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Frame Tent vs Pole Tent
A frame tent is held up by a metal frame with no centre poles, so it can stand on grass, concrete, asphalt or a deck. A pole tent uses centre poles and stakes in the ground, giving a peaked, classic look. Choose frame for hard surfaces and open floor space; pole for lawns and a traditional style.
Frame tent
From $715 each
Pole tent
From $1,622.50 each
Side by side
Frame tent vs Pole tent
| Feature | Frame tent | Pole tent |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Open floor, no centre poles | Centre and side poles inside |
| Surface | Grass, concrete, asphalt, decks (weights or stakes) | Grass or soil that takes stakes |
| Look | Clean lines, flatter roof | High peaks and curves |
| Space around it | Can sit close to buildings | Needs room for stakes and ropes outside |
| Common sizes | 10' x 10' up to 40' wide | Often 30' to 60' wide and up |
| Rental price | See the frame tent price | See the pole tent price |
Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Choose a frame tent if…
- You're on a driveway, patio, parking lot or deck
- You need every square foot without poles in the way
- The tent must sit close to a house or fence
Choose a pole tent if…
- You're on a lawn that can take stakes
- You love the peaked, classic wedding look
- You have room around the tent for stake lines
In detail
What to think about
Where it can go
The surface often decides for you. Pole tents need stakes driven into the ground all around the outside, so they need a lawn and space beyond the tent walls. Frame tents can be staked on grass or held down with weights on hard surfaces.
Before booking, check for buried lines and sprinklers. Your rental company will ask where the tent is going and what it sits on.
Inside the tent
Frame tents give you clear floor space, which makes it easier to place a dance floor, a long head table or a stage. Pole tents have poles inside that need to be planned around. Many hosts decorate them with greenery or lights so they become part of the look.
Size and price
Work out the square feet you need first with the tent size calculator, then compare the sizes each type comes in. Our catalog lists frame and pole tents with published Chicago-area prices.
Run your numbers
- Tent size calculator: Square feet for seating, dancing, bar and buffet, matched to standard tent sizes.
- Rain plan checklist: Every decision for an outdoor event's backup plan, with your call-it date.
- String light and uplight calculator: Feet of string lights for a tent, patio or backyard canopy, and how many uplights.
Questions
FAQ
Can a pole tent go on concrete?
Which tent handles wind better?
Do I need sidewalls?
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