Canopy shelters offer a range of uses, from something small and cozy for a backyard barbecue to a large outdoor gathering spot at a community center or country club. They can be designed to complement or contrast with a building’s overall architecture and style, or they can serve as an architectural feature of their own. Canopy shelters are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate almost any need.
Canopies are also useful as an alternative to a traditional classroom space, especially in schools where students often suffer from academic burnout or where the sun can obstruct their ability to concentrate. A canopy outside can provide an engaging setting that can boost student creativity and promote relaxation.
When selecting a canopy, it’s important to consider the environment in which it will be used and the weather conditions that might prevail. A canopy shelters should be able to withstand wind without breaking or bending, and it should be able to resist rain and other precipitation. A quality canopy will include weather-taped seams to prevent water from sneaking in through gaps caused by factory stitching.
Another consideration is the canopy’s weight and how easy it is to transport. Depending on how much weight the canopy will need to support and how it will be transported, a sturdy carrying bag can make all the difference. For instance, a rolling carry bag is the ideal way to get a large canopy from point A to point B. It will allow the user to pull the canopy along a smooth, level surface and minimize the effort needed to set up the tent.
Lastly, it’s important to select a canopy that’s compatible with the ground surface on which it will be placed. Many canopy models come with flat legs that can be staked into the ground, while others have adjustable feet to better suit uneven or rocky surfaces. For those areas where it’s impractical to stake down a canopy, leg weights and sand bags are a good solution.
The frame material is another factor to consider, as some metals are more durable than others and can stand up to the elements better. For example, aluminum is lightweight and resists corrosion, while steel is sturdier but can be more susceptible to rust.
In addition to evaluating each model’s height and floor space, we also tested how easy each was to set up and take down. Most commercial canopies require two people to set up, and the design of their legs can either assist with or impede setup. Similarly, beach canopies and camping tents have insertable poles to create their structure, making them easier to set up than fixed four-leg models.
We also compared how slanted and straight-leg canopy models affected the square footage of shade provided. Slanted-leg canopies, such as a 10 x 10, sit at less than a 90-degree angle with the ground and therefore provide less shade than a straight-leg model. Additionally, slanted-leg canopies typically require more stakes to secure them on the ground than straight-leg canopies.