What is a tent platform?
A tent platform is a raised structure built to support your tent, especially useful if you want to pitch your tent on uneven ground (or you just like how they look!).
Why build a tent platform?
- To pitch a tent on uneven ground or slopes.
- To keep it free of dirt and debris.
- For improved drainage, weed control, and aesthetic appeal (see inspiration below).
- To create a comfortable flat surface for relaxing outside the tent (e.g., porch/deck).
Which tent platform works best for you?
There are many factors that determine what type of platform works best for you like: budget, location and material choice. That's why there's no standardized answer on how to build one, however we can show you how a tent should be pitched on a platform.
Every platform is different and unique, just like every tent owner.
One thing to know about our CanvasCamp tents is that they can be pitched directly on flat ground - they’re built for it. The reason is because they’re fitted with a heavy duty ‘bathtub style’ groundsheet that rises 12cm (4¾ in) up the side wall of the tent, creating a waterproof basin to keep you dry in all but the worst of conditions, even during the winter or a heavy downpour. Read more about our tent groundsheet here.
What are some tent platform ideas?
If your primary goal is to achieve an appearance of permanence - consider a ribbon of river rocks or decorative gravel around the perimeter of the tent. It’s more affordable and less laborious than building a platform. Rock moats also help with drainage, dust, and weed control - and they look stylish. For a more cost effective approach, you could also opt for sand instead of rocks.
When you build a platform for the entire tent, it's raised off the ground. This gives the feeling that you're looking out over the land. This is particularly useful if your terrain is uneven or has steep slopes. A front porch gives you a flat surface to stretch out and relax.
If the land is even, you can also build a lounge deck in the front of the tent (or back of the tent if you have a double door), and pitch the tent on the ground, avoiding the investment in decking under the tent where it isn’t really needed.
Canvas was also used for sails, right?
Build a tent platform raft and turn your tent into a unique mobile home.
Sounds impossible? Not at all. Jojo built a raft tent and lived on it for a year in Sweden. Check out here how he planned his build.
A treehouse is made of lumber and dreams. It has a certain intangible magic that takes us back to a time when you can get away from it all, connect with nature and choose your own adventure. In a treehouse, you rise above the world.
Check out our Pinterest boards for more inspiration!
How do you pitch a tent on a platform the right way?
Your platform design, size, shape, and material is up to you - or a professional contractor of your choice. However, the most important part of pitching a tent on a deck is to achieve the exact same shape and guy line angles as would be achieved by pitching the tent on flat ground.
Use screws to attach the groundsheet to your deck through the grommets - NOT THE ELASTIC RINGS. Add a washer to increase the size of the screw head so it doesn’t slip through the ground sheet grommet.
You need to position the guylines in line with the seams and proceed out at the same angle as if the tent was pitched on the ground with the guy lines staked 1-2 meters (4-6 ft) away from the tent.
To achieve proper guyline placement you can:
- DIY short guy poles
- Add guy line posts to your deck
- Add guy line posts away from the deck
If the distance between the platform surface and the ground under it is less than the width of your hand you can just stake the tent to the ground normally 1-2 meters (4-6ft) away.
Also, you can use a combination of any of these if space is an issue.
You also will need to be able to add tension to the tent as the fabric settles and shifts over time. You may need to shorten your guy lines by untying them from the canvas, cutting them down, and tying them back on. Experiment with this until you have at MINIMUM a 1/2 meter (1-2 feet) of tensionable guy line to work with in the future.
Don't use the elastic rings to set-up the tent, as they can't be tensioned and will break.
Don't use the elastic rings instead of the grommets to secure the groundsheet.
The most common mistake we see is folks attaching the guylines to the floor of their deck 1/2 meter (1ft) away from the tent. This will result in saggy canvas panels and it adds pressure on the center pole which can cause it to blow out of the peak, or cause a pole break in a breeze.
Key Takeaways:
What common mistakes should you avoid?
Don’t attach groundsheet via the elastic rings — they cannot be tensioned and may break.
Don’t stake or fix guy-lines too close to the tent, as this may cause sagging canvas, stress on the centre pole, or pole failure in wind.
What ongoing adjustments might be needed?
As the tent fabric settles or shifts over time, you may need to shorten guy-lines: untie, trim, and retie so you maintain at least ~½ m (1-2 ft) of tension adjustability built-in.
If I'm building a traditional wood platorm, what materials do I need?
- Pressure-treated lumber for frame cut to all the same length (2x6 or 2x8 boards are recommended)
- Pressure-treated deck boards 5/4
- Deck screws (3" or longer)
- Joist hangers
- Joist hanger screws
- Measuring tape
- Level (Laser lever makes the job simple)
- Drill/driver
- Circular saw
- Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, safety glasses)
- ½ inch gravel
- Deck blocks or pavers
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Choose a Suitable Location:
Select a level area in your desired camping spot to build the platform. A level site eliminates a lot of the complexity of building footings.
2. Lay out the Footprint:
Tip from a fellow CanvasCamper:
"I like to just use available lumber to lay out the perimeter to get a visual of where the deck will go. I opted for creating 4 manageable sections instead of one large single platform. The 4 decks get screwed together with a few screws near the end to tie them together."
