FAQs

Here are our most frequently asked questions from our customers.

How much do the tents cost?

Prices vary by design and according to different material and frame choices. Once you have decided on your design and submit a request for pricing, we will provide a quote. Final pricing will only be established on completion and approval of plans. Pricng is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Where do tents ship from and what is the shipping cost?

Our tents ship from our factory in South Africa. Several factors will impact the shipping cost. We can provide an estimate once we understand what is shipping and to what destination. Brokerage, duties, taxes, and other costs related to shipping are separate from the freight costs.

What is included with the tent?

Please check the product page for each design to get details. Pricing usually includes the shade net fly sheet, PVC fly, tent body, steel or wooden frames, bull denim lining, bull denim curtains and all components. Prices exclude freight and related costs, duties and taxes, wooden platforms, sub structures and decking, electrical, plumbing, interior furnishing, fixtures, appliances, installation.

What is the delivery lead time?

Production takes 10-12 weeks from the date plans are approved and the deposit is paid. Shipping times may vary depending on the port of destination. On average, it takes between 30 and 45 days to ship your order via ocean freight. Air freight is an option. Note that the factory closes from mid December to mid January each year.

What is the ordering process for the tents?

Once you have decided what and how many tents you require, a set of drawing will be generated for you to approve. Upon approval, 50% of the tent cost is required. Payment for the balance is due prior to dispatch of the tents from the factory. Shipping costs can either be paid directly or to us prior to delivery of the order. We accept direct wire transfers and or checks. Credit card payments are accepted with a 3% surcharge.

Who handles tent installation?

Each tent has an installation manual. Some customers set-up their own tents with guidance from our teams as needed. We have also established installation teams in the USA who will provide quotations. Another option, depending on the job size, is for us to send a supervisor from the factory and would quote therefore as requested.

Is there a warranty on the tents?

Yes, we offer a limited 3 year warranty on all materials and parts. Please review our website for more details.

Do you do site inspections?

Where possible we like to visit our customers’ property. It is not always easy to do so however. If the customer requires it, we will get there – as long as all costs are covered. Site inspections are more common when the project is turnkey or for a large quantity of tents.

How long does it take to set-up a tent?

That depends on which tent. Most of our standard tents take only 1-2 days each, as long as the deck is in place. For custom tents it really depends on the size and complexity.

Can the tents be insured?

Yes. Our tents are insured much the same as a home would be. Please contact your insurer for details.

Do you make custom tents?

Yes. We will make any custom tent that is possible. Our design team will work with the customer’s architect or designer to try meet the customer’s wishes. Customization will definitely impact cost and lead time, depending on the complexity of the design. Larger tents may need structural design and approval. It is common and a lot easier to make custom modifications to our standard designs.

Do your tents require a deck for them to be built on?

Yes, our tents require a wooden deck preferably, or a concrete slab/plinth or flagstone would suffice. The tents need to be secured to a solid base, which is easily achieved.

Do you supply the decking?

We recommend that the customer source it locally and have it installed themselves. We can supply but the cost of materials and shipping costs do not make sense. We can also introduce vendors.

Do the tents have insulation?

We have an insulated double-wall canvas that can be used for the tent body and ceiling. It obviously costs more than our standard canvas. We can also make a ceiling insulation layer that lies between the canvas roof and inner liner. This has an insulation value of R3 and is about ¼” (6mm) in thickness.

What frames do you offer?

We offer Mild Steel frames, 304 Stainless Steel, and 316 Stainless Steel (marine grade). We recommend the stainless steel options for any coastal climates where high erosion could be expected. We also use stainless steel if you are in climates with high humidity or a rain forest.

How are tents heated in winter?

We recommend using space heaters, propane heaters, or a centrally ventilated heating system (easily run in through a deck vent). Although our canvas is fire retardant (CPSIA 84 certified), we do recommend not using open flames to heat the tent as accidents can happen.

How do you cool the tent in summer?

