FAQs

Got a question?

Here on our FAQs page, you’ll find the answers to all of the questions we get asked most often about our tipis. We hope you find the answer you need, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll get back to you with an answer right away. 

FAQs

Got a question?

Here on our FAQs page, you’ll find the answers to all of the questions we get asked most often about our tipis. We hope you find the answer you need, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll get back to you with an answer right away. 

What are the tipis made of?

Main Canvas

For all our canvas products, we use the Coated Campshield fabric that is manufactured by TenCate Protective Fabrics, the world market leader in outdoor fabrics. It is a coated polycotton canvas fabric that is the absolute best fabric on the market for tipi construction. Why? It is highly water-resistant while being breathable, and inherently flame-retardant, in addition to being rot-resistant and UV-protective. For more information, please see our Canvas page.

Mudwall

When testing the tipis in the field, we found it to be incredibly important to use the strongest and best-performing fabric to reinforce the edge of the tipis. This section of the tipis is called the “mudwall” and it is along the mudwall edges that our reinforced D-rings are located, which in turn are used to tension the tipis in a variety of formations.

Due to extreme weather conditions, and tensioning the tipis being of utmost importance to ensure a watertight, safe structure, we sourced an incredible Cordura fabric that offers the kind of performance and durability that our customers have come to rely on. The CORDURA® brand was founded on developing advanced fabric technologies that protect the military and as such, our mudwall fabric is military-graded, tear-resistant advanced Cordura fabric that acts as the perfect trim for the tipis. Due to this incredible Cordura fabric, our tipis continue to perform time and time again. 

Woodwork

Our tipi framework consists of nine main poles and nine purlin beams that are interlocked together using our uniquely engineered metalwork. The poles are slow-grown Scandinavian Spruce, which we debark and taper inhouse utilising a one-of-a-kind machine. The strength and consistency of our poles are what stand us ahead and above our competitors. For more information, please see our tipi poles page.

What are the tipis made of?

Main Canvas

For all our canvas products, we use the Coated Campshield fabric that is manufactured by TenCate Protective Fabrics, the world market leader in outdoor fabrics. It is a coated polycotton canvas fabric that is the absolute best fabric on the market for tipi construction. Why? It is highly water-resistant while being breathable, and inherently flame-retardant, in addition to being rot-resistant and UV-protective. For more information, please see our Canvas page.

Mudwall

When testing the tipis in the field, we found it to be incredibly important to use the strongest and best-performing fabric to reinforce the edge of the tipis. This section of the tipis is called the “mudwall” and it is along the mudwall edges that our reinforced D-rings are located, which in turn are used to tension the tipis in a variety of formations.

Due to extreme weather conditions, and tensioning the tipis being of utmost importance to ensure a watertight, safe structure, we sourced an incredible Cordura fabric that offers the kind of performance and durability that our customers have come to rely on. The CORDURA® brand was founded on developing advanced fabric technologies that protect the military and as such, our mudwall fabric is military-graded, tear-resistant advanced Cordura fabric that acts as the perfect trim for the tipis. Due to this incredible Cordura fabric, our tipis continue to perform time and time again. 

Woodwork

Our tipi framework consists of nine main poles and nine purlin beams that are interlocked together using our uniquely engineered metalwork. The poles are slow-grown Scandinavian Spruce, which we debark and taper inhouse utilising a one-of-a-kind machine. The strength and consistency of our poles are what stand us ahead and above our competitors. For more information, please see our tipi poles page.

How robust are the tipis?

In a word, very! Due to their conical shape, they are much more robust than a traditional straight-sided marquee. Due to the conical shape, the wind flows smoothly around the structure, minimising resistance and reducing the risk of strong gusts causing significant damage.

Being a British tipi manufacturer, we pride ourselves on producing the most premium tipis available on the market. As we say, “We make the best tipis, not all the tipis”! Our poles are made from the strongest wood available and have been laboratory tested and treated with rot-resistant preservatives. We are yet to have a client who has required replacement main poles and this is proof of the longevity of our framework.

We have designed extra features to further reinforce our structures in the wind, such as the Storm Support Beam – an essential component to add to our Lifting Pole Set when building the tipis on an exposed site with the front lifted.

Traditionally, tipis either have a side lifted for entry, or the sides completely down and entry via a zip for wet & windy weather. We have designed a range of Enhancement Kits that can be fitted into the front of the tipis, that create a weather-proofed entry with giant windows and wooden doors. And with roll-up windows, these kits make the tipis suitable as an all-year-round event space.

How long will they last?

All products have a 1-year Manufacturing Warranty and we advise a regular Maintenance Plan to ensure the longevity of your canvas product. We use a coated outdoor fabric that extends the lifespan of your canvas, making it easier to clean and more rot & UV resistant than the standard fabric. It meets all requirements for your business, including glamping, education, hospitality and wedding and event venues. So if you look after it well, it will last for many years to come. That said, should a repair or replacement be required in the future, our After-Sales team can help provide you with any individual component you might need. 

