Compare - Fast Tent Shop

Comparing temporary work
tents and shelters

Fast Tent inflatable work shelters are ideal for applications that require rapid
deployment & relocation but how do they compare to other products?

	Fast Tent	Pop up	Marquee	Tension fabric structure	Container shelter	Pre-engineered metal building
Delivery & shipping	2-3 days	2-3 days	1-2 weeks	3 weeks	1-2 weeks	8-10 weeks
Foundations required	No	No	No	Depends on soil conditions	No	Yes
Set up / build time	1 hour	15 min	2-3 days	1-2 week	2-3 days	1-2 week
Custom colours & branding	Yes	Yes	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited
Maximum size / span	18m	4m	20m	100m	20m	30m
Easily relocated	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Durability	Heavy	Light	Mid	Heavy	Heavy	Heavy
Cost	$$	$	$$	$$$$	$$$	$$$$$

Compare tent types
head to head

Fast Tent
Pop Up

Marquee

Tensile Fabric Structure

Container Shelter

Pre-Eng Metal Building
An inflatable structure uses air pressure to create rigid air beams. In this way, the air becomes a lightweight yet structural part of the building. There are two main types f air building – ‘constant air’ and ‘sealed’.
A ‘pop up’ work tent is a small collapsible work shelter that folds down to a compact, portable size, which will typically fit into a van or the boot of a car, for easy relocation.

Traditionally used for entertainment purposes but industrial grade marquees available. Built in 3m-5m long bays with an eaves height from 2.3m (7.5’) to 6m (10’) on the largest industrial models.

This group of buildings consists of a rigid frame covered with fabric. The cover is tensioned to provide the stable structural support of the building. Because of this, these types of buildings are known as tension fabric structures or ‘stretch tents’.

Typically available in widths ranging from 6m to 20m wide (20’ to 66’), container shelters are widely used in the construction and mining industry. A container shelter can be left open ended or fitted with a back panel and a front panel with a door.

Whilst these types of building look permanent, it is possible for them to be dismantled and moved to another site. Available up to 30m wide with a wall height of up to 7.2m.
Manufactured from flame retardant, reinforced PVC fabric, in a wide range of colours.
Materials
Typically constructed from flexible fibreglass rods and covered with a lightweight, waterproof fabric which is usually flame retardant. The frame and cover are typically integrated.

Traditional marquee were constructed from heavy duty canvas, kept under tension by wooden support poles and guy ropes. However, most marquees used today consist of a rigid aluminium frame which supports an outer covering made of PVC.

The lightweight covering and framework mean that widths of up to 100 metres (300’) is achievable whilst the modular nature means that almost unlimited length is possible.

Container shelter roofs are constructed from galvanised steel arches, either single tubular or double trusses. These are designed to fix on top of any standard shipping container. The roof framework is covered with a heavy duty PVC cover and typically involves a tensioning system.

Pre-engineered buildings are factory-built buildings of aluminium or steel that are shipped to site and assembled on pre-installed concrete foundations.
Wide range of applications in the construction and maintenance. Rapid deployment also makes it popular with military and emergency services.
Usage
Often used for railway maintenance and track welding, pipe welding shelters, police / forensic crime scene & incident tents.

Wide range of industrial applications such exhibitions & trade shows, temporary supermarkets and warehousing.

Great for any project that requires a large indoor space. Very popular as sports / leisure centes, hangers, warehouses and port storage / handling facilities.

Container canopies are widely used by building and construction companies as a temporary workshop or storage area.

Pre-engineered metal buildings are ideally suited to semi-permanent industrial buildings and warehouses.
Excellent insulation, compact storage volume, very easy to deploy and relocate
Advantages
Very fast to erect. Available in a wide range of colours. Easy to purchase and ship.

Do not require expensive foundations. Widely available from many suppliers. Industrial grade marquees suitable for medium term projects up to 2 years.

Available in large sizes, stretched tents can be lifted into position by crane. Tensioned fabric structures are ‘clear span’, offering huge amounts of interior space.

Utilises containers for side walls which may already be on site and which can provide a secure storage space. No foundations required.

Similar features to a permanent building.
Requires a power supply for fans / blowers.
Disadvantages
Only available up to 4m (13’) width. Not very durable.

Height may restrict construction uses. Not easy to setup & move rapidly.

Larger structures may require dedicated foundations. Needs specialist knowledge to construct.

Limited widths. End walls are doors are typically optional extras.

Difficult to relocate. Expensive.