Frequently Asked Questions
Design
Technical
Cost
Ordering
Customised Design Questions
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Do you make custom tents?
Yes. We will make any custom tent that is possible. Our design team will work with the customer, the customer’s architect or designer to try to meet your wishes. Customisation 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.
Our custom tent options are available for the customer to choose from.
Do you keep stock of your tents?
No, all of our tents are made to order. In some cases, we might have Budget Merus in stock.
What are the advantages of your tents?
Our tents firstly have a unique and special feel that you will not experience in brick and mortar buildings. Our designs are majestic, allow a lot variety and elegance and are aesthetically pleasing.
Our 3 or 4 roof layers provide natural cooling in warm conditions and added protection of the tent.
The tents are easy and quick to assemble and to break down.
Individual components can be replaced as needed.
Our tents are generally considered to be temporary structures, not requiring building permits.
Do you have a show room?
Please contact us. We have global show rooms where some of our luxury tents can be viewed. But we can always arrange for you to view tents supplied by us at some of our clients, depending on where you are.
Technical Questions
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What is included with the tent?
Please check the product page for each design to see details. Pricing usually includes the shade net flysheet, PVC flysheet, tent body, steel or wooden frames, lining, some curtains and all components. Prices exclude freight and related costs, duties and taxes, wooden platforms, substructures and decking, electrical, plumbing, interior furnishing, fixtures, appliances and installation.
Do you do site inspections?
Where possible we like to visit a customer’s property. It is not always easy to do so however. If the customer requires it however, 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.
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 also have established installation teams who will provide quotations. Another option, depending on the job size, is for us to send a supervisor from the factory and we would quote therefore as requested.
Do you offer installation?
Yes, we do offer installation service at an additional fee.
Does the tent come with an instruction manual?
Yes, all our tents come with installation instruction manuals.
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 your tents be taken down easily?
Yes, one of the features of our tents is 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.
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 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 (gum poles) 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 snowfall regions, we can recommend certain customization. These include increasing the pitched 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. Most of our tents have a triple roof with a PVC flysheet. Our tents and the windows generally have double flaps or a PVC closure.
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Is there a warranty on the tents?
Yes, we offer a limited 1-year warranty on all materials and parts.
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 the tents have a ground sheet?
It is an option, but we recommend alternative flooring such as wood, tiles etc.
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?
Yes, we can supply decking if that is a requirement.
Do the tents have insulation?
We have an insulated double-wall canvas option that can be used for the tent body. It obviously costs more than our standard canvas. We can also make a ceiling insulation layer between the canvas roof and the 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, for use in climates with high humidity or a rain forest.
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.
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 first to need replacing. We sell a water-based canvas maintenance compound that restores UV protection, anti-rot, waterproofing and original colour to the canvas. It can be applied every 1 to 2 years to the outer canvas, depending on the climate, and will add longevity.
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 we offer fire retardant canvas, we do not recommend using open flames to heat the tent as accidents can happen.
How do you cool the tent in summer?
Most of our luxury tents can be fitted with an air conditioning unit. 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.
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?
We offer fire retardant and insulated canvas. Fire extinguishers may be required in certain countries.
Do you sell a product for canvas refurbishment?
Yes, we sell liquid pigmentation that can be painted on canvas material.
Costs
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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 submitted a request for pricing, we will provide a quote. Final pricing will only be established on the completion and approval of plans. Pricing 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.
Ordering
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What is the ordering process for the tents?
Once you have decided what and how many tents you require, a set of drawings 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 cheques. Credit card payments are accepted with a 3% surcharge.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes, we deliver all over the world at an additional fee. By providing your full delivery address a quote can be obtained.
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. Airfreight is an option. Note that the factory closes from mid-December to mid-January each year.
Contact us
Head Office: Gauteng
Frans Vermaas
Street address & showroom: Denel Business Park, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Gauteng, South Africa
Factory: KwaZulu-Natal
Street address: 11 Yellow Street, Ezakheni Industrial Park, Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
USA/Latin America
Gary Flaks
Street address: Suite 100, 7076 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, Atlanta, Georgia 30071
Europe
Marc van den Bosch
Street address: 20 Roosberg, Landen, Belgium
Asia
Frans Vermaas
Street address: Denel Business Park, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Gauteng, South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Frans Vermaas
Street address: Denel Business Park, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Gauteng, South Africa
Australia
Robert Sneeu
PO Box 1827, Broadbeach, Old Australia, 4216
Botswana
Brett Sinclair
Street address: Kalahari Kanvas, Plot 242, Mathiba 1 Road, Moeti Ward, Maun, Botswana
Postal address: PO Box 689, Maun, Botswana
Namibia
Jaco Venter
Street address: Unit 3, 16A Lessing street, Windhoek, Namibia
Postal address: PO Box 86 270, Windhoek, 10 005