Wall Tents 101: All Your Questions Answered!

The following factors help ensure a wall tent will meets your specific needs and preferences.

• Size: Determining the appropriate size based on the number of occupants and intended use.
• Material: Choosing between natural, synthetic, or blended fabrics based on your specific’s site’s needs. (More here)
• Performance: Ensuring the tent can withstand the expected climate conditions, including wind, rain, and snow, as well as ensuring adequate airflow to prevent condensation and maintain comfort. (These details are our specialty!)
• Durability: Evaluating the tent’s construction, including the quality of seams, zippers, and frame materials. (You wont have to worry here – durability, longevity and quality is always our utmost priority)
• Ease & Convenience: Considering how easy the tent is to assemble and disassemble, especially for repeated use. Also factoring in the weight and packability of the tent, particularly if it needs to be transported frequently.
• Customization: Looking for features like stove jacks, windows, or additional entries to meet specific needs. (We’ve got you covered)
• Value: Balancing your budget and cost needs with the quality and features of the tent. (Like everything, you get what you pay for)
• Service & Support: Considering the products warranty and the brands customer service reputation for long-term peace of mind. (We pride ourselves on this part too.)

Want more info? This in-depth guide can help.

Diamond Brand tents aren’t for everyone. If you are in need of a cheap tent to last a season or two, by all means, we can send you in that direction. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a high-performance canvas shelter with a simple, year-round frame system that’s overbuilt to be the last tent standing, you’ve come to the right place.

Our tents are 100% made by hand by talented craftspeople at our factory in North Carolina. The construction materials and methods we choose are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. Can your big-box store tent say the same?

We offer a variety of customizations including different sizes, window placements, door styles, and additional features like stovepipe openings. Contact our customer service team to discuss your unique needs and specifications, check out our Build Your Own Atlas Tent kit, and this detailed article on our made-to-order process.

We love customizing tents and shelters to suit your needs and make them your own. While a fully made-to-order business model is our ultimate goal, we are currently at capacity with what our staff can handle. We are only able to provide our current designs at the moment. The second this changes, we’ll shout it to the world. Rest assured, each piece of craft gear we manufacture is thoughtfully made, with intention behind every stitch.

We’re proud to offer a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs. The size of your tent depends on the number of people, accommodations and comfort level desired. Always consider the average group size for your needs, as well as the amount of gear you’ll be bringing. This guide can help!

We primarily have Pearl Gray and Sun Tan available for our 13 oz polaris canvas. If you are interested in a custom color or material, please let us know and we will see if we have something that will fit the bill.

You can visit our showroom on #FactoryFridays from 1-4 PM at our Fletcher location, where you can see our tents in person and ask questions. Our first-come, first-serve factory tours depart at 1:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

COMING SOON: a list of current customers/partners where you can see our tents up close and personal!

Prices range from $500 (in our clearance outlet) to $3000 (retail MSRP), but vary depending on size, materials, customizations and shipping location. Please contact us directly or visit the sales pages on our website for a detailed estimate.

A folded up wall tent is pretty compact, so they are quite reasonable to ship, costing anywhere between $100 to $1000 to ship via freight truck. Check out our shipping page for more info and contact our customer service team for a specific quote.

Our turnaround time is typically 4 weeks, but can vary depending on the order. If time is of the essence, please reach out and let us know what you’re after and we will try to find a solution with our available inventory.

Your purchase includes the tent fabric and frame, and depending on the model, stakes to secure the tent to the ground and guy lines to stabilize the tent. Don’t forget to check out our collection of optional accessories to protect your investment and extend the life of your wall tent.

We do not provide outriggers or platforms at this time, but we are happy to point you in the right direction to build or source your own.

Protect your wall tent investment with key accessories for added longevity, comfort and protection. You won’t regret it!

• – Shade flys to lower the temperature inside your tent by 10 degrees.
• – Rain flys to provide an extra barrier against the elements for challenging weather conditions
• – Screen doors to provide even greater ventilation
• – Gear lofts to maximize tent space by allowing you to stash items up above
• – Also: Floors, Stove Jacks, extra tent stakes and more!

At this time we do not offer interior options such as furniture, lighting, partitions, and more.

Our canvas wall tents should last 5-8 years depending on usage and environmental conditions. With proper care you can expect them to last longer, up to 10 years or more!

The following factors can impact your tent’s longevity:

• – Weather
  – Duration of set up
  – General handling
  – Set-up
  – Storage

Check out our warranty program or repair services to ensure the longest lifespan for your wall tent.

Diamond Brand tents are weather-resistant through the use of durable, water and fade-resistant fabrics, sealed seams to prevent leaks, strong frames to withstand wind, and proper ventilation to reduce condensation inside the tent.

