A stretch tent, also called a bedouin tent, is a tent made of one large sheet of elastic, waterproof fabric that is stretched over wooden poles and tensioned to the ground with straps and pegs. There is no fixed frame: the tension in the fabric gives the tent its shape. That is why the same tent can be set up high or low, open or closed, and in different shapes.
Stretch tent, bedouin tent, nomad tent: one product
Stretch tent, stretchtent, bedouin tent, nomad tent and freeform tent all describe the same type of tent. In French it is called tente stretch, tente nomade or tente berbère, in Spanish carpa beduina, carpa tensada or jaima, and in Dutch stretchtent. The names refer to its open, flowing look, which resembles the tents of nomadic peoples. Technically it is the same product.
How a stretch tent is built
- The canvas: a four-layer stretch fabric of 800 g/m², waterproof, windproof and UV-stable, and flame retardant to M2 and B1.
- The poles: tall centre poles carry the high points, shorter side poles lift the edges. At BT Stretchtents they are made of Douglas (sawn, sanded and treated, 75 mm) or Robinia hardwood (naturally grown, 70 to 90 mm).
- The anchoring: tension straps with ratchets, rope sets and steel ground pegs of 1 m keep the fabric under tension.
Because the canvas stretches, fewer poles, ropes and pegs are needed than with a traditional tent, and the ratchet straps set the right tension quickly, without knots.
Where stretch tents are used
Weddings, festivals, beach clubs, hospitality terraces, receptions and brand activations. Rental companies like them because one tent suits many kinds of events; restaurants and hotels use them to cover a terrace for longer periods.
How weatherproof is a stretch tent?
The fabric is waterproof, and the tents are tested up to 9 Beaufort (strong gale), provided they are anchored and tensioned correctly. They comply with EN 13782, the European standard for temporary demountable structures. Against rain and wind from the side, you can add sidewalls.
Sizes and shapes
BT Stretchtents supplies rectangular tents in nine sizes from 7.5 x 5 m (37.5 m²) to 21 x 15 m (315 m²), the compact star-shaped Cocktail tents of 4 x 4 and 5 x 5 m, and the octagonal Octo tents of 6 and 8 m. As a rule of thumb, count about 1 guest per m² standing, 0.9 per m² in theatre rows and 0.55 per m² at dinner tables. All sizes are on the sizes and capacity page.
Made by BT Stretchtents
BT Stretchtents designs and produces its stretch tents in its own facilities in the Netherlands and Romania. The seams are stitched and finished with a welded waterproof strip. BT Stretchtents is part of Buitink Technology, a Dutch company that has worked with technical textiles, sailcloth and foil since 1949. Standard sizes are available from stock; custom-made stretch tents are produced to order in 4 to 6 weeks.
View all complete sets · Frequently asked questions · Contact us
