If you invest in glamping tents, you naturally want durable tents that require little maintenance and offer a luxurious appearance. But which materials provide this guarantee? A poor choice can cost thousands of euros in the long term and lead to dissatisfied customers, which you obviously want to avoid.
In this article, we help you determine which materials are best suited for your glamping tent so that you can be confident in your decision. We have been building high-end glamping tents for years and know what works for installations in coastal areas, forests, or hot countries. We explain which materials are frequently used, their advantages and disadvantages, and which work best for your situation.
There are several materials for glamping tents. The choice depends on durability, maintenance, and location. Often, a sturdy canvas (like canvas or polycotton) combined with a durable wooden structure (such as Douglas) and a robust floor is preferred. With this combination, the tent remains beautiful and comfortable for many years, regardless of weather conditions.
A glamping tent generally consists of four elements:
For each element, the choice of materials determines durability and maintenance. Materials that work perfectly at one campsite may be unsuitable at another. It is important to find the right combination for your situation: climate, wind, and budget all play a role
When constructing a glamping tent, the choice of materials is the most important element. Each component, from the fabric to the flooring, contributes to the appearance, durability, and comfort of the accommodation.
Here are the most commonly used materials and why:
The most commonly used fabric is polycotton (50% cotton, 50% polyester) or canvas. These fabrics are breathable and strong. Polycotton combines a natural look with better water-repellent properties than pure cotton. Those seeking a more classic appearance sometimes choose canvas, but it is more susceptible to mold. Acrylic is a modern and durable option: resistant to wear, UV rays, and better suited to humidity.
For the structure, Eastern European pine or spruce is generally used. This wood is economical and lightweight but less durable in high humidity. Douglas fir wood is more robust, heavier, and harder. It offers superior durability and significantly greater longevity. This investment results in a solid and durable structure.
For flooring and interior partitions, softwood such as pine or spruce is most often used. This choice is economical and gives a warm ambiance. For more robustness, you can opt for larch or Douglas fir. These woods are less sensitive to humidity and wear
A good tent fabric should be aesthetic, durable, and easy to maintain. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are the most commonly used types of fabrics for glamping tents to help you choose according to your location and needs:
Canvas and polycotton offer a true camping atmosphere: warm, natural, and breathable. They keep the tent cooler in summer and slightly warmer in winter.
Disadvantage: polycotton can develop mold in prolonged humidity if not well ventilated or waterproofed. Untreated canvas lasts a maximum of two years. For this reason, it is hardly ever used by professionals, as its lifespan is too short. Polycotton lasts on average 7 to 10 years. Good ventilation and moisture treatment are essential.
Acrylic is the versatile modern fabric. This synthetic material is highly resistant to water and UV rays. It easily lasts ten years and maintains its quality well. It works very well in humid or saline climates (mold-resistant) and requires little maintenance.
Small disadvantage: acrylic insulates less (the tent is colder in winter) and offers a more rigid tension, giving less of the traditional tent feel.
PVC is completely waterproof and economical, but not ideal for glamping. In the sun, it heats up a lot and produces a lot of condensation because it breathes very little. The interior can quickly become stifling, which is uncomfortable. For these reasons, PVC is generally avoided for glamping tents
The structure of your glamping tent is the foundation of the entire construction. The chosen wood type determines the strength, necessary maintenance, and lifespan of the whole. Here are the two most used types of wood for glamping structures:
Douglas is strong, hard, and weather-resistant. With a durability class of 3, this wood lasts about 10 to 15 years, even without treatment. It is a bit more expensive than pine or fir, but this difference is offset by its longer lifespan and limited maintenance.
Pine (or fir) is lighter, cheaper, and easy to work with. Ideal if you want to limit costs. However, this wood gets damaged or cracks more quickly in the presence of moisture. It therefore requires more maintenance and offers a shorter lifespan. For a durable and sturdy glamping tent over many years, Douglas is generally the best investment
The choice of materials strongly depends on the environment in which the glamping tent will be installed. What works well in a dry climate may pose problems in a damp forest area. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the conditions of your site. Here are the main factors to consider:
Humidity is the greatest enemy. In wooded or coastal areas, mold develops quickly, especially with cotton or mixed fabrics. Therefore, opt for acrylic or high-quality laminated canvas, which are more resistant to moisture. Combine this with durable wood such as Douglas fir or larch, which are less susceptible to rotting. In dry and hot regions, lighter materials can be used without issue.
