What types of tents and structures exist in the industry?

West Coast Frame Tent

Frame tents are a sturdy, versatile type of tent that doesn’t rely on center poles like traditional pole tents do. Instead, they use a rigid framework—usually made from aluminum or steel—to support the canopy. This structure makes them ideal for events where a clear, open space is needed inside the tent, without any obstructions down the middle.

One thing to keep in mind with frame tents is they’re a bit more involved when it comes to setup. Compared to pole tents, they take more time and labor because of all the pieces that need to be assembled—crossbars, fittings, braces, and so on. They’re also heavier, so moving them around or loading them into a truck can take a little extra muscle.

The most common brand used in the industry, especially out West, is West Coast-style frame tents. These are designed to handle higher wind loads and tougher environments, making them a popular choice in places like Arizona, California, and Nevada. You’ll see them at everything from backyard parties to corporate events and festivals.

Frame tents typically max out at 40 feet in width, though you can extend the length as much as needed in sections (usually 10- or 20-foot increments). But once you hit that 40-foot width, you’re at the ceiling for standard frame tents. Anything larger usually requires a different tent type altogether—like a structure tent or engineered clear span.

Because of their flexibility and professional look, frame tents have become the go-to for event planners and rental companies on the West Coast. They can be anchored on a variety of surfaces—grass, concrete, asphalt—and can even be weighted down with blocks when staking isn’t an option.

In short, frame tents take a little more effort to set up, but the clean interior and solid build make them worth it. That’s why they’re one of the most requested tent styles, especially for higher-end or logistically tricky events.

Center Pole Tent

Center pole tents—often referred to as pole tents or tension tents—are the big boys in the tent world. These tents rely on tall center poles, side poles, and guy ropes (or ratchet straps) to stay up, and they’re built for size. You’ll find these at large-scale events like festivals, weddings, corporate functions, and concerts. They can be massive—spanning up to 100 feet wide and extending as long as needed by adding additional middle sections.

Setup & Precision:
These tents require real planning and precision. Before anything gets staked or unrolled, the layout has to be marked on the ground—exactly. We’re talking tape measures, stake markers, and math. Most notably, the Pythagorean Theorem (A² + B² = C²) gets used to ensure that everything is square and lined up properly. You need to make sure every stake line is exactly where it should be, or the tent won’t go up clean—or at all. Even being a few inches off can cause tension issues in the fabric, or crooked poles once it’s standing.

Ground Requirements:
Pole tents need a solid surface to stake into—no exceptions. If the ground is too soft, rocky, or obstructed, it’s a no-go. These tents get their strength and shape from high tension between the center poles and perimeter anchoring. Without a firm staking surface, the entire structure is compromised. Asphalt and grass are great. Loose gravel or concrete (without heavy-duty anchors or concrete blocks) won’t work.

Size and Style:
Center pole tents offer dramatic peaks and a classic look, which is why they’re often chosen for weddings and upscale events. The higher ceiling and swooping lines of the fabric give them a cathedral-like feel. The downside is the center poles themselves—they can get in the way of staging, dance floors, or clear sight lines. But for most large events, the space and visual impact outweigh that trade-off.

Labor & Skill:
These tents take serious experience to install. The crews have to know how to mark the field, rig the straps, raise the poles, and adjust tension evenly throughout. Setup can take several hours to a full day depending on the size. And teardown is no small job either—hundreds of feet of rope, dozens of stakes, and heavy-duty fabric sections all have to be packed up and loaded properly.

In Summary:
Center pole tents are built for size, strength, and visual impact. They require more precision, more space, and more experienced crews than other tent types. But when they’re done right, nothing else compares. They're the kings of the event world for a reason.

Structure Tent

How They Work:
Structure tents don’t use center poles or guy lines. Instead, they’re built with an aluminum box-beam frame that supports the entire weight of the tent. The roof panels and sidewalls slide into channels in the frame, making them ultra-secure and able to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and even snow loads. Because there's no internal poles, the entire interior is 100% usable space—perfect for stages, large guest counts, and tall decor elements like chandeliers or trusses.

Setup & Requirements:
These are by far the most labor-intensive and equipment-heavy tents to install. You need machinery like forklifts or boom lifts to raise the main arches and secure the framework. They also require perfectly level ground—usually concrete or asphalt—though they can be staked into grass with proper anchoring. Anchors often go into concrete or use massive ballast blocks if staking isn’t an option. You also need permits more often due to their engineered classification, especially for large installs.

Sizes & Capabilities:
Structure tents can be massive—going well beyond 100 feet in width and hundreds of feet in length. Some brands go up to 164 feet wide or more. You can add glass walls, doors, flooring, HVAC, insulation—you name it. This makes them ideal for large festivals, corporate expos, military operations, and long-term rentals like semi-permanent warehouses or dining halls.

Cost & Market:
They’re the most expensive tent to own and rent, but they offer unmatched durability and presentation. That’s why they’re often used for high-budget events, national tours, or commercial installations. Clients renting these aren’t just looking for cover—they’re looking for a full-scale event structure.

Summary:
Structure tents are the tanks of the tent world—strong, weather-resistant, clean-lined, and engineered for serious use. They take more time, gear, and permits to install, but when you need something that can handle anything and look high-end, this is the go-to choice.