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Can you make two 6x6m marquees from one 6x12m?

This might seem like a quick question to answer with a simple “no,” but it’s actually something I’m often asked by people starting a marquee hire business. The confusion is understandable, so let’s dive in and explain things in more detail.

A marquee is constructed from different A-frames:

  • End A-frames (where all the joints are 3-way)
  • Middle A-frames (where all the joints are 4-way)

If you plan to mix and match your marquee inventory, rather than keeping them as individual marquees, it’s essential to consider how many A-frames (and roofs) you’ll need for each job. Here’s a breakdown:

  • A 6x12m DIY Marquee requires 2 end A-frames and 5 middle A-frames.
  • A 6x8m DIY Marquee requires 2 end A-frames and 3 middle A-frames.
  • A 6x6m DIY Marquee requires 2 end A-frames and 2 middle A-frames.

From this, it’s clear why you can’t simply split one 6x12m marquee into two 6x6m marquees—or combine two 6x6m marquees to make a 6x12m. The number of middle A-frames required just won’t line up.

A Smart Way to Start

In my experience, a good way to launch a marquee hire business is to invest in:

  • One 6x6m marquee
  • One 6x8m marquee
  • A 6x12m roof

Why? With a 6x6m and 6x8m, you’ll have enough framework to assemble a 6x12m marquee as well. This gives you the flexibility to offer three different sizes, increasing your chances of getting more bookings.

Flexible Buying Options

If you buy a 6x12m PVC roof (as in the example above) but later find that you’re so busy you need a 6x6m, 6x8m, and 6x12m all booked for the same weekend, we’ve got you covered. We’ll sell you the rest of the 6x12m marquee (frame and sides) at the same price as if you’d bought the full set from the beginning, ensuring you won’t be out of pocket.

Thanks for reading!

— Spencer