It is always advisable to have a local contractor assess, advise and possibly supply what is needed. Most of our luxury tents have an air conditioning unit. Running the A/C through the floor vents is straight forward and works extremely well. Wall mounted A/C or split unit A/C’s also work well. Our tent roofing is designed to allow for maximum airflow and efficient natural cooling. Ceiling fans are also popular and recommended, particularly where the humidity is not close to saturation point. Note also that our windows generally have a PVC closure that substantially increases the effectiveness of air conditioners.

How long do the tents last?

Our tents can last a lifetime if cared for properly. This includes keeping proper tension and keeping the tent clean. It is only in the case of a disaster that one will ever need to replace an entire one of our tents. We use the very best components available and they are all individually replaceable as required due to damage or normal wear and tear. The shade fly is the component that is the most exposed to the elements and typically the first to need replacing. We sell a water based canvas maintenance compound that restores UV protection, anti-rot, waterproofing and original color to the canvas. It can be applied every 1 to 2 years to the outer canvas, depending on the climate, and will add longevity.

Can the tents handle wind?

Yes, the tents perform very well in the wind. For areas of very high winds, we offer a wind bracing kit that will keep the tent body and the tent frame tight and rigid against the wind. These can also be purchased locally. Damage to tents can occur when the tension is allowed to slack and the wind is able to jar the tent body back and forth. This creates wear on the frame and can reduce the overall strength and longevity of your tent. Using vertical wood beams/poles (gumpoles) instead of the steel poles supporting the roof frame, greatly enhances the rigidity of the tent and requires less wind bracing – it also is aesthetically appealing. Running these poles through the decking structure also adds wind protection.

Can the tents handle snow?

Yes, the tents can handle large snow loads. In extreme snow fall regions, we can recommend certain customizations. These include increasing the pitch on the roof, or special roofing designs. With most of our designs. Snow easily brushes off the sides.

Can the tents handle heavy rainfall?

Yes, the tents can handle a lot of rain. Each of our tents has a triple roof. Our canvas is water proof as well and the windows generally have double flaps or a PVC closure.

Are the Tents UV protected?

Yes, our tents are UV protected and proven to handle sun in extreme conditions We have built resorts in Namibia, Kalahari, Sahara, Sonoran and other desert climates, where our tents have stood for many years.

Are the tents fire retardant?

Our canvas is fire retardant and certified to the CPSIA84 standard. Fire extinguishers may be required in certain countries.

Do the tents have hard window and door frames?

It is a popular option to include wooden or steel door and window frames with glass. It is not however a necessity. Soft roll up doors and windows are great alternatives and do not add extra cost.

Do you keep stock of your tents?

No, all of our tents are made to order.

Do you have a show room?

We have a showroom in Pine Mountain, Georgia, where you can feel and experience the tents.  Please contact us to coordinate a visit. We also have many locations where our tents can be viewed depending on where you are.

Do the tents have a ground sheet?

It is an option, but we recommend alternative flooring such as wood, tiles etc. A PVC groundsheet tends to cheapen the tents and has a lot of wear and tear. They are also difficult to replace.

Are your tents considered Temporary Structures?

Yes, in most counties, the tents are classified as temporary structures, not requiring building permits. It is important however consult with your local authority to enquire about permits required for your specific project.

Can your tents be taken down easily?

Yes, one of the features of our tents that they can be taken down relatively easily. It does however depend on the design. Some are easier than others. If they have to be taken down seasonally because of weather or in the case of impending severe weather such as Cyclones, Hurricanes, etc, they can be taken down pretty speedily. The installation of framed doors and windows into the tents will impede this feature, and should be considered. Wooden framed tents may also make this impossible.

What are the advantages of our tents over a yurt?

Our tents firstly have a unique and special feel that you will not experience in the brick and mortar of a yurt. Our designs are majestic, allowing a lot of variety and elegance and are aesthetically pleasing.

Our 3 or 4 roof layers provide natural cooling in warm conditions and the added protection of the tent. The tents are easy and quick to assemble and  break down, individual components can be replaced as needed.

Our tents are generally considered to be temporary structures, not requiring building permits. The average yurt costs anywhere between $55 and $110 per sq. ft. Our tents cost less than that.

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