What is the difference between a frame tent and a pole tent?
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on many of our frequently asked questions.
Many people wonder what the difference is between a frame tent and a pole tent. This article will be a bit more technical than most. So, I'll do my best to make it easy to understand.
Pole tents, also known as tension structures are an evolution of the earliest type of tents. The forerunners to modern pole tents were the big top circus tents of the past. They have one or more high peaks in the center. Their structure comes from the fabric itself. They can be installed quickly with no need for beams to support them. Many of today's pole tents are engineered to withstand up to 70 mph sustained winds and 90 mph gusts. Pole tents are the most economical type of tent that we offer. They are great for weddings, backyard parties and other events of all kinds. They have tall, graceful peaks and airy spacious interiors. Many people prefer this style over the more traditional square frame tent appearance. They can be installed on nearly any surface where stakes can be driven into the ground.
While pole tents fill the needs of most of our customers, there are some situations where only a frame tent will fit the bill. Frame tents, also known as clearspan structures or clearspan tents offer some unique advantages. Sometimes, tents must be secured with weights instead of driving stakes into the ground. In locations where a driveway cannot be penetrated or where underground utilities make it unsafe to drive stakes, a frame tent with weights is the perfect solution. Frame tents are much more flexible in the ways that they can secured. They can be installed on a deck, patio or even the rooftop of a building. Frame tents have other advantages as well. They have no interior poles. This is great for construction projects where machinery must work inside the tent or events where poles would obstruct the flow of people. Frame tents also work well as weather protection for a stage at a graduation ceremony or other outdoor event with a large audience. Lighting and speakers can be hung from the aluminum beams of the tent. The front of the stage can be completely unobstructed by tent poles. Frame tents can also be easily raised to a taller height to cover a stage or to allow machinery to enter the tent. Some people prefer the more modern, "Euro" appearance of a frame tent.
Still not sure which type of tent you'll need? Contact us and let our representatives find the best solution for your event. Whichever type of tent you choose, rest assured that Tents For Rent will provide you with a quality tent and excellent service to make your event successful.
Do you rent anything else besides tents?
While our name is "Tents For Rent", we rent so much more than just tents.
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on many of our frequently asked questions.
While our name is "Tents For Rent", we rent so much more than just tents. If you're planning to serve your guests a meal, we offer tables, chairs and linens. If your event is in the evening, we can install various types of lighting in your tent. We can even make your event completely self-sustaining with generators and restrooms. Is the temperature too hot or too cold? Let us make you comfortable with heating, cooling or fans. Is the ground too soft or uneven. Let us solve that problem with flooring, carpet or staging.
If you're planning an outdoor event, contact us to make your planning easy and let us provide all your rental needs.
How far ahead should I reserve my tent?
Reserving a few months ahead allows us to reserve just the size and color of tent and other rental items that you need.
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on many of our frequently asked questions.
We specialize in being able to serve customers at a moment's notice. However, most customers reserve weeks or months ahead of their event. Especially in our busiest months of May, June, July, September and October, this is important. Reserving a few months ahead gives you the widest selection of tents and other rental items.
If you're not sure about whether you'll need a tent because you don't know what the weather will be like, you can reserve a tent ahead of time to guarantee that it will be available and then cancel it if the weather forecast looks favorable. For more info see "What if it doesn't rain on my event?"
However, if you do have a last minute tent need, call us at 717.733.9700 and we'll do our best to help you.
What size tent do I need?
The main factor in choosing a tent size is the number of guests
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
The easiest way to determine the proper tent size is to call us at 717.733.9700 or get a quote. However, if you'd like to plan a tent size on your own, here are the guidelines we use. The most important piece of information is the number of guests. Once you've estimated your guest count, you can move on to calculating the number of square feet that you will need in your tent. Take your number of guests times:
- 15 square feet for seating at tables
- 6 square feet for standing area or cocktail area
- 8 square feet for a wedding ceremony or guests seated at only chairs
- An additional 2 - 3 square feet for a dance area
- 25 square feet for people seated at a head table
Add those numbers together. If you need space for a DJ, coffee bar, gift table or another similar table, add 100 square feet for each. Now that you have a total number of square feet required, you can choose a tent size. Always round up in size and not down. Below is a list of our most popular tent sizes and how many square feet each tent has.
