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How to choose a PVC tent fabric manufacturer: 12 criteria you can check

1 day ago
4 min read

Choose a manufacturer that can prove in writing what it promises: a fire classification report that matches the fabric you will receive, the fabric weight and base cloth, the coating treatments, how it welds and reinforces, whether it respects your structure's keder, how it takes measurements and what the quote includes. A good offer can be checked point by point before you order.

Here are 12 criteria for comparing offers for PVC fabric or made-to-measure tents, and how to check each one without being an expert.

The fabric: fire report, weight and treatments

1. Fire classification report. For tents open to the public, the organiser or the local authority usually asks for the fabric's fire classification. For coated tent fabrics the reference is the European standard EN 15619, with testing to EN 14115.

How to check it: ask for the full report, not a summary or a logo on a data sheet. It should state:

  • Standard used for classification and for testing.

  • Class obtained (for example, T2).

  • Laboratory that carried out the test.

  • Report number and date.

  • Fabric tested: trade reference, weight and, where given, colour.

If the reference in the report does not match the one in the quote, ask why. Our fabrics are class T2 under EN 15619, tested by AITEX (reports 2024AN2176 and 2024AN2177). We explain this in detail in T2 class under EN 15619: how to read a fire test report and in fire reaction certificates for tent fabric in Europe.

2. Fabric weight and base cloth. Standard tent fabric is PVC-coated polyester, in weights such as 650 or 850 g/m². The weight affects strength and how much you have to handle.

How to check it: ask for the technical data sheet with total weight and base cloth, and compare it with the sample. If in doubt, weigh a piece of known area.

3. Coating treatments. Fabric that spends seasons outdoors needs anti-mould treatment and UV protection, and it must be waterproof. Ours has both treatments and resists oils and greases.

How to check it: the treatments should appear in writing on the data sheet or the quote, not just be promised verbally.

Fabrication: welded seams, reinforcements and keder

4. Welded seams and reinforcements. On PVC fabric the seams should be welded, not stitched, and the areas under load (corners, eyelets, anchor points, pole pockets) need reinforcement.

How to check it: ask where the piece is reinforced, and ask to see a welded seam on a sample or in photos of finished pieces.

5. Keder compatibility. If your structure has aluminium rails, the fabric slides in on a keder cord. If the diameter does not match the rail, the fabric will not go in or will sit loose.

How to check it: a good manufacturer will ask about your keder before quoting. If not, state it yourself or send an old piece as a reference.

Measurements, samples and series

6. How measurements are taken. Most fit problems come from measurements taken on different bases: centre to centre, outside of the profile, with or without drop.

How to check it: ask for the quote to state the manufacturing dimensions and how they were measured. A dimensioned sketch, even a hand-drawn one, avoids misunderstandings.

7. Samples before you buy. Colour, feel and sheen cannot be judged on a screen.

How to check it: ask for the sample book. We send it free to professionals from our PVC fabric sample book page.

8. Repeatability across a series of identical pieces. If you order 20 identical side walls, they must be interchangeable.

How to check it: ask how each piece is checked against the template, and ask for the whole series to be cut from the same fabric batch.

Real project: PVC grandstand roofs and 288 tent side walls, made in Málaga for a major motorsport event in Madrid. See the project

Documentation, transport and installation

9. Documentation for each event. Besides the fire report, it helps to be able to identify each piece and link it to its fabric.

How to check it: ask what documentation comes with the order and whether you can request a copy when you need it for another event.

10. Transport and timing. From our factory, transport across Europe takes about one week once the goods leave. Manufacturing time is confirmed with each quote.

How to check it: the quote should state the manufacturing time and how the goods are shipped. Work backwards from your event date.

11. Installation options. Some buyers install the tent themselves; others prefer help. For tents bought from Plastold, installation can be arranged on request.

How to check it: ask whether this option exists and what it includes, and get it in writing.

The written quote

12. A clear quote. This is the document that lets you compare offers properly. It should include:

  • Fabric reference, weight, colour and fire class.

  • Manufacturing dimensions and how they were measured.

  • Finishes: keder, eyelets, reinforcements, pockets, closures.

  • Quantities for each type of piece.

  • Manufacturing time and shipping method.

How to check it: put the offers side by side and compare them line by line. If one is missing information, ask for it before deciding. See what we make and with which fabrics on our tent manufacturer and fire-retardant PVC fabric pages.

Frequently asked questions

Is it enough for the manufacturer to say the fabric is fire retardant?

No. "Fire retardant" is not a class. What you can check is the classification report, with standard, class, laboratory, number, date and fabric tested.

Which fire class do I need?

It depends on what the authority or organiser approving the event or installation requires. Ask before you order. Our fabrics are class T2 under the European standard EN 15619.

Can you make covers for another brand's structure?

Yes. We make replacement roofs, side walls and gable ends for structures of any brand. We need the dimensions and the keder type.

How long does delivery take?

Manufacturing time is confirmed with the quote. Once the goods leave the factory, transport across Europe takes about one week.

We have been manufacturing in Málaga since 1998. If you want to compare our offer with others, send us the dimensions, the use and the fabric you need, and we will send you a written quote you can check point by point.

 
 
 

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