Which PE Marquee Offers the Best Quality & Value?

A PE marquee is an investment, whether for events, commercial use, or home gatherings—but not all marquees are built to the same standard.

Some brands use thinner steel, lighter materials, and misleading specifications, meaning they may not last more than a season or two before needing replacement.

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compared four retailers' 4m x 6m PE marquees across frame thickness, PE cover strength, weight, fire safety, price, and delivery time.

Marquees Compared:

• Gala Tent 4m x 6m Original PE Marquee

• House of Tents 4m x 6m PE Marquee

• UK Tents 4m x 6m PE Marquee

• Dancover 4m x 6m PE Marquee

  
  

Key Considerations When Choosing a PE Marquee

1. Frame Strength – The Backbone of a Long-Lasting Marquee

A marquee frame is only as good as the steel it’s made from.

• Gala Tent’s frame is 2mm thick, making it the strongest and most reliable marquee in this comparison.

• Dancover claims that its zinc-coated steel frame is 1.2mm, although this may be an ambitious claim. It's a minimum of 40% thinner than Gala Tent's.

• House of Tents and UK Tents use just 0.8mm thick zinc-coated steel, meaning they have the weakest frames, less resistant to bending and damage over time.

Takeaway: For durability that lasts year after year, Gala Tent’s 2mm steel frame is the best option.

2. PE Cover Strength – Not Just About Numbers

A marquee’s PE cover determines its waterproofing, tear resistance, and longevity. Whilst the tents sold by House of Tents and UK Tents both use the number 450 in their product name, this is fairly misleading as this number refers to the tensile strength and not the product weight.

The material is likely to be a maximum of 200gsm, although based on previous tests, we can confirm House of Tents covers are closer to 120gsm, a massive 50% thinner than those used by Gala Tent.

• Gala Tent’s 240gsm PE cover is 20% stronger than the maximum of 200gsm covers used by House of Tents, UK Tents, and Dancover.

• Dancover, House of Tents, and UK Tents all use 200gsm PE, which is lighter and may degrade faster with exposure to the elements.

Takeaway: For better waterproofing and a more durable structure, Gala Tent’s 240gsm PE is the clear winner.

3. Versatile Sidewalls & End Panels – More Control Over Your Space

When choosing a marquee, flexibility in setup is key—and Gala Tent marquees are designed to offer more adaptability than any competitor.

• Individual sidewalls for custom layouts – Each Gala Tent sidewall features a large window with an integrated privacy blind, allowing you to control light, airflow, and visibility as needed. House of Tents, UK Tents and Dancover simply offer a 6m stretch of sidewall with no privacy blind.

• Multiple doorway options – Whilst the marquees from the three other retailers come with a single fixed doorway, Gala Tent models provide three different entrance sizes, giving you greater control over access and ventilation.

• Same versatility across all models – Whether you choose an entry-level PE marquee or a premium PVC model, you receive the same dedication to customisation and usability.

Takeaway: With Gala Tent, you can configure your marquee exactly how you need it—offering more control, comfort, and practicality for any event.

4. Fire Safety – A Crucial Difference

If you’re using your marquee for business, public events, catering, or any setting with heat sources, fire-resistant materials are essential.

• Gala Tent is the only marquee in this comparison that is fire-rated to BS 5438 & DIN 4102 B1/B2 safety standards.

• House of Tents, UK Tents, and Dancover do NOT offer fire resistance as standard—you’d need to purchase additional safety upgrades if required.

Takeaway: For peace of mind in any setting, Gala Tent is the only fire-rated option.

5. Weight – The Clearest Indicator of Material Quality

A marquee’s weight is often a direct reflection of its build quality—heavier marquees generally use thicker steel and denser PE covers, making them more durable and long-lasting.

• Gala Tent is the heaviest marquee at 91.3kg, proving its robust construction and superior materials.

• Dancover follows at 72.5kg, making it noticeably lighter and therefore less substantial.

• House of Tents is just 49.8kg—nearly half the weight of Gala Tent, making it more of a temporary or disposable product than a long-term investment.

• UK Tents claim that their marquee weighs 66kg, despite using identical components to the House of Tents product. It would be likely that the accurate weight is more close to 50kg.

  Takeaway: If you’re looking for a marquee that’s built to last, Gala Tent is in a class of its own.

6. Delivery Time – Can You Afford to Wait?

Getting your marquee quickly can be the difference between a successful event and a disaster.

• Gala Tent offers next working day delivery, even for last-minute orders placed by 3:30pm.

• House of Tents takes 2-3 working days.

• Dancover takes 3-6 days.

• UK Tents has the longest wait—10 to 14 days.

Takeaway: If you need a marquee fast, Gala Tent is the only supplier offering next-day delivery.

6. Price – Does Cheaper Mean Better Value?

At first glance, House of Tents and Dancover look cheaper, but this is due to the use of thinner frames, lower PE quality, and lighter materials.

• House of Tents (£365.00) and UK Tents (£449.99) are lower-priced, but they also weigh significantly less, proving that cheaper materials have been used.

• Dancover (£439.00) is a mid-range option but still uses a 1.2mm frame, which is 40% thinner than Gala Tent’s.

• Gala Tent costs £584.99, but with the strongest frame, thickest PE cover, fire resistance, and next-day delivery, it is the most premium option.

Takeaway: For buyers who prioritise long-term durability and quality, spending slightly more now means better value in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose the Gala Tent PE Marquee?

If you want a reliable, long-lasting, and safety-certified marquee, the Gala Tent PE is the best choice, regardless of the size—offering superior materials, fire safety, and next-day delivery.

✔ Strongest frame – 2mm thick steel (60% thicker than House of Tents & UK Tents)
✔ Best PE cover – 240gsm for real durability vs. lower-rated 200gsm alternatives
✔ Only fire-resistant PE marquee – No hidden extra costs
✔ Heaviest build – A real sign of high-quality materials
✔ Fastest delivery – Next working day, even for last-minute orders

Order Today – Get It Tomorrow!