(tent size) - (square footage) - (number of guests seated at tables)
- 10x10 - 100 - 8 gests
- 15 x 15 - 225 - 16 guests
- 20x20 - 400 - 24 guests
- 20x30 - 600 - 40 guests
- 20x40 - 800 - 56 guests
- 30x30 - 900 - 64 guests
- 30x40 - 1200 - 80 guests
- 30x50 - 1500 - 100 guests
- 30x60 - 1800 - 120 guests
- 40x40 - 1600 - 104 guests
- 40x60 - 2400 - 160 guests
- 40x80 - 3200 - 216 guests
- 40x100 - 4000 - 264 guests
- 60x60 - 3600 - 240 guests
- 60x70 - 4200 - 280 guests
- 60x90 - 5400 - 360 guests
- 60x100 - 6000 - 400 guests
- 60x130 - 7800 - 520 guests
- 80x100 - 8000 - 536 guests
- 80x130 - 10400 - 696 guests
- 80x160 - 12800 - 856 guests
- 80x190 - 15200 - 1016 guests
- 100x90 - 9000 - 600 guests
- 100x100 - 10000 - 664 guests
- 100x140 - 14000 - 936 guests
- 100x180 - 18000 - 1200 guests
- 100x220 - 22000 - 1464 guests
If you have any questions during planning, don't hesitate to call us at 717.733.9700 or email us at tents@tentsforrent.net .
Where can I find pricing information?
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
One of the first questions we get when people contact us is, "what is the price?" Everyone is looking for the best value. However, there are many variables in tent pricing. We have a wide range of tent sizes. Any rental of up to three days does not increase the price. However, renting longer than three days will increase the price incrementally. Also, your distance from our location can change the price as well. For this reason, we don't list our prices on our website. As a starting point, 80% of the weddings we serve cost between $350 and $5,000 total. This includes delivery, installation, all the accessories, removal and tax.
As you're comparing and looking at tent rental prices, remember that value is about more than just price. A great tent company provides:
Knowledgeable, courteous, professional staff
Excellent customer service
Quality tents that are designed to handle all types of weather
A company that has been in the business long enough to understand the industry well
Good reviews from other customers
A company the cleans and maintains their tents regularly
Prompt response to your inquiry
Integrity
Flexibility for last minute changes
Friendly, experienced installation crew.
Someone on call 24/7/365 should any issues arise.
For an exact quote for your event, please fill out this form or call us at 717.733.9700.
Do you deliver and install the tents and accessories?
The short answer is, "yes." We are a full service company. Our goal is to make your event as easy and stress-free as possible.
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
The short answer is, "yes." We are a full service company. Our goal is to make your event as easy and stress-free as possible. Our pricing includes delivery, installation and removal of all your rental items except for tables, chairs and linens. In order to save you cost, we give you the option of installing those. For a nominal fee, we can install them as well. Our pricing is transparent and straightforward. Get a simple, easy to read price quote today.
We have a large delivery are (see the map below). If you are outside of this area, please contact us for special delivery arrangements.
How to Plan an Outdoor Event? Video
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
So you're planning an event, and you're thinking of holding it outdoors. You just don't know where to start. Here's a place to start.
Choose a date. If you'd like to see the average weather for a given date, look here.
Create a guest list. This will help you estimate the number of guests who will attend. On average about 80% of the people you invite will attend. Will they all be there at one time or will it be a drop-in?
Choose a location. It can be your backyard, a park, a bed and breakfast, the home of a friend or family member, or another venue.
Research vendors for tents, other rentals, catering, event planning and entertainment.
Expect the best weather, but plan for the worst. If you plan to have any portion of the event outside, have a backup plan to add another tent or move indoors in case of rain.
Plan the details:
Enjoy your event.
We'd love to hear from you with your success stories, comments, suggestions or questions. Contact us to get a rental quote.
Why Should I Rent From Tents For Rent? Video
Call us at 717.733.9700 or request a quote to discover the Tents For Rent difference.
This article is the first in a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
Why is Tents For Rent the company to choose for your once in a lifetime event, annual picnic or other outdoor event? There are many things that any reputable tent company will provide you with:
Tents that are clean, safe and regularly maintained
Heavy-duty tents that will protect you and give you peace of mind even in a storm
Choice of a wide range of tent sizes
A wide range of rental items in addition to tents
Experienced, trustworthy tent installers
In addition to these things, we offer "something more."
Peace of mind from start to finish
Free CAD drawings to help you visualize your event
The option to install a tent only in the case of inclement weather and cancel it if the weather forecast is favorable
Onsite consultation if necessary
Helpful staff who will make your planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible
Showroom where you can see our tents, tables, chairs and linens
Years of experience with large and small events
Relationships with local caterers, florists, decorators and event venues
Up to three days of rental at no additional cost
There are other rental companies who offer discount prices, but just remember that discount prices create discount quality, discount service, discount satisfaction and discount stress levels.
