A common question we receive from event organizers and marquee hire companies is: can you put marquees up on hard standing surfaces like concrete, tarmac, or paved patios?
The simple answer is yes. While erecting a marquee on soft grass using heavy-duty ground pegs is the easiest method, installing a quality marquee on hard surfaces is entirely straightforward when following key structural and anchoring rules.
In the video below, Spencer explains why fitting perimeter ground bars is essential for hard surface installations and breaks down the most reliable weighting and anchoring methods:
1. Structural Rigidity: Why Ground Bars Are Essential
Ground bars do not pin a marquee down, but they are vital for structural integrity when you can’t stake into the ground. Think of a marquee frame as a three-dimensional box—fitting a perimeter ground bar locks the bottom legs together, making the entire framework significantly stronger and more rigid against wind movement.
2. Inspecting the Site for Natural Anchors
Before opting for heavy weights or drilling:
- Check the surrounding area—patios and paved courtyards often feature nearby flower beds, soil borders, or boundary structures.
- If soft ground is accessible nearby, use extended tie-down straps anchored into the soil with heavy-duty stakes.
3. Weighting & Drilling Options on Hard Ground
- Water Butts (Recommended): Water containers are the most efficient weighting solution. They are light to transport to the site when empty and only filled using a hosepipe once strapped into position.
- Concrete Blocks & Sandbags: Suitable alternatives when a water source isn’t available on-site.
- Drilling Anchors: Drilling expanding anchor bolts directly into the surface is usually restricted to commercial car parks or old tennis courts. Always ensure holes are filled with an appropriate outdoor filler after dismantling.
Critical Safety Rule: Always strap weights directly against the marquee frame legs. Placing weights further away creates slack, allowing the weight to drag slightly during gusts, which loses most of its holding effectiveness.