Wind is an often underestimated factor. In exposed areas, a solid structure and reliable anchoring are essential. Consider thicker beams and additional anchors. Sometimes, the wind can even make setting up a tent unwise.
In hot climates, ventilation is crucial. Use breathable canvases (canvas or lightweight acrylic) in very hot regions. For roofing, PVC can be used provided an insulating air layer is added underneath. Choose materials with UV protection so they do not degrade too quickly.
Do you rent only in summer or year-round? A polycotton canvas offers better insulation and is suitable for multiple seasons, while acrylic, although durable, is more suited to summer use.
Durable materials like Douglas fir wood and acrylic are a bit more expensive to purchase, but their longevity and low maintenance needs compensate for this investment. Cheap options may seem attractive, but in glamping, quality is profitable in the long run.
In conclusion, which material should you choose for the structure?
Steel: very strong, but heavy and costly to transport and assemble. Steel structures withstand significant forces, but their installation is expensive. Rust protection is possible, but it complicates the design and increases the price.
Wood (e.g., Douglas fir): lighter and often locally available. A well-designed wooden structure can be almost as strong as steel. Douglas fir, for example, offers a warm appearance and can be easily repaired or replaced. Maintenance is generally simpler (no corrosion).
For a high-end tent that requires little maintenance, consider, for example:
Douglas structure + quality fabric + sturdy roof: choose a Douglas frame (with little steel) combined with high-quality fabric and a robust roofing material. This gives you a stable structure, a dry interior, and a warm ambiance.
Minimal metal: limit the number of metal parts (hinges, supports, etc.) to the bare minimum. The less steel or aluminum there is, the less risk of corrosion.
Experience and warranty: work with suppliers who have experience in glamping. They know the pitfalls associated with different climates and offer a warranty on their tents. A reliable brand ensures antifungal treatment and a quality finish, to avoid unpleasant surprises later on.
We often receive many questions about the materials of a glamping tent. It's logical: you want to invest in a durable solution. Here are some frequently asked questions:
It is true that acrylic appears more taut and gives less of the traditional tent feel than canvas. However, it is much easier to maintain. Acrylic fabrics are highly resistant to moisture and sunlight: water flows off quickly, and they do not fade. In a damp forest, you will have much fewer mold problems. However, make sure to ensure good ventilation, otherwise the tent may feel warmer inside.
Absolutely. Douglas wood is a bit more expensive, but it easily lasts 10 to 15 years, while cheap pine is more likely to rot or warp quickly. You thus save on replacement and maintenance in the long run. Economically, a robust Douglas structure is cost-effective because it requires fewer repairs.
Now let's see which materials are best suited according to the location:
In the forest, humidity is high. Use acrylic or specially treated canvas and ensure good ventilation to prevent condensation.
Salt, humidity, and wind require robust materials. In coastal areas, acrylic is the most suitable: it resists mold and salt. Combine it with durable wood like Douglas fir or larch, and use stainless steel (inox) fasteners to prevent corrosion.
In hot regions, a breathable fabric is essential. Lightweight canvas or acrylic fabrics maintain good interior comfort, while PVC roofs retain heat. Protect the fabric with an anti-UV treatment to prevent fading and wear.
In a windy area, a solid and well-anchored structure is essential. Use thicker beams, braces, or steel cables and limit floating parts.
Check the wood and fabric at least once a year. Preemptively replace worn parts (such as closures or seams) and treat the fabric against moisture. This helps avoid major repairs.
There is no single material that is ideal for all glamping tents. The goal is to choose the right combination for your location, in order to find the balance between aesthetics, durability, and maintenance.
Inadequate choices (like fabric that is too thin or cheap wood) often lead to costly repairs. It is much more sustainable to opt for quality: this way, you can enjoy your investment for many years, and your guests benefit from optimal comfort.
Do you still have questions after reading this article or want to discuss glamping tents suitable for your site? Do not hesitate to contact us; we will be delighted to assist you.