Sectional or One-Piece Party Tents: A Sum of Their Parts
When selecting the perfect party tents for your event, you’ll eventually face an important decision: sectional tents or one-piece tents? This choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s ease of installation, flexibility, or long-term durability. Before diving into the specifics, let’s define these two styles of party tents to help you make the best decision.
What Are Sectional Party Tents?
Sectional party tents consist of multiple fabric panels that are joined together to create the canopy. These sections can be laced or fastened to form the desired dimensions for your tent. This modular design offers unique advantages, particularly for larger events or rental companies with varied needs.

What Are One-Piece Party Tents?
One-piece party tents are manufactured as a single, continuous fabric top. This design simplifies storage, transport, and installation, making it a popular choice for smaller events or businesses with limited storage capacity.

One-Piece Party Tents: Single and Simple
For smaller events or companies seeking simplicity, one-piece party tents are a practical solution. The entire tent top is stored in a single bag, making it easy to pack, load, and transport to the installation site. Once on-site, the tent is ready for immediate setup.
However, as tent sizes increase, one-piece tops can become bulky and heavy. Rolling and storing the larger fabric can be challenging, especially for frequent installations. Additionally, if the fabric sustains significant damage, the entire piece may need replacement, which can be costly and inefficient.
Sectional Party Tents: Divide and Conquer
Sectional party tents offer unmatched flexibility and versatility. By combining interchangeable sections, you can customize the length and configuration of your tent to suit different events. This mix-and-match capability is ideal for event rental businesses with a large inventory of tents.
For example, sectional tops with grommet or lace connections allow you to expand or reduce the tent size as needed. If one section becomes damaged, it can be replaced without the expense of buying an entirely new top. This modular design makes sectional party tents a cost-effective and adaptable option for large-scale events.
On the flip side, sectional party tents require more time and effort during installation. Remembering all the pieces and properly connecting them on-site is essential for a smooth setup. The lacing process, which involves combining lace lines and grommet lines, adds an extra step before attaching the tent top to the frame or poles.
Which Party Tent Style Is Right for You?
When choosing between one-piece and sectional party tents, consider your specific needs:
- For simplicity and ease of use: One-piece party tents are ideal for smaller events or companies with limited storage space.
- For flexibility and cost efficiency: Sectional party tents provide the versatility to adapt to various event sizes and configurations.
At CELINA, we offer an extensive selection of party tents in a variety of brands, styles, sizes, and configurations. Whether you need the convenience of a one-piece top or the adaptability of sectional options, we’ve got you covered.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Best Party Tent
Ready to find the perfect tent for your next event? Contact CELINA today! Our team of Customer Account Managers is here to help. Chat with us online, call us at (844) 801-9588, or email us at Sales@GetTent.com. Let us guide you to the best party tents for your needs!
FAQ
What’s the difference between sectional and one-piece party tents?
Sectional tents use multiple connected fabric panels, while one-piece tents feature a single continuous top. Sectional tents offer flexibility to adjust size or replace damaged sections. One-piece tents simplify setup and storage, making them perfect for smaller events. Celina provides both styles to match your event size and logistics needs.
Are sectional tents harder to set up than one-piece tents?
Sectional tents require additional assembly because the panels must be connected on-site, which can take extra time. One-piece tents are faster to install since the entire top is already assembled. Celina’s sectional tents are designed with user-friendly lace and grommet systems to make installation smooth and efficient for professional crews.
Which tent type lasts longer—sectional or one-piece?
Both can last for years with proper care, but sectional tents often have an advantage in longevity because damaged sections can be replaced individually. This reduces wear and extends the tent’s service life. Celina’s commercial-grade fabrics and reinforced seams ensure durability across both options.
Can I expand a one-piece party tent later?
No, one-piece tents are fixed in size, while sectional tents are modular and can be expanded or reduced as needed. Event rental companies often prefer sectional tents for this reason. Celina offers compatible extensions and accessories that make sectional setups easy to adapt for multiple event sizes.
Which type of tent is best for rental companies?
Sectional tents are usually the better investment for rental businesses due to their flexibility, replaceable parts, and scalability. They allow companies to serve different event sizes using the same base system. Celina’s sectional tent tops are built for frequent installations, providing durability and versatility for long-term rental use.