Glossary of Tent Terminology

Lace End
Fabric piece of a sectional tent that contains lace loops, which combined with other units to create a sectional tent top. Lace loops are fed through the grommets/eyelets in grommet lines to create a secure connection.

Lace Line
The connection that is used to combine pieces of a sectional tent. A lace line is formed by combing two parts, the grommet section on one piece and the lace section on another.

Length
The measurement of the tent, canopy, structure, or shelter from end to end. This is the 'long side' of the tent, or the side of a sectional tent that is expandable to any desired length. When looking at the name of a tent from Celina Tent, this is the second number listed. For example: a 20' by 40' Classic Series Frame Tent has a 40' length.

Longest Component
The longest tube/pole required to install the tent, canopy, structure, or shelter. The length value will help determine the size of truck or trailer that is required to transport the complete system.

Marquee
Another name for "tent." Specifically, a long and narrow tent without sides used for sheltering walkways or defining an entry to a tent, building, or house.

Mesh/Screen
A vinyl coated polyester scrim that is breathable, lightweight, and strong. A remarkably versatile fabric, typical screened mesh uses include printed sidewalls, windscreens, gym divider curtains, banners, fencing, and standard tent sidewalls.

Mid/Middle Section
A sectional tent top's fabric portion that contains both lace loops and eyelet/grommet lines on opposite edges. Mid sections are combined with lace and grommet ends to create a sectional tent, and can be added to a sectional tent to expand it to any imaginable length.

Mold and Mildew Resistant
The ability of the fabric to resist mold and mildew growth on its surface. Regardless of resistance, precautions must be taken with all tent fabrics to store them clean and dry to discourage mildew growth. For internal mold and mildew, see scrim mold.

NSN
National Stock Number (or NATO Stock Number), a 13 digit numeric coded identifying the 'standardized material items of supply' for the US Department of Defense and other NATO countries. CELINA manufactures numerous fabric products that are stock-listed and have NSNs. Example NSN: 8340-01-535-6379.

Occupancy/Seating Capacity
The number of people who can occupy or be seated under a tent, canopy, structure, or shelter. The seating capacity will vary by seating arrangement, such as buffet dinner, sit down dinner, or cathedral/row seating, in addition to any tables that may be set up as well. Click here to view our Occupancy & Seating Page.

One Piece Tent Top
The fabric portion of a tent manufactured to the entire tent area size. The tent or canopy top cannot be expanded or reduced in length.

Opaque
Does not allow light to pass; the opposite of translucent. Standard PVC fabric is opaque. See also Blockout Fabric.

Overall Height
The distance between the base and the highest exterior point of a fully installed tent. For pole tents, the pole pin is included in the Overall Height measurement.

PAR Lighting
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector light; directional lighting instrument whose beam spreads from a very narrow spot to a wide flood. PAR lights are commonly used for commercial, event, and hospitality applications.

Peak Height
The very highest vertical point of the fabric from the ground. The Peak Height may also be defined as the ridge height or apex. Peak and eave heights must be in direct correlation; if the eave height changes, the peak height changes by the same amount. For pole tents, the pole pin is not included in the peak height measurement.

Pin Hole
A small puncture or hole that penetrates through single or multiple PVC layers. Pin holes may cause fabric discoloration due to scrim mold, or allow excess light to pass through the blockout fabric which creates the appearance of 'stars in the night sky'. Pin holes can be repaired using Pin Hole Patch by CELINA; left uncovered, pin holes can contribute to scrim mold.

Pitch/Roof Pitch
The degree of slope in the tent roof, measuring the vertical distance between the tent eave and the peak height of the tent roof. This term differs from the term 'pitch' used in the construction and building industries. The pitch of a tent, canopy, or shelter can be calculated by subtracting the eave height from the peak height.

Pole Pin
The rod attached to the top of a side pole, center pole, and quarter pole that is inserted through the grommet on pole tent tops.

Pole Tent/Push Pole Tent
A tent with a set of individual poles arranged beneath the fabric roof to support and define the shape of the structure. The fabric roof is stretched over the poles and attached to ropes and/or webbing at leg/side pole locations around the fabric's edge. The ropes or webbing are pulled tight, securing to the ground using stakes, anchors, or augers around the perimeter of the tent.

Pole
The structural member used to support the fabric of a pole tent or tension tent. There are 3 standard types of poles: side poles, center poles, and quarter poles. Poles are not used for frame tents.

Polyester
The standard woven fabric used to construct smaller tents, canopies, table covers, backdrops, and flags that are printed using a high definition dye sublimation process. All woven polyester fabrics from Celina Tent meets fire ratings, so are approved for interior and outdoor applications.

PVC Coated Polyester
The standard fabric used to construct tents, shelters, canopies, and structures. PVC laminated materials are available in 10oz, 14oz, 16oz and 18oz weights. All PVC coated polyester from CELINA meets fire ratings, so are approved for interior and outdoor applications. CELINA's PVC fabrics are also made using mildew resistant and UV blocking additives. See also blockout fabric, vinyl.