Wall tents with a proper setup are built to withstand various weather conditions, however extremely challenging weather or storms may require additional support or precautions. In extreme weather, a wall tent can experience damage such as tearing from strong winds, leaking or pooling due to heavy rain, or collapsing under the weight of snow if not properly reinforced. Our canvas is

We highly recommend a rain fly to provide an extra barrier of protection against the elements longterm. Extreme desert or salty environments may accelerate wear, so regular maintenance and care is recommended.

Diamond Brand offers a robust warranty program, reflecting our confidence in the durability and longevity of our products. We stand by 5 year warranty on tent fabric, and a lifetime guarantee on manufacturing/ workmanship or material defects. Our customer service team is always on stand by to support our tent customers with their needs or concerns.

At this time we don’t have enough experience to offer any definite facts or figures about snow load handling capabilities. Our tents are designed to handle moderate snow loads, and snow should always be cleared regularly to avoid long-term damage. It is quite easy to remove accumulated snow from a wall tent by simply by undulating each section of the roof from the inside with a broom handle or other blunt object.

Because wall tents are not that big they are easy to heat, however they do cool down quickly once the heat source is off. Tents can be heated using safe, approved heaters.

One of the customizations options we offer is for a hole on your cieling or side wall to make your tent wood stove compatible. Other heating options include vented and unvented propane heaters, vented kerosene monitor heaters, pellet stoves and electric heaters. We recommend installing a fan to circulate the warm air will help keep you comfortable.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure safe stove usage.

Our tents include window and door ventilation. We also recommend shade fly and fans as effective ways to keep your tent cool in hot weather. Shade fly’s can lower the temperature inside your tent by 10 degrees.

We use high-quality, heavy-duty canvas that is water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and fade-resistant. Our frames are made from durable, rust-resistant materials, designed for long-lasting use.

Cotton canvas is the industry go-to for wall tents. It is timeless tent fabric because it is durable, breathable, and provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warmer conditions. As a result, canvas wall tents are ideal for year-round use in all seasons and almost any environment.

Check out this blog for more on our tent fabrics.

Natural fibers like cotton are not inherently fireproof, although they tend to burn more slowly compared to synthetic materials. Polyester and nylon are more flammable and dangerous in a fire situation.

When fabric is treated with a fire-retardant coatings, it becomes more resistant to ignition and will self-extinguish when the flame source is removed, making it suitable for use in areas where fire resistance is a concern.

At Diamond Brand, we always want to prioritize safety, however we are not a fan of many FR-coatings because they contain toxic PFAs. We understand that in some fire-prone states, tents are required to meet specific fire safety standards so we intend to offer solutions that comply with these regulations.

In our effort to be The Most Sustainable Tentmaker on the Planet, we use sustainably sourced materials and eco-friendly production processes whenever possible. We emphasizes the use of eco-friendly, durable fabrics like cotton canvas, which is biodegradable. Learn more about our sustainability efforts here.

Because it can easily be taken down and set up again, a wall tent is usually regarded as a tent or temporary structure. Temporary structures may not require a permit, however permit requirements vary by location so please check with your local authorities to ensure compliance. In some rare cases, a wall tent may be considered a semi-permanent structure, such as an auxiliary building, studio or recreational structure. It is the customer’s responsibility to determine if their application will require a permit of any kind, and if so, what type of permit is needed.

Unlike other portable shelters, wall tents are freestanding and do not require a base or foundation. They set up temporarily on a simple ground covering, such as grass, gravel or wood chips which can be covered with plywood and whatever type of insulated flooring (carpet, brick, tile, etc) you desire. Of course you’ll want the ground to be flat and level for the most comfort and best drainage capabilities. We strongly recommend some sort of deck or platform for the best results, functionality, versatility and longevity.

A foundation deck or platform isn’t always necessary but is recommended for long-term installations like summer camps or glamping sites. These platforms provide added stability, protection from moisture, better insulation, and an even surface, making the interior more comfortable. A platform also helps to prolong the life of the tent by keeping it off the ground and away from potential hazards like water pooling or uneven terrain.

While we would love to include platform materials with our tents, the cost of shipping lumber would be quite costly. We do provide design plans and specs for everything you will need to build for the best wall tent experience.

The setup time varies depending on the size of the tent and the number of people (and their experience level) involved, but typically, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Of course the first time setting up one of our tents may take a bit longer, but once you know what you’re doing, the process will go faster.

Tent set up requirements are typically commensurate with skill level. Most canvas wall tents are relatively easy to set up with practice. While some some of our tents can be set up by one skilled and strong person, it’s usually recommended to have at least two people for easier assembly, especially for larger models.

