FAQ - Canopy Tent

Key Elements to Consider When Buying a Canopy
Canopy Fabrics: Choose fabrics with good UV protection and water-resistant ability.
Frame Materials: The frames should be made of heavy-duty metal, such as thick steel tubes.
Setup Method: An easier assembly design requires fewer people and can save you lots of effort.
Size: Evaluate your intended use of the canopy and choose a size that can accommodate both your additions and guests.
Additional Features: Side walls, transparent windows, anchoring stakes, wind ropes and tie-down straps.

3 main types of materials have been widely used in canopy tents, including polyester (with PVC), cotton (canvas), and vinyl . Currently, about 80% of the canopy tents on the market are made of PVC-coated polyester; and more and more manufacturers tend to use it since they are more durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant.

The average cost of fabric canopies will vary significantly based on construction and size. For instance, a 10ft x 10ft pole tent can cost between $100 and $300, while a frame tent is often more expensive and ranges from $300 to $1000. The larger size with additional features will have a higher price.

Best Canopy Tent for Outdoor Activities
Best for Parties: EROMMY 20x16 Portable Nightclub Party Tent.
Best for Large-Scale Events: 20x60 Canopy Tent with Sidewalls.
Best for Trade Shows: 26x13 High Peak Pop-Up Tent with Two Colors.
Best for Ceremonies: Decagonal Heavy-Duty Outdoor Canopy Tent.

A canopy tent can normally last 3 - 9 years. The specific lifespan depends on two factors: materials and maintenance. Durable fabrics like high-density Oxford cloth and polyesters often have a longer lifespan than other materials. Meanwhile, proper maintenance measures can also extend their longevity.

The downside of a canopy includes:
Inflammable Risk: The roofs and side walls of canopies are often made of artificial fabrics, which may cause fire if there are inflammable goods nearby.
Limited Protection: A small-sized canopy may not withstand strong winds and rain due to its open-air structure and portable design.
Maintenance: To ensure a long lifespan, canopies usually need a full clean after being used for a while.

A canopy tent is normally designed for large gatherings like parties and ceremonies. They are often built in open-air structures without floors or walls, which means they are not suitable for camping or sleeping overnight. If you’re seeking a shelter to camp comfortably, we recommend you purchase an adequate camping tent.

While canopy tents are widely used to create a shaded area for temporary outdoor events, some outdoor structures like pergolas and gazebos are built for long-term activities since they have a permanent full-metal frame and roof.

To choose the right size canopy tent for 50 guests, you should consider 2 factors: event types and seating arrangements. For instance, if you’re holding a cocktail party where most guests are standing, a 20ft x 20ft tent is enough to meet your needs. For those who want to have a banquet and provide everyone a seat by adding round tables and chairs, a 20ft x 30ft tent is a better solution to accommodate all the furniture and guests.

Generally, a 20ft x 50ft large canopy tent can accommodate up to 100 guests with a mix of several seats and standing areas. However, if you want to provide every participant with a seat, you may need a larger canopy tent. 

The tent size for 200 guests should be at least 1400 square feet, a 20ft x 70ft or a 30ft x 50ft canopy tent are two good options you can consider. However, if the layout inside the tent includes a dance area or a bar, you may need a larger size or buy two canopy tents and combine them to create more space.

A canopy painted in light colors often provides the coolest shade since it can effectively reflect a significant amount of sunlight and absorb a portion of heat. The light colors include white, yellow, beige, light blue and green. You can also consider the tone you want to set when choosing the colors.

Most commercial-grade canopy tents are made of water-resistant materials, providing decent rain protection to the inner space. However, sometimes your tent can still get moist after a rainstorm. It’s crucial to maintain it regularly by applying sealants to seal the seams.

To put sidewalls on a canopy tent, follow these steps:
1.Turn the open-end part of your side clip facing the inside of the tent.
2.Hook the clip to the loop strips on the frame and spread the sidewall out.
3.Hook the clip around the legs of the frame.
4.Repeat the last 3 steps and connect each panel of the sidewalls with buckles.

Canopy tents are safe as long as you’ve set them up properly and implemented safety measurements such as anchoring and straining wind ropes. However, the stability could decrease if the tents are encountering severe weather conditions, which need your careful inspection.

The weight of holding a canopy tent is based on the ground type, tent size, and weather conditions. For a canopy on a concrete floor, 30 to 40 pounds per leg is adequate to hold it securely. If you’re setting up a larger tent on soft ground such as grass or soil, it usually needs more weight, especially on windy days.

Sandbags are popular and effective weights to keep your canopy steady. Place them on the bottom of the pole with the tie-down straps to enhance stability. Besides, if you think the sandbags are too bulky for your canopy, concrete PVC pipes are a cohesive alternative to address your concern.

If you want to leave a canopy in an exposed area all summer or even longer, it could be damaged due to harsh weather conditions, such as strong UV, heavy rain and storms.