Industry Terms Concerning The Instant Canopy and Pop Up Tent

For businesses looking to add to their trade show and exhibit equipment, a wonderful instant canopy or tent is often at the top of the list. There are some terms and features of portable canopies that you will want to become familiar with in order to obtain the pop up tent or instant canopy that will best meet your needs.

Pop up tent

A pop up tent is simply a tent that has been constructed with a framework such that after it is removed from its carry case it springs into shape on its own. An instant canopy works on the same basic framework design as the tent, but the tent has full or half walls while the canopy often does not. These types of canopies are also known as portable canopies, because of their ease of set up and strike.

Water resistant

This simply means that the instant canopy or tent has been made using a material upon which water will ball up and roll off rather than soak through. This is a very important feature if you will be using your tent or canopy outdoors. Fabrics that can be waterproof have been coated with a waterproofing substance, such as polyurethane, silicone elastomer, or polyvinyl chloride, to name a few.

Commercial grade canopy

A commercial instant canopy, unlike a canopy used by consumers, is one that is made from the strongest materials to withstand the wear and tear brought about by repeated use over time. You can expect a commercial grade canopy framing to be made out of aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lightweight and strong, and thus works well when the instant canopy will be portable. Steel is also used for canopy and tent frameworks, and this sturdy material makes an excellent choice if your tent will be used in outdoor venues with variable weather conditions. A commercial canopy's areas that will take the greatest stress, the seams of the structure, will be reinforced and double stitched for strength.

Denier

Denier is a term used to describe the density of fibers used in making fabrics. The greater the density, the stronger the fabric, so you will want to check this number for any tent or instant canopy that you purchase.

Stylings

Portable canopies are available made with water- and fire-proof materials in different styles. While a canopy usually has a roof and legs, a tent usually has a roof with some type of walls. Half walls are also available, and any of these walls can be added to portable canopies. Other additional stylings that can be added to a canopy include the valance, which is an additional layer that hangs from the roof, and can come in a wide variety of colors to mix and match with your tent or portable canopies.

Susan Slobac writes about portable canopies.