Tents for a Special Occasions

Special events frequently require extra space. Often, renting a tent to put outside of a residence or in a public area such as a park, etc., provides shelter in a setting preferable to renting a large room. Tents and other portable structures can be lifesavers for parties, cookouts, or even weddings. Other, more permanent, outdoor structures are also useful for these occasions, as well as for everyday use.

Tents and Portable Structures
Most special event supplies, including tents, are rented for three days to give the consumer a day to set up and another to take down before and after the day of the event. Tents are rented by the size. Set-up and take-down of party tents is included in the price, though an extra delivery charge is usually added, based on how far the rental company has to travel to deliver and pick it up. Smaller pop-up tents are also available to provide shade only, but are not for use in rainy or windy weather. Because they are easily set-up, the consumer can avoid a delivery charge by picking them up from the rental company. Different styles of side walls, a side extension to set up food service for a buffet line, and pole covers may also be added for a small additional charge. You should also ask the supplier about any additional portable structures you might need like stages or toilets, and see if they offer a package deal including tables and chairs.

The size of tent needed is determined by the number of people and the manner in which it will be used. For example, a 20' x 40' party tent would cover 50 to 60 people seated at round tables, 60 to 100 people seated at long tables, and up to twice as many people dancing or seated theater style in rows of chairs. The rental company can help consumers decide what size tent they need based on the type of function being planned.

Permanent Outdoor Structures
Covered decks, patios, and gazebos, though probably not large enough for a wedding, can also be used for more intimate special events. One of the great things about building one of these outdoor structures is that you'll be able to get years of use out of it instead of just a few days. Additionally, putting a deck, patio, or gazebo on your property will raise your home's overall market value, too.

When building a new outdoor structure, it is very important to take into account the climate in which you live as well as the amount of precipitation your area gets. Much like fencing materials, outdoor structures that are exposed to many types of severe weather and temperature changes will need special attention both in the planning and in the upkeep. A wood deck or gazebo in Seattle or New England will have far different maintenance issues than one in Santa Fe or Los Angeles. In more trying environments, it is often advisable to spend a little more upfront for more durable materials. Talking to a local service professional about what seems to hold up best is never a bad idea.

If you already have an outdoor structure on your property, but it has fallen into disrepair, there's no time like the present to get it up to speed again. In many cases, even a permanent outdoor structure that doesn't look like it will be cheap or easy to fix will still have some very salvageable elements in place.