How to Make an Informed Decision when Choosing a Canopy Type

Whether you are planning a BBQ, entertaining, camping, or displaying products at a craft show a canopy offers shelter from the scorching sun and inclement weather. In addition to providing shelter from the elements, they can also be used for backyard storage and garages. There are many different canopy types and styles to choose from. It is important that you are familiar with the different types, the uses, and the pros and cons of specific canopy types. This will ensure that you are getting the right canopy for your needs.

Canopy Type Considerations

There are three general canopy types: Instant canopies, sometimes called pop-up canopies, Pole tents, and frame tents. Before you buy a canopy you should consider the following: what are you going to use the canopy for, how much space do you have, and how many people is the canopy going to need to accommodate? Next consider if you are looking for protection from rain and sun or just sun. It is also important to consider the terrain of the area that you are going to use the canopy as some require ground anchors. Another consideration should be how often are you going to use the canopy? Is it going to be taken up and down on a regular basis or put up and left up?

Instant or Pop-Up Canopy Type

Instant canopies are the easiest canopy type to use. They offer a quick shade source and are designed for short term use making them perfect for camping, trips to the beach, and BBQs. Set up requires no tools and takes only minutes. Instant canopies usually only require one person for assembly and are lightweight and portable. They are also designed to be compact and have convenient carrying bags which fit in a trunk with room to spare. Pop up style canopies are going to be the most inexpensive canopy type.

Framed Canopy Type

Frame tents are great for small to medium sized outdoor events or short term shelters. Frame tents are supported by poles and do not require center poles or tension for use. This canopy type is still easy to set up but because they are larger they can require more than one person to set up. Frame tents are often the canopy type that you see used for car ports and portable garages. If not properly anchored or left standing year round they can be weak in poor weather conditions.

Pole Style Canopies

Pole Tents have a huge variety of sizes and styles. This canopy type is supported with center and perimeter poles and also require tension to be created by staking the tent. These are meant for large events like outdoor weddings, circuses, or other events that will require shelter for a longer period of time. They are also going to be the most expensive, heavier, and complicated canopy type to assemble. Pole tents will be the most durable though.

Figuring out what canopy type to buy is the first step in making a good decision when purchasing a canopy. Whichever canopy type you choose most of them are available with side wall options and most canopies are going to be topped with canvas or polyester fabrics.

I hope that you have found this information helpful. If you have any further question about canopy types please give our customer service team a call at 1-866-667-8454. Here at NorthlineExpress, home of the “Buy & Try” satisfaction guarantee, we are always happy to help.