Why Google is Proposing a Huge "Tent" for It's New Headquarters
Of course, we, here at Tents For Rent have been touting the flexibility of tents for years. Now Google is doing the same. They are planning to achieve numerous benefits with their new fabric structure:
Openness to the surrounding community
Green indoors and out
Flexibility for changes in future needs.
Whether your tent is for a wedding or an office space it offers you:
A blank canvas to design or decorate as you like
The ability to easily move or change it as necessary
An "outdoor" feel
Low environmental impact
Reasonable cost
Contact us today and let us help you find the tent for your needs.
Share Your Photos, Get $10
We love to see photos from you. For the last two years, we've held a photo contest and given away a free Kindle Fire tablet for the best photo submitted. This year, everyone wins. If you submit a video and/or 10 photos, you will get a $10 Amazon gift card. Click below for details and to submit your photos:
New website
We're excited to announce our new website.
We're excited to announce our new website. Our goal with the new site is to make it easier for you to browse for inspiration or find what you're looking for. This site will look good on a phone or a computer screen. There are many more photos that are easy to search. Take a look around and send us your comments, input and suggestions.
As we look forward, we also look back to our first website:
Tents For Rent's first website
Interview with Marlin Sensenig
Marlin Sensenig has quite a following. Of course, you may notice that many of the tentmen walking along with him look quite similar. Tents for Rent is a family run business with two of his sons, Daryl and Brian, employed full time along with Marlin's wife, Martha. Four youngsters are up and coming part time staff and his first grandchild is still in training, but showing a lot of energy! Marlin was first exposed to tent rentals in 1978 at the age of 17 when he was hired by an auction company that owned two or three tents. The company used the tents at auctions, but started to rent them out to other customers as well. By 1984, Marlin had purchased the company and, with his wife who was responsible for office administration, began focusing exclusively on renting tents. Today, Tents for Rent has over 400,000 square feet of tenting, ranging to 80' widths, and has expanded the business to include tables, chairs and lighting rentals. Marlin states, "Having a passion for and loving what we do helps our effectiveness and makes it very rewarding." He has had many unique rental opportunities including beach weddings, rooftop events, events for Governors and Vice Presidents, Presidential campaigns and the 2009 Inauguration. He attributes the solid growth of his business to this wide variety of activities. As a businessman, Marlin feels that slow, steady growth is the most sustainable and has helped him weather economic downturns. He also believes in a strong service ethic. He tries to provide service that is "second to none." This ethic supports his company's slogan, "Our Goal: On Time…Everytime." Extremely active in the MATRA organization, Marlin has been a member for over fifteen years. The education he has received through MATRA has enabled him to expand his rental industry knowledge and form great partnerships and friendships. Tents For Rent normally sends 10-15 employees to attend the MATRA Conference and compete in the MATRA games. They have created quite a competitive tradition and his company has had many winners over the years. Marlin is the proud recipient of the Golden Sledgehammer Award in 1998, 2001 and 2005. Most recently, Marlin has won the "Over 40 Overall" Competition in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2008. Marlin looks to his employees to provide him with an invaluable source of feedback from the Conference which helps the company grow. Many employees from Tents for Rent have been with the company for years. Marlin says, "Although the risks and stress of running a company can be challenging, it is also rewarding to have trusted employees and family." Marlin and his family also have a deep, abiding faith in God which helps sustain and motivate them. For several years his firm has supported a very effective and frugal organization known as Christian Aid Ministries. This year, Tents for Rent was instrumental in acquiring and sending more than 10,000 tarps to Haiti to assist recovery efforts following the tragic natural disaster. Employees and staff volunteered hours of donated time arranging for the timely delivery of tarps. God has provided many blessings to Marlin and his company and he encourages others to share whenever possible. While Marlin acknowledges that he, too, is concerned about the long, slow economic recovery ahead, he also believes that, "it gives the industry a chance to take a closer look at its businesses. This will, in turn, help us all be better prepared to take advantage of future opportunities." MATRA extends its best wishes and congratulations to Marlin Sensenig and Tents for Rent for its longtime support and for its fine record of accomplishment in the tent rental industry.
Reproduced by permission from MATRA March/April Newsletter.
Visualize Your Event
Are you planning an outdoor wedding or other event but just can't visualize it?
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on each of our frequently asked questions.
Are you planning an outdoor wedding or other event but just can't visualize it? Let us help you with a CAD layout. To see more drawings go to our layouts page
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Outdoor event CAD drawing layout
Showroom Now Open
Come visit our new showroom.
Tents For Rent Showroom
We're excited to announce that our new showroom is now open. We're now located at 110 Wood Corner Rd, Lititz, PA 17543 just two miles from our old location. We invite you to stop in between 8:00 and 5:00 weekdays or come to our open house on Saturday, March 14 between 9:00 and 3:00. There will be free food, vendors and a tour of our warehouse and tent washing facility. See you then.
