At DIY Marquees, we donât just manufacture and sell industry-leading structures; we want to make sure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether you are a homeowner planning a wedding, a pub looking to increase capacity, or a marquee hire start-up, the secret to a perfect setup is in the preparation.
Before you click âbuyâ or start unloading the van, run through our essential site visit checklist to ensure your garden or venue is fit for purpose.
1. The â1-Metre Ruleâ for Space
When measuring your site, donât just measure the footprint of the tent. You need to allow a minimum of 1 metre of clearance around the entire perimeter. This gives you room to tension the roof and, crucially, space for our tie-down kits to be anchored securely. Without this buffer, your marquee wonât just be difficult to buildâit wonât be safe in the wind.
2. Check for Underground Pipes and Cables
Safety is paramount. Our commercial marquees are secured using heavy-duty stakes. Our standard stakes are 500mm, but for extra stability or softer ground, our long stakes reach 900mm into the earth.
- Top Tip: We highly recommend using an underground pipe and cable detector before driving stakes into the ground. Hitting a water main or an electric cable is an expensive and dangerous mistake.
3. Look Up: Overhanging Obstacles
Itâs easy to focus on the ground, but donât forget the sky. Most of our marquees have an apex height of 3m or 3.3m. Check for:
- Low-hanging tree branches (which can tear the PVC).
- Telephone or power lines.
- Guttering or eaves if you are planning to abut the marquee to a building.
4. Evaluate the Gradient
A marquee can handle a gentle slope, but significant dips can cause âpoolingâ on the roof or doors that wonât shut. If youâre a pub or cricket club with an uneven terrace, you may need to consider a flooring system to level the site before the marquee goes up.
5. Access and Delivery Path
If you are buying a large commercial structure, remember that the PVC and metalwork are heavy. Is there a clear path from the delivery vehicle to the site? Ensure gates are wide enough and there are no narrow âtight turnsâ that would prevent a team (or you) from carrying 3-metre poles to the assembly area.
6. Drainage and Ground Condition
Is the ground prone to becoming a quagmire? If the site is at the bottom of a hill, water will naturally flow toward your marquee. If the ground is too soft, even our 900mm stakes might struggle for purchase. Always pick the highest, driest spot available.
7. Power Supply Proximity
Think about your lighting, heaters, and sound systems. How far is the nearest reliable power source? If youâre running cables from a house or clubhouse, ensure they are trip-proofed and that the circuit can handle the load of a commercial heater.
8. Wind Exposure
If the site is on a cliffside or a very open field, you need the extra durability of our deluxe marquee ranges. These are designed with stronger frames to withstand the elements, but even the strongest marquee needs to be correctly positionedâideally using natural windbreaks like hedges or buildings where possible.
9. Underground âHiddenâ Hazards
Beyond pipes, be aware of septic tanks, soakaways, or old foundations. If a site has been recently landscaped, the soil may be âloose,â meaning you will definitely need those 900mm stakes to find firm ground.
10. The âMow Before You Growâ Rule
For the best finish, mow the grass 48 hours before the build. Long grass holds onto dew and moisture, which creates a humid atmosphere inside the marquee once the walls are on. Short grass stays drier, smells fresher, and looks much more professional underfoot.
Ready to find the perfect structure for your space? Browse our full range of marques for sale or get in touch with the DIY Marquees team for expert advice on your specific site!
Call on 01306 87 67 67. Email enquiries@diymarquees.co.uk