3. Create the Base Frame:
Create a box using 2x6 or 2x8 pressure-treated boards. Connect the boards at the corners using corner brackets or overlapping them at 90-degree angles.
4. Square the Frame:
Move the built frame(s) to the desired final location. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to ensure the frame is square. Adjust the frame until both diagonal measurements are equal. This ensures the platform is perfectly square.
5. Prepare the Foundation:
Pour some gravel where the footings will be and pack it down using the deck block or paver. It’s been said that a good rule of thumb for a span between footings is to take the frame material width in inches and use that number as the maximum distance in feet between footings (for example 2x8 material should have a maximum of 8 ft between deck footing).
6. Install Joists:
Reposition the frame on the footings and check once again for square using the method in step 4. Hang all the joists leaving no more than 16 inches between the centre of the boards.
Pro tip: Use joist hangers with the appropriate joist hanging screws. This leaves flexibility to repurpose the wood later without having to pull nails and assembly is low impact.
7. Double Up the Beam (Optional):
For extra support, you can double up the lumber used for the beam that the joists hang on. This can add strength to the platform.
8. Secure Deck Boards:
Lay the deck boards across the joists, starting from one edge and working your way to the other. Leave a small gap (around 1/8 inch) between each board for expansion. Secure each board to the joists with deck screws.
Pro Tips:
- Setting the footing level can be tricky. Get creative with the ground level deck using wooden shims or additional pavers to get the deck level.
- Use a sealer on any cuts to prolong the life of the deck.
- Get some Short Guy poles to greatly decrease the length of the guy lines on your deck setup.
Now you're ready to build the perfect tent platform!
Interested in starting a glamping business? Learn more about how to start a glamping business.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are CanvasCamp tents trusted by glamping operators worldwide?
CanvasCamp tents are trusted by professional glamping operators because our tents provide the quickest and highest ROI versus any other shelter on the market. Our tents are durable enough to handle repeated guest use and heavy foot traffic while staying low-maintenance and cost-effective. Our canvas tents are breathable and keep interiors cool in the summer and are stove-compatible and fire resistant for the winter, commanding rentals all year long.
CanvasCamp tents also deliver the glamping appeal operators rely on to charge premium nightly rates. Their elegant look, spacious and adaptable interiors, and reliable comfort help attract a higher-paying audience and maximize return on investment for resorts, rentals, and eco-lodges worldwide.
What accessories do I need for my tent if I am building a platform?
There are no required add ons but you will most likely need to shorten the length of your guylines. For this, you can opt for the CanvasCamp short guy poles. Otherwise, if you are keeping your tent up permanently, a tent fly is highly recommended to protect your tent against debris and harsh weather.
Can I make my own short guy poles?
Definitely! Making your own guy poles for a tent platform is easy and ensures optimal customizability. Just make sure the tent extends out, not down, and add the short pole at a 90 degree angle to the floor, and ensure adjustability with tensioners.
Should I build a tent platform for my glampsite or glamping resort?
Tent platforms are a popular choice amongst glampsites as they help you pitch your tent on unlevelled ground and add an appearance of permanence— not to mention they look fantastic! If you're looking to save a dime, you can always pitch your tents on levelled sand which gives the same appeal, without vegetation getting the canvas dirty. If you want to step it up, add a pebble "moat" around it to make it look like it's floating. If you are able to splurge on a platform, they are more permanent and elegant.
Can a CanvasCamp tent withstand year-round use?
Absolutely. The breathable cotton canvas keeps interiors cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. Combined with stove compatibility, canvas tents are an excellent four-season camping solution. With proper care, some of our CanvasCamp tents can last as permanent structures. Additional accessories can even be combined with your setup to extend their longevity; for instance, our tent flies help regulate temperature, keep leaves and snow off the tents, keeping you comfortable and the tent protected.
What size should a tent platform be?
Your tent platform should match the area of your tent plus at least 2-3 feet of extra space on each side if you are using short guy poles on the platform. Regular guy lines need to be staked 4-6 feet away from your tent, but this can be done on the ground if the platform is close to the earth.
What’s the best material for a tent platform?
Pressure-treated lumber is the most common and durable choice. For a more eco-friendly option, consider cedar, recycled composite decking, or reclaimed wood. Ensure that you are using all-weather compatible and durable materials if you are planning to leave the deck up permanently.
Do I need a permit to build a tent platform?
Typically, no, but this varies on your local regulations and the size (area and height) of the platform, even if it is in your backyard! Always check zoning regulations before building.
Can I pitch my tent without a groundsheet?
If you just need a shade shelter, you can opt to pitch your tent without the groundsheet. In this case only, you would use the elastic rings to secure your tent, as that is what they are designed for. Be wary that you may have critters in your tent without the zip-in groundsheet!
Where can I find blueprints for a tent platform?
Every platform is custom so if you keep these rules in mind and follow our instructions above, you should be ready to build the platform to suit your specific needs. However, there are pre fabricated options such as ones from Glitzcamp, that can provide you with the perfect solution.
