As an entrepreneur, one does not invest lightly in a glamping tent. You want to know what to expect: what is the lifespan of such a tent? How much does it cost in the long term? And how can you avoid having to replace a glamping tent after just three seasons? It is important to know this because we regularly see entrepreneurs surprised by the wear and tear of the tent, unforeseen maintenance, and often false assumptions about the types of materials.
At Sanders Glamping, we have been building glamping tents for years for holiday parks, campsites, and resorts. When it comes to durability, material choice, and tent maintenance, we know precisely what works and what doesn't.
In this article, we delve into the lifespan of a glamping tent: what factors influence the quality of the tent and how to use a glamping tent in the most sustainable way possible?
A glamping tent lasts on average about 10 years with normal use and proper maintenance. Sun, humidity, wind, and intensity of use play an important role in the longevity of the fabric and structure. By making the right choices and properly informing yourself about materials and annual maintenance, you extend the lifespan and avoid unnecessary costs.
With wise choices of materials and annual maintenance, you extend the lifespan and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
With normal use and good maintenance, you can expect a lifespan of 10 years for a glamping tent. The wooden structure often lasts longer, but the canvas and hardware (zippers, buckles, hinges, window and door closing systems) generally determine when a replacement becomes necessary.
At Sanders Glamping, we effortlessly reach about ten years for a tent. Without regular maintenance, issues are often observed as early as 5 to 6 years.
Several factors influence the lifespan of a glamping tent. Sunlight and UV rays gradually age the fabric, both in summer and winter (UV rays are always present). In coastal regions in particular, salt and sun can lead to additional wear.
Humidity is also a major enemy: rain and condensation cause mold, often starting at the bottom of the fabric. Mold gradually rises and damages the material.
Strong winds and storms strain the structure and can damage the fabric and seams. The fabric may tear or the seams may come apart in extreme winds.
Usage also plays an important role: intensive use and frequent setup and takedown accelerate wear. Maintenance remains the most important factor: with proper maintenance, you significantly extend the lifespan. Without maintenance, it is often observed that a tent shows signs of wear after only a few seasons.
The pure cotton canvas (100% canvas) is almost no longer used by serious suppliers: most modern canvases are mixed with polyester or have a coating.
Pure canvas is practically never used in a professional setting because it only lasts about two years when installed year-round.
Modern polyester or PVC canvases are heavier, waterproof, and easier to maintain, but their lifespan is shorter. These materials generally last between 5 and 10 years.
PVC tarps are also used: this material offers a long lifespan, up to 25 years. The only downside is that PVC lacks charm and becomes stuffy in the sun.
The structure of a wooden lodge is on a whole different level: a Douglas construction can easily support two cycles of canvases, or about 20 years.
It is very important to properly maintain a glamping tent. A well-maintained tent easily lasts ten years or more. If maintenance is neglected, mold, moisture, and wear can halve its lifespan. The difference between eight and twelve years often depends less on the material than on the care given.
Here are some tips for good maintenance:
Clean the tent canvas once a year with warm water and a soft brush. This removes dirt, moss, and deposits without damaging the protective layer. Do not use harsh cleaning products: they damage the water-repellent or antifungal coating, which accelerates the aging of the canvas.
Even the best canvases are susceptible to moisture. Therefore, treat the canvas annually with an anti-mold product. Do you notice mold stains? Use a mild bleach solution and rinse thoroughly. This prevents mold from spreading or penetrating deeply into the canvas.
With proper maintenance, you significantly extend the tent's lifespan. Owners who regularly check and make small repairs easily reach ten years. On the other hand, if the tent is neglected (e.g., stored while damp), reaching ten years is often impossible.
Some elements of a glamping tent are more prone to wear and tear. The zippers and seams are particularly vulnerable. A poorly made zipper can eventually break over time, and repairing it is difficult (and expensive).
The same goes for more fragile seams. Seams are constantly under tension, especially in strong winds. Regular inspections can prevent a small damage from becoming a tear.
The fabric and structure, on the other hand, can be very durable; it all depends on the quality of the materials chosen.
To determine if a glamping tent needs to be replaced or renovated, pay close attention to two signs:
Firstly, the tent fabric: if you notice water or condensation seeping through, or mold spots appearing, the fabric often needs to be replaced. Mold usually starts from the bottom and slowly works its way up. If the fabric is largely damaged, it is advisable to have a new one made.
Secondly, the mechanical elements: broken zippers, torn seams, damaged windows or doors. If the zipper no longer slides properly or if wind and light pass through seams where they shouldn't, it's time to repair or replace these elements.
We regularly receive questions. Here are the most common ones:
Yes, with proper maintenance. In our experience, we see that glamping tents last 10 to 12 seasons. A well-maintained quality tent can last 10 to 15 years. Without maintenance, problems usually appear sooner.
No, not necessarily. At Sanders Glamping, we use a modular system. A broken zipper or a small tear can be replaced separately. This saves time and costs.
Douglas wood is naturally very resistant to moisture, rot, and fungi. Our structures are also designed for good ventilation. With an annual inspection and a coat of stain, the framework remains strong and beautiful for many years.
Not at all. Many think that a glamping tent requires a lot of maintenance, but this is a misunderstanding. It’s enough to regularly check the zippers, seams, and canvas tension. Small repairs and periodic cleaning keep the tent in perfect condition. Our customers also receive a clear maintenance protocol to know exactly what to do and when.
With the right choices in materials, construction, and maintenance, you can influence the lifespan of glamping tents.
At Sanders Glamping, we combine expertise and experience. We build tents capable of withstanding time, weather, and wind. Tents that are not only beautiful on the day of delivery but remain strong after years.
Our structures are particularly robust, made with thicker and well-dried wood. Thanks to this, our frames support two complete cycles of canvases, which is about twenty years of use. This ensures your investment is profitable, season after season.
Whether you operate a campsite in a humid forest, by the sea, or in full sun, we help you make the right choices for your location.
Do you still have questions after reading this article or want to discuss glamping tents for your site? Please feel free to contact us; we will be delighted to assist you