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How to Measure Your Tent for a Made-to-Measure Cover (Step-by-Step Guide)

5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A tent cover has to fit to the millimetre: too loose and it pockets and holds water; too tight and it won't tension properly and tears at the anchor points. With the right measurements we make your cover right the first time. This guide explains what to measure, how to note it down, and which photos to send us. It applies to replacement tent covers for any brand of structure.


Before you start

  • Always measure the structure fully erected and tensioned, never the old cover (a used cover has stretched and distorted).

  • Use a 20 m tape measure or a laser measure, and note everything in centimetres.

  • Take general photos of the tent and close-ups of the profiles, corners and anchor points.


The 6 measurements we need

  1. Tent width: the distance between the posts of a single frame, measured from the outer edge of the profile to the outer edge of the profile.

  2. Total length and frame spacing: for example, 5 frames every 3 m = 12 m in length. Tell us whether the bays are 3, 4 or 5 m.

  3. Eave height: from the ground to the gutter, or to the point where the roof begins.

  4. Ridge height: from the ground to the highest point of the roof.

  5. Slope length: from the eave to the ridge, following the line of the roof. If you cannot measure it, we can work it out from the width and heights.

  6. Profile and fixing type: keder (a cord that slides into the profile's groove), eyelets with rope, ratchet straps or hook-and-loop. Measure the diameter of the groove or of the current keder.


Sides and accessories

  • Side skirts: height (normally the same as the eave height) and the length of each bay.

  • Doors: position, width and type (zip or flap).

  • Windows: number, size and shape (rectangular, arched, clear panel).

  • Gable ends: if they are triangular or curved, send us a front-on photo with the base measurement and the height.


How to send us the information

A hand-drawn sketch with the measurements noted, the photos and the intended use (events, storage, agricultural) is all we need to quote. If the structure is from another manufacturer, tell us the make and model: we often already know the profile.


Which cover to choose

  • Roof: opaque or translucent PVC in 650 g/m² (seasonal use) or 850 g/m² (heavy or permanent use).

  • Sides: opaque, with windows, or fully transparent.

  • Always with anti-UV and anti-mould treatment, and with European T2 fire certificate (UNE-EN 15619) when the tent will be used for public events.

If you would rather repair or make it yourself, we have PVC tent fabric by the roll in opaque, stretch, transparent and translucent finishes.


Frequently asked questions

What if I get a measurement wrong?

Before manufacturing we check the measurements with you and flag any inconsistencies, for example a slope that does not match the width and height. If something does not add up, we call you.

Can you come and measure it?

In Málaga and the province, yes. For the rest of Spain we work from your measurements and photos, and for large projects we consider a site visit.

How long does it take to make a made-to-measure cover?

It depends on the size and the season. As manufacturers with our own workshop in Málaga, lead times are short; we confirm them with your quote.


Would you like to see and feel the fabric before deciding? Request our free sample book or ask for a no-obligation quote. We have been manufacturing in Málaga since 1998 and we ship across Spain.

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

 
 
 

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