Buying a stretch tent isn’t something you do every day—unless you’re us. And honestly, after years of seeing what works (and what absolutely doesn’t), we’ve learned that there’s a lot more to it than picking the first tent you find on Google or at Makro. If you want something that’s actually going to last, keep people dry, and look good doing it, here’s what really matters.
1. Fabric Matters (A Lot More Than Most Think)
Not all stretch tent fabrics are equal—far from it. You want something that’s not just “waterproof,” but actually stays waterproof, even after a wild thunderstorm or three. Look for fabrics treated with proper repellents, anti-microbial agents, and, if you can get it, a Teflon finish. We see too many tents that soak through after just one winter because they cut corners here.
Our own tents use 3-ply options like the Endurance 750—super tough, high tensile stretch, fire-retardant, and UV stabilized. If you’re renting out your tent or just want it to last more than a season, don’t settle for anything less.
2. Check the Seams (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
You’d be surprised how many “waterproof” tents leak right at the seams. Make sure your tent has both stitched and welded seams. If the supplier can’t tell you how their seams are done, move on. We’ve patched up too many leaky tents from other brands not to mention this.
3. Global Safety and Compliance—Not Just Marketing Speak
Anyone can say their tent is “high quality,” but can they show you the actual standards? Good tents will meet the French M2, US CFM, or British BS safety standards. If you’re planning any kind of event where safety counts (which is pretty much all of them), this stuff isn’t optional.
4. Warranty—And Not the “Read the Fine Print” Kind
If your supplier doesn’t offer a clear, written warranty (we’re talking at least two years, not some verbal promise), ask yourself why. We stand by our tents with a two-year warranty, and honestly, we think that’s the minimum anyone should expect for a serious purchase.
5. Don’t Ignore Customization (It’s Your Tent, After All)
Events are personal. Maybe you want a specific color, or your company logo front and center. Good suppliers (yeah, like us) can customize your tent—just check about order minimums for custom colors or branding.
6. Think About Use—Are You Renting, Owning, or Both?
Some tents are designed for heavy rental use, others for permanent setups. Know what you’re getting. Our Endurance 750 and Matte Flex 750 are ideal for long-term rentals and permanent installations—easy to clean, sleek matte finish, available in a bunch of colors.
7. Size Guide—Don’t Guess
Think about how many people you want to fit under your tent. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
7.5 x 10m: 50 people cocktail, 30–35 seated
12 x 10m: 80 cocktail, 50 seated
15 x 10m: 100 cocktail, 85 seated
15 x 20m: 200 cocktail, 150 seated
It’s always better to have a bit too much space than not enough. Trust us, we’ve seen what happens otherwise (hint: it’s crowded and not much fun).
Bottom Line
If you remember nothing else, remember this: Ask questions. Don’t just take “waterproof” or “heavy duty” at face value. Push for details on fabric, seams, safety, and warranty. And if a supplier gets cagey, keep shopping.
We’ve seen enough stretch tents come and go to know what works—if you’re stuck or want a straight answer, just drop us a line. No pressure. We’d rather help you avoid mistakes than patch them up later (though, honestly, we’ve done plenty of both).
