When it comes to covering marquees, there are various materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Canvas
Pros:
- Essential for traditional marquees
- Thick, tough material
- Highly resistant to tearing
Cons:
- Becomes problematic when wet
- Flame retardancy (F/R) issues
Although I don’t specialize in canvas marquee covers, sourcing flame-retardant canvas has been challenging. Despite that, canvas has been used for centuries across the globe due to its durability and strength. The main drawbacks are that it becomes much heavier when wet and can rot if left damp for extended periods.
PE (Polyethylene)
Pros:
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Short lifespan
- Creases easily
- Noisy in windy conditions
- Limited availability of flame-retardant options
PE is the entry-level material for marquees and is similar to tarpaulins and groundsheets. While it’s cheap and waterproof, it lacks durability and won’t last long. Flame-retardant PE is also hard to find.
Poly/PVC (Polyester with PVC Coating)
Pros:
- Affordable
- More durable than PE
Cons:
- Not as durable as full PVC
Poly/PVC is a step up from PE, offering better durability. You’re more likely to be able to reuse a Poly/PVC marquee compared to a PE one, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Pros:
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Can be challenging to clean
- Prone to stretching over time
PVC is far superior to PE and Poly/PVC in terms of durability, ensuring that your marquee remains waterproof for longer. However, without a laminate coating, it can be tough to clean and restore to its original condition.
Ripstop PVC with Laminate Coating
Pros:
- Extremely durable and easy to clean
- Excellent at holding eyelets
- Superior resistance to ripping
Cons:
- More expensive
This material is used in professional-grade marquees, especially for larger structures between 9 to 30 meters wide. Typically, you’ll find 500-700gsm fabric, but some use 800-900gsm with a blackout layer, especially in hotter climates. The core consists of a polyester (terylene) mesh with every 10th thread reinforced to resist tearing. The laminate coating makes cleaning easier and helps the fabric retain a “like-new” appearance, though it also adds to the cost.
At our company, we use 500gsm (Commercial range) and 650gsm (Deluxe range) ripstop PVC with a laminate coating. While we could lower costs by using PE, Poly/PVC, or standard PVC, our focus on quality ensures we deliver reliable, long-lasting marquees. In our opinion, laminate-coated ripstop PVC is the best material available, which is why we use it.
Thanks for reading,
Spencer
