What is a frame tent?
A frame tent is a PVC roof stretched over a freestanding aluminium skeleton, with no centre poles inside and no guy ropes outside. The whole structure self-supports and can be weighted instead of pegged, so nothing penetrates the surface underneath. Interiors stay clear for tables, stages and dance floors.
Where frame tents work in Durban
Body-corporate rules across Durban's complexes ban pegs in lawns and paving — a frame tent with weight plates is the compliant answer. The same applies to school premises in Pinetown and Phoenix, driveway functions in Reservoir Hills, church courtyards and any site over underground services. On grass a frame tent still pegs down for wind if the site allows it. Frame tents are one of five structures on the Durban tent hire fleet.
Frame tent hire price list — Durban
Every band below includes delivery, rigging and take-down. These are the Durban metro market rates for a standard hire period (setup the day before, strike the day after the function).
| Frame size | Floor area | Seated guests | With dance floor | Hire rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5m × 5m | 25 m² | 20–25 | 15 | R1,850–R2,600 |
| 5m × 10m | 50 m² | 50 | 35 | R2,800–R4,200 |
| 7m × 12m | 84 m² | 80 | 60 | R4,500–R6,500 |
| 10m × 15m | 150 m² | 100–120 | 80 | R6,500–R9,500 |
| 10m × 20m | 200 m² | 140–160 | 110 | R9,000–R13,000 |
| 10m × 30m | 300 m² | 200–240 | 160 | R12,000–R18,000 |
| 15m × 30m | 450 m² | 300–320 | 240 | R18,000–R26,000 |
What the rate includes
- Delivery to site and collection after the function
- Professional rigging and take-down by the crew
- Weight plates or water ballast — no pegs needed
- Waterproof PVC roof
- Standard hire period: rig the day before, strike the day after
Frame tent add-on rates
| Add-on | Rate | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Solid sidewalls | R55–R95 per running metre | Wind, rain, evening functions |
| Clear window walls | R95–R150 per running metre | Keeping the view with the walls on |
| Roof lining and draping | R1,800–R3,200 | Weddings and formal functions |
| Raised timber flooring | R90–R160 per m² | Uneven ground, heels, rain |
| Carpet only | R35–R60 per m² | Aisle and stage areas |
| Gas patio heater | R450–R650 each | Winter evening functions |
| Extra ballast and storm strapping | R400–R1,200 | Exposed and coastal sites |
| Multi-day hire | +15–25% per extra day | Weekend-long functions |
What moves a Durban frame tent quote
Two things move a Durban frame tent quote off the base band. The first is coastal anchoring: sea-facing sites at uMhlanga, the Golden Mile, Salmon Bay and Amanzimtoti need doubled ballast and storm strapping, which adds R400–R900. The second is distance — the eThekwini metro is one flat delivery fee, but Ballito, Tongaat and the Upper Highway carry a quoted distance charge. Humidity is the quiet third factor: summer hires get vented roofs and open sidewalls at no extra cost, but a fully sealed and cooled marquee is a different quote.
Bands are indicative Durban metro rates for planning. Send your guest count, date and site and you get an exact figure — the quote is free and there is no booking fee.
Frame tent or marquee?
A frame tent is a marquee — the framed kind. If your function needs the classic high-peak canvas look and the site takes pegs, compare the peg-and-pole options under marquee hire in Durban. If the function is small and casual, a gazebo hire in Durban covers up to 20 guests for under R1,000. Sizing rules by guest count are in what size tent you need.
Frame tents are one branch of the range — the rest is at tent hire in Durban.
Common questions
What is a frame tent used for?
Frame tents cover functions on surfaces that cannot take pegs — paved complex courtyards, driveways, school quads and decks. The freestanding aluminium frame needs no centre poles, keeping the full interior usable.
What does a frame tent price list look like in Durban?
Durban frame tent bands run R1,850–R2,600 for 5m × 5m, R2,800–R4,200 for 5m × 10m, R6,500–R9,500 for 10m × 15m and R12,000–R18,000 for 10m × 30m, rigging included.
Can a frame tent stand on paving without damage?
Yes. Frame tents are weighted with plates or water ballast on paving and tar, so no holes are made. That is why body corporates across Durban approve them.
How much wind can a frame tent take?
A correctly weighted frame tent handles normal Durban coastal wind. In exposed sea-facing positions the crew doubles ballast and adds storm strapping; in forecast gale conditions rigging is rescheduled.