Luxury glamping lounge area with large canvas safari tent, outdoor daybeds, and shaded seating in a desert-style camping resort by CanvasCamp.

Stretch tents have become one of the most popular, versatile and visually striking shelter solutions for events, hospitality spaces, retreats, and permanent outdoor installations. Before choosing the right setup, there are many important things to consider: from fire safety to pole configurations, anchoring options, custom colours, and long-term durability. In this guide, we answer the most common questions about CanvasCamp Stretch Tents and include practical setup tips to help you create a safe, functional, and beautiful outdoor space.

Which Stretch Tent Should I Choose?

From backyard parties to largescale public events, we offer Stretch Tents in a range of sizes and finishes, so you are sure to find one that works for you.

Stretch Tent 101

Are Stretch Tents suitable for all weather conditions?

CanvasCamp Stretch Tents are the most resilient event tent out there: weatherproof, wind rated and fire resistant, and suitable for any climate. The only thing they are not designed to withstand is heavy snow loads, as no tent can safely support significant snow accumulation.

What is the difference between Q2 and Q3 fabric?

The main difference is weight and durability. Q2 fabric is medium duty, weighing 560 g/m², while Q3 fabric is heavy duty, weighing 750 g/m². Although they look the same, Q3 is better suited for permanent, year-round installations, while Q2 is ideal for seasonal and less demanding use.

Are Q3 tents fire-rated?

Yes, Q3 tents are fire-rated according to US and UK standards.

What is the wind rating for Q3 tents?

Q3 tents have been tested in up to 90 km/h winds, and the Q2 tents in 85 km/h. For best performance in windy conditions, keep the tent profile lower, ensure all anchor points are secure and evenly tensioned, avoid fully closing all sides, and allow some airflow to prevent the tent from acting like a sail.

Are CanvasCamp Stretch Tents suitable for permanent setups?

Our Q3 tents are designed for permanent installations and can last up to 15 years. They are specifically manufactured to withstand harsh and high-UV environments and meet EU building standards.

Feel free to contact us for more specific documentation.

Can heaters or fire pits be used under the tent?

Yes, heaters or fire pits can be used underneath the tent, provided general safety precautions are followed.

Set-Up & Components

What are the required components when purchasing a Stretch Tent?

A complete Stretch Tent setup requires four components: the canvas, a rigging system, pegs, and poles. 

Are poles included with the tent?

The complete setup with aluminum poles is only included when you purchase a Q1 Stretch Tent. For the Q2 and Q3, poles are not included. CanvasCamp offers modular aluminium pole sets which are convenient, versatile and easy to transport. Some Stretch Tent users choose to source poles locally, especially wooden poles, such as pine, chestnut, or eucalyptus, which are very popular. Many users buy both our poles for ease of transport and their own poles for special/themed events. 

Is the CanvasCamp rigging system compatible with all pole types?

Yes, the rigging system we offer is compatible with all pole types. We can adjust the system before shipping depending on whether you are using our metal pole system or sourcing your own wooden poles.

What are the guidelines for the Stretch Tent pole setup?

Check out our pole set up guide for our Stretch Tents here. Typically, the center pole should be 3.5–4 feet taller than the outer poles. We also have a setup video here.

Are there height restrictions when using wooden or metal poles?

The higher the tent is set up, the stronger and higher-quality the poles need to be. With standard wooden poles, it is generally recommended not to exceed approximately 4 meters for the outer poles and 5.5 meters for the center pole.

Configurations

Can multiple tents be connected, and is there a rain gutter system available?

Yes, multiple tents can be connected, and a rain gutter system is available for these configurations.

Are doors available for Stretch Tents?

Yes, doors are available. They are typically transparent but can also be made in the same colour and material as the tent. We also offer walls for our stretch tents, which people use to close off sides of their tents in harsh weather. 

Can tents be installed with posts attached to concrete or a poured foundation?

Yes, this type of installation has been done hundreds of times. In similar setups, metal poles are often bolted onto anchor screws for a more permanent structure.

What if I cannot use deep stakes for anchoring?

If deep staking is not possible, ballast can be used instead. You will need approximately 600 kg of weight for the corners and 300 kg for the sides.

Can I anchor a tent to an existing fence or barrier?

While it may be possible, you should avoid tying the tent directly to a fence unless it is strong enough to handle the load, especially in windy conditions.

How can I configure my Stretch Tent to have one side lower to the ground?

To configure this, you can lay the tent flat on the ground and drive pegs directly through it, although this reduces wind resistance and light penetration. A better approach is to keep the edges 1–2 feet off the ground using ropes and pegs without posts. Then, use a roughly 6-foot pole in the corner to raise the lowered sides about 3 feet off the ground.

How does closing off tent sides affect occupancy?

Closing off the sides will reduce usable space by a few feet. A general guideline is you should have 12–15 square feet per person for seated dining and 6–8 square feet for standing cocktail events.

Custom Tents & Shipping Times

Do you offer customizable event tents?

Yes, contact us and let us know what you are looking for so we can generate you a quote!


Can logos or designs be printed on the tents?

Printing on tents is not available. However, custom colours can be produced. It is important to note that the fabric stretches, which may cause printed designs to warp.


What is the lead time for shipping CanvasCamp Stretch Tents?

For standard sizes and colours, the processing time is 7–14 days. Custom colours take about 4–6 weeks and custom sizes around 6–8 weeks.

Whether you’re creating a seasonal event space or a permanent outdoor venue, CanvasCamp Stretch Tents offer a unique balance of durability, flexibility, and atmosphere. With the right setup and configuration, they can transform almost any outdoor space into an unforgettable experience.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may still have about your event tent setup.