When exploring the wide variety of sectional tents offered by CELINA, you will notice that they come in two primary configurations: one-piece tents and sectional tents. While we have previously discussed the key differences between these two types, along with their individual advantages and disadvantages, today we will be taking a deeper look at one of the most significant benefits of sectional tents—their expandability.
For businesses that frequently set up temporary structures, such as event planners, rental companies, and outdoor venues, the ability to expand an existing tent rather than purchasing multiple tents of varying sizes is a major cost-saving advantage. Instead of maintaining an inventory of different-sized tents to accommodate various events, you can simply expand a sectional tent to create the necessary space.
Why Choose Sectional Tents?
One of the most significant advantages of sectional tents is their ability to be customized based on event size, layout needs, and space availability. Unlike traditional one-piece tents, which have fixed dimensions, sectional tents can be expanded or contracted depending on the number of mid-panels and support hardware added.
There are two primary reasons why sectional tents are designed with multiple fabric sections rather than a single, continuous piece:
Ease of Handling – By breaking the tent into smaller sections, it becomes easier to transport, set up, and take down. Large one-piece tents can be bulky and difficult to manage, while sectional tents allow for greater flexibility during handling.
Expandability – The ability to add sections to a tent allows for greater adaptability. Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large corporate event, you can simply increase the tent’s length to accommodate additional guests without the need for an entirely new structure.
This feature makes sectional tents ideal for event rental businesses, corporate functions, weddings, trade shows, and community gatherings. The ability to adapt tent sizes to different occasions minimizes inventory costs and maximizes return on investment.
How to Expand Your Sectional Tent
Expanding a sectional tent is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and the right hardware to ensure the structure remains stable and aesthetically pleasing. The following factors should be considered before attempting to expand your sectional tent.
1. Expansion Direction
One of the most important things to remember when expanding a sectional tent is that tents are always expanded along the length, not the width. This is because the width of the tent is predetermined and remains constant for structural stability and ease of identification.
2. Choosing the Right Mid-Panels
Mid-panels are the fabric sections that are inserted between two tent pieces to increase length. These panels come in different sizes, so it is essential to select the correct size and ensure you have the corresponding hardware required for proper installation.
When adding mid-panels to an existing tent, always check the color and material consistency between new and previously stored fabric sections. Over time, stored panels may become discolored due to exposure to moisture, dust, or varying environmental conditions. If there is a noticeable difference in fabric color, this may negatively impact the appearance of the tent—especially for formal events such as weddings and corporate gatherings.
3. Required Hardware for Expansion
In addition to fabric mid-panels, sectional tent expansion requires specific hardware to maintain the tent’s integrity and stability. The type of tent—frame or pole—determines the exact components needed for a successful expansion.
Expanding a Frame Tent
Frame tents use a system of interconnected poles and fittings that provide structural support without the need for a central pole. When expanding a sectional frame tent, the following hardware is required:
First Expansion (Square Tent): Replace the center crown with two 3-Way or 6-Way Crowns and add three spreader tubes.
Each Additional Expansion: Install a ridge crown, two side tee fittings, two rafter tubes, and three spreader tubes.
Since frame tents rely on rigid support structures rather than stakes and guy ropes, proper assembly of fittings and tubing is crucial to maintaining structural integrity.
Expanding a Pole Tent
Pole tents are supported by a system of center and side poles, along with tensioned fabric. Expanding a sectional pole tent requires additional poles and mid-sections:
First Expansion (Square Tent): Install a mid-piece, one center pole, and two side poles.
Each Additional Expansion: Add one center pole and two side poles. Larger sectional pole tents may also require quarter poles for extra support.
Because pole tents rely on tension to maintain shape, proper staking and guy rope adjustments must be made to accommodate the added length.
4. Selecting the Right Fabric Pieces
Since frame and pole tents use different fabrication techniques, it is important to choose mid-pieces that are specifically designed for your tent type. The mid-panels must match the width and design of the base tent to ensure a seamless fit.
To confirm that you have the correct components for tent expansion, compare the tubing, poles, and fabric panels to those used in larger versions of the sectional tent you are expanding. If you are unsure about compatibility, the Celina Layout Handbook is a valuable reference that allows you to quickly review tent brands and hardware counts.
Maximize Your Investment with Sectional Tents
For event professionals and rental businesses, sectional tents offer a level of adaptability that is unmatched by traditional one-piece tents. The ability to modify the tent’s size based on specific needs reduces costs, simplifies inventory management, and ensures greater versatility when catering to different events.
If you are considering expanding your sectional tent, the team at CELINA is here to help. Whether you need assistance in selecting the right mid-panels, hardware, or fabric components, we can provide expert guidance to ensure your tent expansion is seamless and efficient.
Get Expert Assistance for Your Sectional Tent Expansion
Expanding a sectional tent requires careful planning and the right components. If you have questions about selecting the correct hardware, fabric, or support structures, our team is here to assist.
Call us: (844) 801-9588
Email us: Sales@GetTent.com
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At CELINA, we are dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your event and business needs. Contact us today to learn more about how sectional tents can provide maximum flexibility, durability, and cost efficiency for your events.
