Not every tent is created equal. Especially when it comes to structure tents – tents that are built on an aluminum beam frame and can hold up to thousands of people. Our job at EventQuip is to make sure that our clients are served with safe, beautiful structures, delivered and installed by our experienced crew, and managed by our professional project managers and office staff. So what makes a structure “not just a tent”? First, take a look at what structures look like:

Grand Opening of the National Museum of Jewish American History – Clear Vinyl Top & Sidewalls

Inside an open-ended white top structure at a private residence

Small glass house with white top, clear sidewall and glass doors

A close-up of glass wall on a large structure tent outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Inside a clear top structure with clear vinyl sidewall installed over a fountain

This structure was built as a temporary firehouse, and holds three fire engines and fire equipment

This temporary supermarket was built to withstand up to 90 mph winds, and remained in place for 13 months

As you can see, structures can be both beautiful and highly functional. Learn more about structures and their considerations below:

1. Structures are available in a wide range of sizes and varieties.

2. Aluminum beams in varying widths make up the frame of the structure and it is secured in place with either concrete ballasts or long tent stakes.

3. There are a variety of options when designing the look of the structure.  It can be built with clear or white vinyl sidewalls, glass sidewalls for a more elegant look, or no sidewalls at all for a more open feel.  The top can be either white or clear vinyl panels and can be left open at the ends if desired. Clear mini string lights are a classic lighting element, especially when lined along the clear top structures.

4. Structures are also called “clear-span” tents, because there are no interior poles that support the tent.  There is a wide open, unobstructed space inside the tent.  This allows more flexibility in terms of the placement of dance floors, stages, tables and chairs.

5. Installing a structure involves careful pre-planning and skilled, experienced installers who will guarantee the safety of the finished structure.

6. Structures are a great alternative for one or two day special events, but can also be installed on a semi-permanent basis.  Some structures have the ability to resist up to 90 mph winds and snow loads.

7. Just like other tents, structures can be heated or cooled depending on the weather.  The possibilities for lighting and decor are endless and can be quite impressive.

Being inside a structure tent is a unique experience, as you can see from the photos above!