As an innovator in the custom canopy tent space, we hear from a wide range of customers who hope to use our tents and structures for a host of applications — they can be used for WAY more than just a shelter from the sun!
Over the last year, we’ve heard from a handful of customers who inquired about purchasing black-out canopy tents.
My name’s Andy Belanger, a product specialist at TentCraft who answers countless tent-related questions every day, including ones about blackout-style tents.
Before we jump into specifics, it’s important to note the difference between a blackout tent and a dark-out tent — we deal with both. A blackout tent is a single wall of black Duranti 600D Polyester fabric, which is thick to block out light, but it’s still going to allow in some light. A dark-out tent requires us to double-up our walls, which does a really good job of preventing any light leak inside the tent. Customers tend to use the words blackout and dark-out interchangeably, so I’ll shed some light on both options — no pun intended!
Why do customers want a blackout canopy tent?
Customers want a blackout canopy tent for two main reasons: Aesthetics and very specific applications.
The completely blacked-out look — especially when combined with a black anodized aluminum frame — looks really nice. This is a great option if you showcase a product and don’t want the tent to distract from the product itself.
Customers looking for a tent that’s completely dark inside (a dark-out tent) typically have a specific application they’re looking to accomplish. We worked with a company that needed a mobile solution for testing LIDAR technology. Video gaming businesses have worked with us to develop blacked-out solutions for video game streamers.
I can imagine trade show vendors showcasing glow-in-the-dark products or who want to create a more dramatic setup for their customers.
If you need a mobile solution that needs to be dark inside and can be set up and taken down in under 10 minutes, a blackout canopy pop-up tent is the perfect option.
What are some benefits of a blackout tent that aren’t as obvious?
Many people don’t realize that blacked-out tents are easier to keep clean than white tents.
But the biggest benefit is the tent’s ability to stand out. Most pop-up tents at events have white canopies with a logo on them, so it really pops when you see a blacked-out tent with a black frame.
Are There Any Downsides of a Blackout Tent?
One downside of a completely dark blackout canopy tent is its weight. Since the walls are doubled up to prevent light from leaking in, it is slightly heavier than a standard pop-up tent with walls.
How Do You Make a Blackout Canopy Tent?
A completely dark blacked-out tent requires double-sided walls and roofs. In between the two wall layers, we also add a liner that helps keep light out.
Our largest challenge with blackout tents is the production time because it doubles fabrication time for our sewers.
Can you truly blackout a tent?
Yes and no. A blacked-out tent will still have some light come through; a dark-out tent will do a really good job at achieving that pitch-black sensation.
How much does a blackout canopy tent cost?
Your final price is going to depend on the size of your tent, any additional printing, and if you opt for double walls for a dark-out tent. Expect to pay between $3,000-$5,500 for a 10x10 MONARCHTENT, which is our heavy-duty pop-up tent.
Learn More About Custom Blackout Tents
Ready to explore a custom blackout tent solution? Reach out to TentCraft today to learn more.
