Weekender vs. Premium Tents: Which One is Right for Your Party Rental Business?

When it comes to investing in heavy duty tents for short-term rentals, company events, or expanding your party rental business, choosing the right option is key. At Tent and Table, we offer two standout commercial tent lines—Weekender and Premium—both designed to deliver dependable performance in different scenarios. Whether you're handling casual gatherings or large-scale functions, these party tents are built to meet a variety of needs. 

Both the Weekender and Premium lines are available in pole tent and West Coast frame tent styles, giving you the flexibility to match the right tent to the right job. Below, we break down the key differences to help you decide which tent line is best for your business.

Pole tents are supported by center and perimeter poles and secured with stakes, offering a classic silhouette ideal for outdoor setups.

Weekender pole tents are a reliable, budget-conscious option for lighter-duty use. They’re made with 14 oz. translucent vinyl and supported by galvanized steel poles. With a manageable center pole height and simple design, they’re great for smaller crews and quick setups—perfect for one-day events or residential-style jobs.

• Center Pole Height: 12'9" on 20' wide, 10'6" on 15'x15' (4-piece center pole)

• Top Material: 14 oz. translucent vinyl

• Poles: Galvanized steel

• Stakes: Hook stakes

• Best for: Light commercial use, short-term events

• Limitations: Not suitable for asphalt or concrete installations

Premium pole tents are built for repeated use, large-scale events, and professional rental operations. These heavy duty tents use 16 oz. blockout vinyl for superior sun protection and privacy, with commercial-grade anodized aluminum poles and nail-head stakes. The 14-foot center height offers a more elegant look and greater headroom.

• Center Pole Height: 14 ft (4-piece)

• Top Material: 16 oz. blockout vinyl

• Poles: Anodized aluminum
• Stakes: Nail-head stakes
• Best for: Weddings, festivals, long-term rentals
•  Advantages: More durable, better shade, longer lifespan

Frame tents feature a metal skeleton structure that eliminates the need for center poles—offering a clear, open interior and more flexibility in setup locations.

Designed for lighter-duty jobs, Weekender frame tents use the same 14 oz. translucent vinyl as the pole version, with galvanized steel frames. These commercial tents have more individual components—each leg pole is made up of two pieces, and each frame piece is typically broken down into two to three segments. This means they may take a bit more time for the initial setup, but they also store more compactly, making them easier to transport and fit into tighter storage spaces. These tents offer great value for casual-use setups or those just starting out.

• Top Material: 14 oz. translucent vinyl

• Frame: Galvanized steel

• Stakes: Hook-style stakes
• Side Height: 7 ft
• Best for: Smaller events, low-frequency use
• Key Benefits: Affordable, open interior, quick setup

Premium frame tents take it up a notch with 16 oz. blockout vinyl and a rust-resistant anodized aluminum frame. These tents also include base plates on the legs, making them more stable on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. They’re ideal for high-traffic use and longer deployments.

• Top Material: 16 oz. blockout vinyl

• Frame: Anodized aluminum

• Stakes: Nail-head stakes
• Side Height: 7 ft
• Stakes: Nail-head stakes
• ​​Best for: High-frequency rentals, long-term setups, hard surfaces
• Strengths: Commercial durability, flexible installations, sharp professional look

No matter which tent you choose, you can count on:

• Durable, waterproof PVC-coated vinyl

• Flame retardant materials that meet NFPA 701 standards

• Sidewall ropes for attaching optional sidewalls
• Easy-to-follow setup instructions

• Approximate seating capacity of 10 sq. ft. per person

• Choose Weekender tents if you're starting out or handling lighter, short-term jobs.

• Opt for Premium tents if your party rental business serves frequent, large-scale, or upscale events.

• Pick a pole tent for traditional outdoor setups with soft ground for staking.
• Go with a frame tent if you need more flexibility in setup locations or want an open interior.

If you’re still not sure which commercial tent is the best fit for your needs, contact us and we’ll help you find exactly what you need to get the job done right. Whether you're expanding your rental inventory or gearing up for a busy event season, we’re here to make sure you have reliable equipment you can count on. Our team is ready to answer your questions and provide the support you need.