is sometimes subject to extra labor fees.  Breakdown of tents can be as early as the morning after your event to as late as several days after.  Again we can work with you but you need to make prior arrangements if you have specific needs.  In almost all cases, all of the items for your order will be delivered at the same time as the tent.  Tents, lights, sidewalls, dance floors and staging are installed and removed by our crews.  Tables, chairs, linens, dishes, etc will be stacked in neat piles under the tent and must be kept out of the weather for the duration of the rental.  Items must be restacked and ready for pickup to avoid additional fees.

Do items need to be cleaned?  What happens if items are lost or broken?

            Certain rental items require cleaning before they are returned or picked up.  These items require cleaning deposits at the time of rental.  Dishes must be cleaned and placed in the racks they are delivered in.  Linens should be dry and shaken free of any debris.  The customer is responsible for lost or damaged items.  In instances where a deposit has been taken, the amount will be subtracted to cover the loss or damage, in other cases additional charges will be due.