Quarter Pole
The upright post that supports a tension tent top, located halfway between the side pole(s) and the center pole(s). Two quarter poles combined with one center pole divides the tent top into quarters. Quarter poles are used on 60' wide and 80' wide Classic Series Pole Tents.

Quonset Hut
A pre-fabricated structure that has a semi-circular cross section. CELINA's Truss Arch Fabric Shelter is a quonset hut, with additional designs for straight-walled versions.

Rafter
Frame tent tubing that runs from a side tee (eave) fitting to the peak/crown fitting.

Rail Skirt/Rail Curtain
A divider or half-wall used to create a partition or railing for exhibit booths, trade shows, gaming booths, etc. They are attached to the tent legs with additional hardware and are often custom printed with branding or advertising.

Ratchet Buckle Assembly
Mechanical tension device used in guy lines to secure a tent, canopy, shelter, or structure to the ground. Operated by hand, ratchet buckle assemblies replace old fashioned rope tie downs. A complete ratchet buckle assembly includes a ratchet buckle strap and a loop strap, made out of webbing and ratchet buckle hardware.

Rendering
A product image that incorporates the customer's graphic or photo, demonstrating what a custom printed product will look like after production. Renderings are generated by Celina's customer service team and approved by the customer prior to the start of custom printed product production.

Scrim
Coarse woven polyester threads used for reinforcement in both laminated PVC vinyl and coated PVC vinyl. The flexible scrim material is encapsulated in PVC using either a lamination or coating process to create the fabric. Scrim adds the tensile strength to the PVC material.

Scrim Mold
Mold or mildew which grows inside the canopy fabric. This occurs when moisture penetrates the scrim through small abrasions and/or pin holes in the laminated or coated PVC film layer. Scrim mold will cause discoloration to the vinyl, and cause dark areas in translucent fabric as light passes through. There is no way to remove scrim mold or its effects once it has occurred. Scrim mold is visible through translucent fabrics, but not visible through blockout fabrics.

Sectional Tent Top
The fabric portion of a tent consisting of two or more fabric units that are combined at lace lines to create a single tent top. Sectional tent tops are expandable and can be lengthened to any desired length by adding mid sections. A standard sectional tent top consists of two ends and a mid-section.

Series
The identity assigned to a tent, canopy, structure, or shelter and used to identify the unique characteristics between sizes, styles, and class types. Also see brand.

GetTent.com Brands are as follows:

Sewn Seam
The joint where two or more layers of fabric, webbing, or other materials are held together with stitches. Standard stitches are created with a polyester thread. This creates a strong, mechanical bond; however, the stitching can create an area for moisture to penetrate waterproof fabrics, in which case welded seams are preferred.

Shelter
The common term used by the military and other government agencies to describe a tent or structure repurposed to meet specific long term mission needs. Examples uses are disaster relief, billeting/lodging, work tents, logistics/warehousing/storage, etc.

Side Pole
Upright poles that support the eave of a pole tent. Side poles are used in conjunction with ratchets/ropes to create tension across the fabric and hold the tent aloft.

Sidewall Rope
The rope line that runs along the perimeter of a tent or canopy, sealed to the inside, allowing for sidewalls to be attached and enclose the tent.

Sidewall
A removable sheet of fabric designed to hang from the eave around the perimeter of the tent, used to block the interior of the tent from the outdoor elements. Sidewalls are available in various types and may not be interchangeable between tent classes. Also called a tent wall or side curtain, sidewalls can be connected through side release buckles, zippers, or hook & loop to fully enclose the tent.

Site Inspection
Process of reviewing the installation area prior to setup to ensure safety and efficiency. Job site inspections review: location, underground obstructions, overhead obstructions, and surface conditions.

Spreader
Frame tent tubing that runs horizontal to the ground when installed. A spreader tube will join corners, side tees, and crown fittings, or any combination thereof.

Squaring/Square a Tent
The process of marking the perimeter and stake and anchor locations prior to laying out the tent fabric. This process is also known as a pre-staking.

Stake Line
The arrangement of tent stakes around the perimeter of the tent. This term is often used when pre-staking or squaring a tent. Stake lines may also be referred to as 'guy out points'.

Stake Plate
A flat piece of steel that allows gang staking or cluster staking by connecting multiple stakes, creating one anchoring point. Stake plates are used on large tents and in situations where soil conditions are inadequate for standard staking. Also see gang staking.

Stakes
Rods, spikes, or pins constructed of steel, wood, or plastic and driven into the ground. Guy lines from the tent are attached to stakes to secure the tent. The most common stakes sizes are 42"x1" and 36"x1" steel stakes.

Strike
Also 'Strike Procedure', the process of dismantling, de-installing, removing, and/or tearing-down a canopy, tent, marquee, or structure. The opposite of the setup or installation process.