In fact, why not buy the beer and make a party of it? You’ll appreciate having a few extra friends on deck to help construct these structures and celebrate the completion. Don’t forget to make sure you have a ladder that can safely reach a height of nine feet!

“Ease” is relative but yes, our tents are designed for simple set up and disassembly, making them versatile for different locations. The process for disassembling a wall tent is essentially the reverse of what the set up process is. You will first remove any interior items and ensure the tent is clean and completely dry. Then starting from the top of the tent and working your way down, while taking care to carefully detach and pack each component for safe transport or storage. A stake puller may be useful for removing stakes when disassembling the tent.

The following tools may help ensure that the tent is securely and properly set up, providing stability and safety.

• Mallet or Hammer for driving stakes into the ground.
• Wrench or Pliers for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts on the frame (if applicable).
• Measuring Tape to ensure proper placement and spacing of the tent and stakes
• 8-10 ft ladder to reach peak wall heights
  

Wall tents are designed for portability but are much heavier and bulkier than standard camping tents. They typically require a vehicle for transportation.

The packed size and weight vary by tent size and materials, but they can range from 80 to 200 pounds.

The most important thing is to keep your tent clean, which can be done periodically with mild soap and water. Even on mildew-resistant material, dirt can accumulate on the fabric’s surface, giving mildew something to grow on.

In addition to regular cleaning, proper storage, timely repairs and “reproofing” are key steps to extending your tent’s lifespan. To ensure your wall tent performs to its best potential, check out these pages for the best info, tips and tricks, or contact our customer service team with questions.

• – Wall Tent Resources
• – Wall Tent Maintenance
• – Wall Tent Accessories

Diamond Brand offers a range of repair services to extend the life of our products. We are happy to guide you through the process of repairs, whether its with a DIY fabric patch, or sending your tent back to our factory so we an reinforcing seams. Our goal is to ensure that repaired tents meet the original standards of durability and performance, so our customer support team is committed to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Store your tent in a dry, cool place, and ensure it’s completely dry before packing to prevent mold and mildew. Learn more here!

Ensure the tent is completely dry and clean before storage, and store it in a breathable, water-resistant bag in a moisture-free environment.

Wall tents can be wired for electricity either on or off the grid, and it is up to the owner to assume responsibility in this case. We recommend consulting a licensed electrician if you decide to go this route.

Wall tents rarely have plumbing for a variety of reasons: drainage, risk of pipe freeze, and of course- space and comfort. Usually a separate outhouse or bathhouse is outfitted with composing toilets, and a good ol’ “pee-jar” or bucket may be in used in lieu of trips outside at night.

Wall tents may be insured but the availability and terms of coverage depend on the specific insurance provider and policy. Please check the specific limits and exclusions for your property under your homeowner’s insurance policy or separate outdoor or recreational equipment policy.

The environmental impact of Diamond Brand tents is significantly lower compared to mass-produced, imported alternatives. While the exact carbon footprint of our tents depends on the materials used, as well as their end-of-life disposal, we have greatly reduced the impact because of our domestic US-based manufacturing, production and shipping.

Further, because our tents are made to order and made to last, fewer resources are consumed over time, as the efficiency, longevity and durability of our tents reduces the need for frequent replacements or overstock inventory. Lastly, we prioritizes waste reduction through our innovative fabric-reuse programs, Moonrise and Revival Tent Rescue.

We are actively researching and developing the newest technologies to ensure the water-resistance and flame-retardancy of our tents without toxic, harmful chemicals. Several of our wall tent and rainfly fabrics are PFAs free, including our Tough Duck and Weathermax fabrics, and our new line of glamping tents is made with coatings that are safer for the health and environment. Stay tuned!

• Wall tents have been in use for much longer than most of us realize. They’re truly a tent that has never gone out of style!
• – Paintings from 1544 show open-faced wall tents standing with pavilions and wedges.
• – A model of a tent dated to the 1600s, and profusely decorated with taped seams outside and fully embroidered inside, stands in a European museum.
• – There are drawings of wall tents being used in military settings ca. 1740.
• – A sketch brought back from England shows a wall tent with overhanging eaves dating from 1780.
• – Long’s expedition of 1819 was recorded in paintings which show the tent in use
• – Numerous woodsman paintings and books attest to its continued use during the 19th century and 20th century

It’s a bit confusing, we know. Other common names for a wall tent include

• – Canvas Tent
• – Safari Tent
• – Outfitter Tent
• – Hunting Tent
• – Prospector Tent
• – Tent Lodge
• – Rancher Tent

There are SO many creative and versatile uses for this type of tent, that we had to write a whole blog about it! Check out this comprehensive list.