COMPARING TENT MODELS
I own a cottage law bakery and sell at local farmer's markets. This tent has been a game changer for me. I must admit, I had to google how to set it up, because the instructions that came with it were horrible. Once I learned how to set it up and take it down, it's flawless. It's also very sturdy, I've had it for about 2 years and it's still going strong. The windows are aesthetically pleasing, but in the summer, it's a hot box, because they do not allow for a breeze to come through. I wish they had the option of rolling up the plastic or even a mesh window to allow a breeze or the wind to pass through, because when it's really windy and if I have the walls up, the tent will basically "balloon" and lift. So I've opted not to use all the walls at the markets. Other than that, this tent is wonderful and so pretty.
Okay, so why 4 stars? I have the ABC 10x10 Church Canopy and I LOVE it so much, but the windows are plastic and don't allow for air circulation, so it's basically a hot box in the summer. I was so excited when I saw the Mesh Sidewalls available on this site. When they came, I did a little dance and then I opened the packaging. Instead of the velcro band (like the walls that came with the tent) it was these individual velcro tabs. It's pretty time consuming, because you have to secure each individual tab and you have to make sure it's lined up properly so you can use the zippers to close it. This took some practice, but eventually I figured it out. Once it's up, it's so perfect. I receive a lot of compliments on my tent display. I understand they made it, so anyone with a 10x10 tent can use it, but I wish they made it with the single velcro strip like the walls that came with the tent.
This is a very nice slant-let canopy. It's easy to assemble/disassemble. The only exception is that the canopy quickly begins to wear and tear in areas rubbing against the canopy bars when the canopy is assembled/disassembled. The canopy should be removed from the inner structure during storms/high winds to avoid flyaways. It would be nice to either reinforce these areas (specifically sew 2 round circles on each side of the canopy for a total of 8 reinforced areas to eliminate the material fraying and ultimately tearing OR provide adhesive circles for the customer to apply in the specific areas needed. In the current situation, the canopy will NOT last one season!
I purchased the white 8x16 canopy which included the steel frame, travel bag w/wheels, canopy top, 3 side walls, a door wall, 6 sandbags for the legs (sand not included) and 4 ropes w/stakes. It doesn't actually state it in the description, but there are a total of 6 wall panels and you can place the door panels wherever is most convenient for your set up. The setup instructions are not very helpful and I had to watch a video to see what I was doing wrong. Technically an experienced person might be able to set this particular canopy up by themselves, but I'd highly suggest having someone help you. The sand bags have 2 chambers that need to be filled to help weigh down the canopy. Personally I used a total of 2.5 bags of QUIKRETE 0.5-cu ft 50-lb All-purpose Sand. The only minor complaints I have are one of my doorways is missing a velcro strap and at each pole where you zip the panels together there is a small gap where water could intrude when it rains. The gaps aren't surprising given where they're located and it's easy to remedy, but thought I should mention it, so people could be prepared. Also, this might be area specific, but for some reason bees/wasps love the peaks of my canopy. It's taken a little trial and error, but some strategically placed Irish Spring soap bars seems to be solving that problem. I'm in the PNW and it's summertime (no rain), so I can't say how weatherproof the canopy is, but it's been up for a little over a month with no issues.
Setup:
Pull frame from bag
Pull open frame enough that you can fit the canopy top on all all 4 corners
Continue pulling frame open until you are able to fully extend all the trusses DO NOT try to extend the legs before this step
Extend legs to desired height equally ie opposite corners, then center legs
Attach sand bags and fill (I used a wide mouthed funnel to reduce spilling)
Install stakes
I used this canopy to cover a deck that is in the sun most of the day. First year if was up for 5 months during the spring and summer and it got through sun, wind and rain okay. Second year the metal peak started to tear through the canopy cover until it went through completely. I was disappointed the canopy top did not last longer. When I went to purchase a replacement canopy cover I saw it was only available with 4 sand bags included. I still have the sand bags from last year, I would have liked to have the option to purchase the canopy cover only.
Really, really like this canopy. So much better quality than others I have purchased.
Wow! I spent $550 on an umbrella FROM SOME OTHER COMPANY last year, it broke with in a couple months. This umbrella from ABC is made way better! The fabric alone is like nothing I have had in any umbrella ever! Very little light comes through the fabric. It beads water on top like crazy and never leaks. We went with the 11 footer and so happy we did. We can even set under it in light rain without getting wet. The lights are made very well and put off enough light to see what you are eating. It shipped very fast as well. You cant go wrong! Forget that junk they have at Lowes and buy from ABC!
I wanted all 3 sides and zipper front, when I ordered, the front was never displayed, so I bought 3 sides, so, do I have to return the 3 sides to get the front zipper opening ? As a set, not my fault.