Frame tents are more expensive, but they’re also more durable and offer more stability in windy conditions. Pole tents are less expensive and easier to set up, but they’re not as sturdy and can be more difficult to keep in place in windy weather.

But there is a lot more to it than that. In this article, we’re going to discuss the differences between these two types of tents. Whichever type of tent you choose, make sure you take the time to set it up properly so your event goes off without a hitch.

Types of commercial tents

There are two main types of commercial tents: frame tents and pole tents.

Frame tents are supported by an aluminum or steel frame, and they don’t require stakes or Guy lines to be set up.

Pole tents, on the other hand, are supported by wooden or aluminum poles, and they need to be staked or guyed into place.

Frame tents are more expensive than pole tents, but they’re also more versatile and easier to set up.

Pole tents are more traditional and have a more ‘rustic’ look, so they’re often chosen for weddings and other special events.

Both types of tents have their own advantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

The pole tent

 The pole tent preceded the frame tent in terms of the period of the invention.

It is one of the earliest forms of commercial tents available.

The key structural difference between a frame tent and a pole tent is how they carry out their load-bearing.

A pole tent has one or more internal center tent poles that assist in load-bearing.

Think of these poles as the columns you see in a brick-and-mortar building.

 Appearance

Because of the center poles, a traditional pole tent tends to have the appearance of peaks and when you walk inside the commercial tent you will find center poles sprinkled throughout the tent. Pole tents have a graceful look that makes them ideal for weddings.

pole tents differ in style

Set up

Because of the structure of the pole tent, its stability can only be fully realized if stakes are driven through the vertical poles and into the ground.

A pole tent cannot safely bear its load without this additional anchoring. Now, as we had mentioned before, the primary advantage of commercial tents is that they should leave a very small footprint on the venue in which they have been set up.

Since pole tents require staking it means that they can only be set up in venues that have grass on them.

Stability

The stability of a pole tent as a commercial tent is highly dependent on the additional anchoring that you get by staking it to the ground.

There is a significant disadvantage to this because during very heavy rainfall the ground will become saturated with water and the stakes will definitely come loose.

So a pole tent would not be our first choice if you expect very heavy rainfall.

Pole tents should also not be used on hard surfaces like concrete or paving. Even if the weather is good and we do not require staking, the pole tent is inherently unstable without this additional anchoring the tent can tip over under the force of strong winds.

 Frame tents

 The frame tent is a type of commercial tent that does its entire load-bearing on the vertical poles that run along the circumference of the tent. Think of the vertical poles as a sort of exoskeleton. In this type of commercial tent, there is no need for internal or center poles for additional load-bearing support.

Appearance

The frame tents tend to have a more geometric shape because of their design.

As commercial tents, they are ideal for more formal occasions such as trade shows.

The benefit of not having internal central poles is that there is a clear line of sight from any corner of the tent to the front of the tent.

There are no obstructions from any point of the tent which makes this commercial tent ideal for events such as weddings so that all your guests can have a clear view and don’t have to crane their necks around central poles.

 The frame tent is an ideal commercial and party tent because it offers optimal space usage. With a clear open and unobstructed space, you can make the most of a small tent rather than hiring a larger pole tent to compensate for the obstructions caused by the central poles.

Set up

The process of setting up a frame tent is simpler and faster than that of setting up a pole tent. If the design is a high-peak frame tent, it may be more difficult.

The design of this commercial tent is more modern and modular.

The tents are available in standard sizes that can be quickly and easily joined together to make a larger space as the situation requires.

Frame tents do not require additional stakes into the ground for stability. They are very safe and can withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall.

They can also be set up on any kind of surface whether it is soft or hard without doing any damage to the surface because as we just mentioned they do not require staking.

So this type of commercial tent leaves you with more options when it comes to venues. You are not restricted to soft surfaces as is the case with pole tents.

 The frame tent is more versatile as a commercial tent than a pole tent. But surprisingly, the pole tent still remains very popular because it is far more aesthetically pleasing than the frame tent. You will find the pole tent in functions like weddings because of its beautiful and graceful curves and peaks. Center pole tents are especially considered for big events because it fits those party tent styles.

If you’re not sure which type of tent is right for you, contact Topindus group. We’ll be happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each type of tent, especially frame tent vs pole tent, and help you choose the perfect option for your needs.