The season for party tents is right around the corner, and that means you're probably thinking of all the different ways to set yours up. At least, we know that's what we've been thinking about.
If you need to set your party tent up on grass, you've got it made in the shade. A task like that is straightforward and easy, because you can utilize stakes that stick right into the ground. But if you've got a hard surface on your hands, the job takes a bit more thought.
You might need to set your party tent up on concrete, cement, or another hard surface (like a gym floor) if you're participating in an expo, a farmer's market, or something of the like. This type of situation is by no means rare, which is why we've put this article together.
As a business owner, you may be tempted to try to save money or time by anchoring a tent on a hard surface using whatever is available, but we can promise you that this is one area in which you never want to cut corners. An improperly anchored tent is not only a danger to your clients, their guests, and their property, but it can cause damage and/or permanent loss of the rent itself.
Build the cost of extra time and materials that it will take to properly install the tent on concrete into the installation fees you’re billing to your customer. Ask the right questions and be transparent up front, and most customers will be happy to pay for peace of mind.
Setting Up a Tent on a Hard Surface
The need for a party tent while working with a hard surface is pretty common. So, that means you need to know how to set one up. Luckily, we've got a few ways to make it happen.
- Water Barrels
Water barrels can be hugely helpful in anchoring your tent, and what's great about these is that they're super easy to transport when they're empty - then you can simply fill them when you're ready to use them. There will more than likely be water at your event location, which means bringing the barrels with you is quick and simple - and possible to do with only one person!
At Tent and Table, we sell water barrel covers so you can improve the aesthetic appearance of your water barrels and make sure that nothing falls into them - for your ultimate convenience!
- Cement Ballasts
Cement ballasts are a useful alternative for tents meant for a larger event. They have the power to hold down large frame tents because they can reach over 1, 000 pounds in weight. While holding a small party tent down with a lesser amount of weight might work, you definitely don't want to skimp when it comes to anchoring a tent meant a major occasion. To make sure your tent stays in place from the moment you set it up, use cement ballasts.
- Drilling/Bolting
Step One: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! Once you've confirmed locations of underground utilities, if you'd rather not work with bulky, hard-to-transport anchors like cement ballasts and water barrels aren't your cup of tea, you can always drive your tent stakes into the asphalt. While this method takes a bit of manpower and the right tools, it is possible if you know how to make it happen. Just make sure that you get the go-ahead from the event coordinator before you anchor your stakes into the asphalt you'll be using. Tent and Table carries a variety of asphalt plugs used to fill the holes your stakes leave behind.
It is also possible to drill holes and drive bolts through the baseplates when using a frame tent on concrete or cement. This method is generally used for long-term or semi-permanent installations. Your rental company may not have the tools or resources for this level of work, so the beat course of action is to subcontract with a professional building contractor for this part of the installation.
Anchoring Your Tent Like a Pro
The most important part of anchoring a tent in somewhere like a parking lot–where a permit is likely required–is to check local requirements and restrictions. This article is illustrative, not exhaustive, and your county or municipality may have differing regulations regarding commercial tent installation. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to anchor your tent anywhere you want it to go. If you have further questions about anchoring your tent on a hard surface, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!