Things You'll Need:
- Aluminum or steel tubes, measured to size
- Fittings appropriate to the different connections
- Sturdy outdoor fabric or tarp for roof
- Ropes or cables to hold the tent down
-
Step 1
Select the width of the tubing that you will be using. Tubing usually ranges in size from three-quarters of an inch to about two inches. For a smaller tent, about 10 feet by 20 feet, the smaller width of tubing will suffice. For a larger tent, consider using the wider tubing.
-
Step 2
Lay out the area plan for the tent that you will be constructing. Indicate the layout with some kind of marker, such as brightly colored string, rope or marking chalk. You will use this plan to set up the tent, so mark the area carefully and clearly.
-
Step 3
Determine where you will place the aluminum or steel tubing to create the supporting structure for the tent. You will need vertical poles for the four corners. For the two longer sides of the tent, you will also need to place at least one more supporting pole. A smaller tent (10 x 20) generally needs only one single supporting pole. A larger tent might require at least two extra supporting poles along the length of the tent. Set the supporting poles in place, and attach the fittings that will sustain the poles.
-
Step 4
Construct the "gables" of the tent. The gables are placed in a triangular direction upward from the supporting poles of the tent. The angle can vary based on the size of the tent and the ceiling space that you need insider it, but a 120-degree angle is considered standard. The poles that create the gables will attach to the supporting poles, and you will need to use the appropriate fittings for each connection. Various fittings are available, for the peak corners, the peak sides, and the peak ends. Construct gables for the long ends of each tent and for any central supporting poles.
-
Step 5
Attach the fabric or tarp roof of the tent. Utilize whatever ties are specific to the type of material, and secure the roof fabric or tarp carefully to the supporting poles. The roof needs to be fastened carefully, in case of wind or any kind of shifting that will occur from the guests inside the tent.
-
Step 6
Anchor the tent down with ropes or cables. Attach the ropes or cables to the supporting poles, and secure the ropes or cables to spikes that are hammered into the ground.
