Forum

display tent advise

Posted by Mark A Cappabianco on December 18, 2010 at 10:11am

I really need some advice as far as a new tent setup, and not sure whom I can ask, esp in the winter when no one is setting up outdoor displays, (at least in PA).  My problem is the wind as I display glass items.  Not sure if mesh panels or pro panels are what I need to help me with this problem, as I need to stop the sides of my tent from blowing in and slapping my display racks...I lost more pieces this past yr than I care to think of.   I also am thinking of getting a sta bar to use with my EZ up and hope that that might give me a little more stability.  I have never used any of these things and am really not sure how they attach to a tent, and frankly don't want to invest in them if they are not the answer.  If this is something any one can advise me on I would greatly appreciate it.  
Because I tend to be a very visual and honds on person,  I'm actually thinking of going to Florida in Jan to check out some shows and maybe pick some artists brains about tent setups, how's that for being a little anxious

Mark

You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!

Join Art Fair Insiders

★
★
★
★
★
Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Deborah Schran January 12, 2012 at 9:38am

    I am throwing this question out to the group regarding displays "again". I am a clutterer (if that is a word).  Most times less is better than more but I have not been able to achieve that when I display in or out. Generally, I am displaying functional, art and jewelry. I have tried so many types of displays, changes in table cloths, changes in risers that I am at risk of driving myself crazy. Making so many changes has a lessening cost benefit. Is anyone one out there displaying all three types of work at a show? Can anyone share photos of their displays that they really like? I think my displays have held me back from a few shows. I often use racks behind a table, adding shelves to give a bit more height. Still, I think my display is not the best. Advise  & info appreciated.

    Debbie

    • Jim Parker > Deborah Schran January 12, 2012 at 11:40am

      Deb, you should open a new discussion, not tack onto one that is two years old. Start a new post in this discussion area, and post some pictures of what you're currently doing. Then people will be able to give you better advice.

  • Lynda Buckels May 9, 2011 at 11:11am
    The ideas for stakes are great! However, I am curious, what about those times where you show on concrete/asphalt or on grass where you are not allowed to stake?
    • Karole Bowlds > Lynda Buckels May 9, 2011 at 1:45pm
      That's when I break out the weights. I have only had this happen once here in Maine. Most of my venues are in parks and they have, so far allowed us to stake down- all except one- which has a septic tank under the grass. We do have the street fairs, on asphalt, and I use my weights then. But for 99% of my venues we are allowed, even required to stake down the tents. When I can't stake down, I still use my ratcheting tie downs to stabilize the top of the tent by running one down the middle and two forming x on the back and sides, which also prevents the sides from blowing into, and destroying my displays and set-up, and seems to keep the top from rocking, the way I have seen other tents do, even with the weights, I have also started using a white tarp, across the top, to prevent the wind from going up into the peak. This forces the wind through the tent, making it more stable. An added bonus to this is, IT STAYS COOLER in my tent. All the heat gets trapped above the tarp.
  • Chris Hoyt February 16, 2011 at 7:11am

    You need the sides to stop blowing in? Simple. Tie some rope to the center of the sides at the top of the scissors frame. Then run the rope to the ground at an angle away from the canopy. Take a spike and pound it into the ground. This forces the center of the sides out away from the canopy.

    Or... just tie the bottom of the sides to a spike and pull them away from the frame.

    Or... Run a rope around the sides halfway up the frame parallel to the ground. Tie the rope to the legs. and use 8 inch spikes to secure the frame to the ground. Again, the rope stops the sides from blowing in.

    Been doing these things for years.  Long before frame stabilizers came on the scene. And rope is a boatload cheaper.

    • Pat Sarotte > Chris Hoyt February 16, 2011 at 12:31pm

      Chris, do you have any booth shots to share? Your plan sounds interesting but I'm having a problem visualizing.

      • Chris Hoyt > Pat Sarotte February 17, 2011 at 6:56am

        I don't have any pictures.

        If you have a canopy, you have the scissors that goes around the top of the frame. And if you have a dome you have the pipes that go around the upper part of the frame.

        Your sides are 10 feet long. At 5 feet, you tie a length of rope to that frame, but INSIDE the sidewall. Let it hang down and it'll be straight. Move the bottom outward as far as the sidewall will allow. Usually about 6 or so inches. It kinda looks like a teepee. Do this on three sides while keeping the edges of the side panels connected. I use what I thought were 8 inch spikes, but they're 10 inch spikes you can get at any hardware store for about a buck each. I also use these spikes at each corner of my canopy. They're just under the diameter of the holes in the feet of the canopy.

        Now when I know the winds are gonna be blowing, I'll use dog screws for the sides. And I'll also tie extra dog screws at the corners.

         

        II  Top of canopy frame

           \

             \    Rope

               \

                 \    

                   \l   Spike

         

        I've lost my canopy only once since I bought it in the mid 80's. And that was last year. It was so windy it even pulled out the dog stakes. Needless to say, I don't, and never have, owned any weight bags.

        When you're doing a show on the ocean in New England, you learn real quick that weights don't work at all.

        • Karole Bowlds > Chris Hoyt April 17, 2011 at 10:52am

          So true Chris!

          Weights can actually be MORE dangerous here. I have never used weights. My Dad told me to use ratcheting tie downs with screw in large dog tie outs. I have been through surprise squalls with my Ez-up. Rain, thunder, lightening, hail and coastal Maine winds. My tent is sturdy. I use a ratcheting tie down at the center of 3 sides, and stake it down with the large dog tie outs, or 10 inch spikes. This also prevents the frame from doing the rocking action in windy conditions. I am going to get the stabilizer bars, as this will just add that much more stability. And Bonus- my sides don't blow in to knock over my displays! Ratcheting tie downs were like 20 bucks for a set of four- I bought 15 footers. Four dog tie outs at $1.99 apiece at my local hardware store.

      • Mark A Cappabianco > Pat Sarotte February 16, 2011 at 5:54pm
        Hey Chris, me too.
This reply was deleted.