Canopy FAQ: Renting And Buying A Canopy Or Tent by Christian Asjes

* What kind of canopy tent should I use for a booth at a fair or flea market?

The kind of canopy that is best for a booth at a fair or flea market is the portable canopy, a tent without sides, just a top supported by poles.

Portable canopies can be set up and taken down in just few minutes. With their open sides, the merchandise you offer can be viewed by a greater number of people.* What size camping tent do I need?

The size of camping tent that you need will depend on the number of persons that will occupy the tent. There are camping tents that are good for just one person; there are also tents for two persons. A family-size tent will accommodate four or more people, and the king-size tents will sleep as many as ten.

* What types of things should I look for when renting a wedding tent?

When renting a wedding tent, you should consider: quality, design, color, size, durability, and price.

Be sure the tent you choose will accommodate the number of guests you expect to have. Also, decide whether you want an enclosed or an open tent.

* What size canopy tent would I need for a sit-down dinner of 100?

For a sit-down dinner of one hundred persons, the optimum size for a canopy tent is 30 by 60 feet. This will accommodate 100 guests comfortably. A 30 by 40 foot canopy tent will also accommodate a hundred persons but may be a bit cramped.

* How can I choose the best camping tent for my needs?

It's important that you have the right tent for the right circumstances. For this reason, many people have more than one tent. Here are some good guidelines to follow:

- Determine the purpose of the tent. If the tent will be used for family camping, consider comfort, space and ventilation. If you will be backpacking with your tent, consider weight, size and durability.

- Determine the tent's material for your needs. For instance, polyester withstands extended exposure to the sun better than other materials. However, nylon is lighter weight, and canvas is durable, but very heavy.

- Determine the style of your tent. Cabin tents are big with high ceilings and large windows. Multi-room models are also available and can provide some privacy. Dome tents are smaller, more stable and better in varying weather conditions. They are especially easy to setup and take down.

- Determine the size and weight. Ask yourself what type of activity you will be doing? How many people will need to use the tent? How much gear will you need to store inside the tent? Listed tent sizes do not include room for gear storage, so consider purchasing a larger tent for this purpose.

- Determine ease of setup. Color coding on the tent's packaging can be helpful in determing this.

- Consider the Poles. This is more important than you may think as poles can break and bend easily. Quality is important. Fiberglass poles are durable, but aluminum poles are lightweight. Again, how you will be using the tent may be a factor here.

- Consider the quality of other features including stitching and seams, zippers, window and door mesh, flooring, tie downs and stakes.

- Consider the weather. Is the tent waterproof or water resistant? Does the tent have a full coverage rain fly?

Above and beyond the tent, you should also consider a quality ground cloth underneath your tent to protect the tent floor and to keep it drier and cleaner. It may also help keep the tent warmer. This should be about the same shape as your tent or slightly smaller.