We're moving
Tents For Rent Warehouse and Showroom
After all this time, we're excited to announce that we're moving to a new warehouse and showroom about two miles from our previous location. Our new showroom will allow us to display more of the linens, tables, chairs, lighting and tents that we offer. Our new, larger warehouse will allow us to expand our inventory to serve you better. We also have a new tent washing facility that will help us keep the tents for your events shiny and clean. We're planning an open house. Everyone is welcome. If you're interested, you may find more details and RSVP at Eventbrite.
Can I Keep a Tent Warm in the Fall?
But, you may wonder how you will keep your guests comfortable.
Fall Tent
Fall is officially here and the lovely fall colors won't be far behind. God's beautiful seasonal decorations make the perfect backdrop for your outdoor event. But, you may wonder how you will keep your guests comfortable. It's hard to believe that only a few months ago, I wrote a post about cooling a tent. Now it's time to start thinking about heating a tent. Many people ask whether a tent can really be kept warm in fall and winter. The answer is a resounding "yes." A tent is not completely airtight, but it can be heated and kept very comfortable.
So, what does it take to plan an outdoor event in cooler whether?
Fall often brings windy weather. So, be sure to rent a sturdy tent from a reputable company. You want to be sure that your tent will be safe and secure.
Tent sidewalls: I recommend ordering sidewalls with windows in them so that your guests can see out of the tent and not feel boxed in by the walls.
Heaters: We have charts with the average low temperatures listed for each day of the year. So, we can estimate the amount of heat you will need. Keep you eye on the weather forecast though. If colder weather is predicted, you may want to add more heaters closer to your event date.
A positive attitude: Embrace the fall weather and colors. Have a campfire outside the tent. Roast s'mores. Relax from the busyness of summer.
This fall, don't let the cooler weather put a damper on your outdoor event. With a little extra planning fall is a wonderful time of year for any event.
It's More Than Just a License Plate
Tents for rent van with a license plate reading "Tents 4 U"
Our name is Tents For Rent. The license plate says Tents 4 U, but it's more than just a license plate. From the beginning to the end of your planning and event, we are there for you:
As you plan, we are able to make recommendations on everything from tent size to lighting style.
We use high quality tents that are safe and secure even during stormy weather.
Our installation crew is professional, efficient, and pleasant.
We give you peace of mind knowing that your event can go on even if it rains.
We're all about you. We bring your dream event to life in the outdoors.
How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding or Other Event
Tent wedding
So, you're looking forward to Fall with its beautiful colors and cooler temperatures. It's a great time to plan an outdoor event. But, where do you begin? I'd recommend starting here:
Create a guest list. You can expect that approximately 80% of the people you invite will attend.
Choose a location. It can be your backyard, a park, a bed and breakfast, the home of a friend or family member, or another venue.
Research vendors for tents, other rentals, catering, event planning and entertainment.
Expect the best weather, but plan for the worst. If you plan to have any portion of the event outside, have a backup plan to add another tent or move it indoors in case of rain.
Plan the details:
We'd love to hear from you with your success stories, comments, suggestions or questions. Contact us to get a rental quote.
Keep it Cool in a Tent
How is that possible in July and August? During the summer months, we get many questions about cooling tents for weddings, graduations, parties and corporate events. Two of the most common requests are air conditioning and mister fans also known as swamp coolers.
Air conditioning is a very excellent option. It keeps the tent cool and comfortable and works well in all types of summer weather. However, many people find the cost prohibitive. There are many variables, but the cost is often $3 - $4 per square foot to cool a tent for a single event. The reason for this is that tents are not at all insulated or air tight. So, massive generators and air conditioners are required to cool a tent. This requires a large amount of labor for installation and fuel for the generators.
Misting fans or swamp coolers are very effective at cooling in dry climates like Arizona. However, in the northeast where the humidity is high, we've had more limited success with them. They do provide some cooling. However, as they cool, they do increase the humidity. Also, they tend to make the people near them wet, especially when the humidity is high. If this is the desired effect, then it's a good way to cool off, but in some events, this may not be as appropriate.
The most popular way to cool a tent is to combine the shade of the tent with the natural breezes. In many cases, this is sufficient, but if you're looking for something more that is reasonably economical, small fans are a nice add-on that will help you have a cool party even in the hot summer. We offer two sizes and styles of fans. Our large 30" pedestal fans move the most air. The smaller 12" fans mount on the tent sidepoles. They are very quiet and unobtrusive. They are all white and work well even at a wedding. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us. We want to make your event easy and comfortable. Enjoy the summer!