Structure
A type of tent where the assembled frame work of heavy-duty box beams or keder extrusions support the fabric roof and define the structure's shape. Structure may also be referred to as a clear-span or free-span tent.

Style/Shape
The geometric form that defines the look of a tent, canopy, structure, or shelter.

Template
The blank file containing product guidelines, form and fit parameters used to create printed products. Used to let customers and the CELINA graphics department lay out designs and artwork on a product.

Temporary Structure
A tent or structure that will be in place for less than 180 consecutive days. The definition may vary according to local building and fire codes.

Tent
A temporary structure composed of a covering made of a pliable fabric, supported by poles, metal frames, beams, columns, arches, ropes, or cables. Tents are also referred to as a marquees, canopies, or pavilions.

Tent Package
A complete tent set, containing all fabric and hardware for immediate installation and including optional items such as upgraded pole or frame systems, colored tent fabric, or sidewalls to completely enclose the tent.

Tent Top
The fabric portion of the tent, shelter, canopy, or fabric structure. The top can be a '1 piece tent top' or a 'sectional tent top'. The tent top combined with frame tubing, pole kit, and/or stakes will create a complete tent. Top options can include solid white, color & white or full color digital printing.

Translucent Fabric/Translucency
Translucent fabric allows light to pass through, the opposite of blockout or opaque fabric. A tent constructed of translucent fabric will allow natural light to come through and may reduce the need for interior lighting when daylight is present.

Truss Arch Shelter
A fabric shelter constructed of arched metal beams that support the roof fabric. Truss Arches can be constructed using single arch or double arch designs. Shelter walls can be constructed using vertical or arched designs. Truss arch shelters may also be referred to as hoop buildings or Quonset huts.

Tube/Tubing
The structural member used to construct the frame work of a frame tent. Common tube lengths are interchangeable between tent sizes. Tubing is available in 4 configurations: Aluminum Single Tube (AST), Aluminum Double Tube (ADT), Galvanized Single Tube (GST), and Keder Single Tube (KST) which is commonly used for legs or uprights for a tent.

Valance
The section of fabric material that hangs from the eave of the tent or canopy top. Valance length and style vary between product brands and styles. CELINA's 3 main valance styles are:

Vinyl
The standard fabric used to create tent tops, sidewalls, etc., made from scrim that is coated or laminated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Also see PVC coated polyester.

Water Barrels
A drum or container filled with liquid and used as weight to secure a tent system. Water barrels are not a reliable system anchoring any type of tent, canopy, shelter, or structure system and should never to be used. For more information, watch the following videos:

Water Repellent/Water Resistant

The ability for a material to resist liquid soaking into it. Water repellent fabric is designed to shed water, but will soak through and drip in extreme downpours. This fabric is both tightly woven and specially treated with a finish, such as a polyurethane backing. Water will bead on the fabric's surface rather than permeate it. Over time, with UV exposure and washing, the water repellent finish can wear off.

Waterproof

Material that doesn't allow water to penetrate the layers. Waterproof fabric is designed to keep the area under the fabric dry even in the heaviest rains. Usually reinforced PVC, waterproof fabric is extremely tightly woven and nonporous, constructed with tightly sealed or welded seams.

Webbing

Webbing is a strong fabric woven into a flat strip of varying width, often used in place of rope or as reinforcement on fabric products. Two types of webbing are commonly used:

• Sewn Webbing: Typically constructed from polyester, this type of webbing is sewn to the fabric or hardware. Sewn stitches create puncture holes in the webbing and fabrics, therefore creating potential leak issues if not water proofed.
• Weldable or Heat Sealable webbing: Constructed from a woven polyester base and then coated with PVC to allow the webbing to be hot air or high frequency welded to the fabric's surface. Heat sealed webbing eliminates all stitching or puncture holes in the fabrics, therefore preventing moisture intrusion or leakage on waterproof fabrics.

Welded Seam

A thermally sealed fabric seam using hot-air, hot-wedge, or RF (radio frequency) welding processes that form a water tight bond. Also referred to as a heat weld, heat seal, or seal.

West Coast Style Frame
The name of the universal frame tent system CELINA uses for our frame tents. West Coast Style fittings are interchangeable with other traditional frame tents from most major tent manufacturers.

Width
The measurement of the tent, canopy, structure, or shelter from side to side. Generally this is the 'short side' and it is not expandable. When looking at the name of a tent from Celina Tent, this is the first number listed. For example: a 20' by 40' Classic Series Frame Tent has a 20' width.

Wind Whip
Damage caused by lack of tension in the fabric, making it flap in the wind. After time, vinyl-coated fabric will become fatigued and the coating will flake off, exposing the scrim. To reduce the effects of wind whip, tension the fabric evenly to eliminate unnecessary movement. Wind Whip should not be confused with Cold Crack, even though the damage to the fabric looks similar. Below is an example of what a piece of fabric looks like that has been damaged by wind whip.

Xylophone

X is always for xylophone.