What colour can the Canvas be?

Our most popular colour, and one that is synonymous amongst the industry, is our Sand beige. This is the colour that the majority of our clients chose to invest in, and the result is stunning, both during the day and at night. 

We are also proud that we are the only tipi manufacturer in the world to be able to offer two other colourways for our full range of  tipis and enhancements. Forest Green and Mocha Brown are already proving to be incredibly popular amongst the educational and glamping sector, in particular when a tipi is situated within a wooded environment, or where planning permission is restricted and calls for a darker colour for the tipis. Our tipi rental client, Artisan Tipis, launched in 2023 as the first ever tipi rental business to use Mocha coloured tipis – a truly unique USP that is proving fruitful for bookings! 

Please check out our Customer Stories page for pictures of all our colourways

What wind speed can they withstand?

We are the only tipi manufacturer to have heavily invested in our wind loadings, using a unique engineering consultancy firm that utilised Computational Fluid Dynamics to calculate the safest wind loads for our structures – the same methods used in the Formula 1 and Fighter Jet industries! Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

Marquees vs Tipis in the wind, which one is better?

In general, both tipis and marquees can be used in moderately windy conditions. However, it’s crucial to consider the specific design, construction quality, anchoring methods, and wind rating provided by the manufacturer for the particular structure you are considering. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper installation, anchoring, and use in windy conditions to ensure safety and minimise the risk of damage. Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

Is The Tipi Company a sustainable organisation?

Please read our Sustainability page for more information about the positive steps we are taking towards Net Zero, with the support and experience of The Growth Company, an award-winning provider of environmental services designed to accelerate the net zero ambition. considering. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper installation, anchoring, and use in windy conditions to ensure safety and minimise the risk of damage. Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

What is the raised wooden base made of?

The raised wooden base is made from kiln-dried, rough-sawn-treated timber decking as standard. There is the possibility to upgrade your flooring to decking or composite boards at an additional price.

Do I need planning?

Yes and No – depending on the type of land and the business you are, a change of use may be required. We recommend speaking to your local planning department. We can assist with the provision of structural specifications to aid with your planning. We have also partnered with The Rural Planning Co, who can help with your application.

Can the tipis be heated?

Yes, you can install a wood-burning stove, indirect fan heater or infrared heaters to heat the tipis efficiently. of structural specifications to aid with your planning. We have also partnered with The Rural Planning Co, who can help with your application.

Can they be used all year round?

Yes, they are intended to be used all 12 months of the year.

How do I build it, or who installs it?

Depending on the application, or the business you are wishing to form, we can offer training so that you and your team can build the tipis temporarily. If you are wishing for the tipi to be installed as a permanent space, our experienced team of Tipi Install Experts can do this for you. Our team can also derig the structure on your behalf if you wish to move it to another location or store it away during your quiet season. 

Can the tipis be built on a slope?

Yes, we offer an additional Elevation Package to include any additional steps or railings.

Do they have windows or doors?

Yes, all our tipis have been designed to receive our Enhancement Kits that include a range of entrances and roll-up windows. Take a look at our Enhancements page for inspiration.

What will the delivery lead time be?

We always aim to meet our clients deadlines – whether that be immediate delivery or planning for a year’s time. As we manufacture everything inhouse, we have total control over our Production Diary and Stock Planning, so we can always help our customers with their business timeframe. 

What maintenance is needed for the tipis?

A well-maintained tipi will ensure the longevity of your investment, particularly if you live in a rural, wooded environment. We provide all our customers with a personal login to our Online Training & Maintenance Portal, where you will find Checklist and cleaning templates.

Do you sell second hand tipis?

No, we don’t. Additionally, we unfortunately can’t offer repairs on tipis that are not a product of The Tipi Company. If you have purchased a second-hand tipi, you will need to quote the Serial Number on the mudwall for us to be able to track the item and offer the most appropriate advice. 

What is the payment process?

We require a 25% deposit on confirmation of the order, with the remaining 75% due 14 days before the installation or when the collection is. There are companies that offer finance should you need a more comprehensive schedule of smaller payments.

How robust are the tipis?

In a word, very! Due to their conical shape, they are much more robust than a traditional straight-sided marquee. Due to the conical shape, the wind flows smoothly around the structure, minimising resistance and reducing the risk of strong gusts causing significant damage.

Being a British tipi manufacturer, we pride ourselves on producing the most premium tipis available on the market. As we say, “We make the best tipis, not all the tipis”! Our poles are made from the strongest wood available and have been laboratory tested and treated with rot-resistant preservatives. We are yet to have a client who has required replacement main poles and this is proof of the longevity of our framework.

We have designed extra features to further reinforce our structures in the wind, such as the Storm Support Beam – an essential component to add to our Lifting Pole Set when building the tipis on an exposed site with the front lifted.

Traditionally, tipis either have a side lifted for entry, or the sides completely down and entry via a zip for wet & windy weather. We have designed a range of Enhancement Kits that can be fitted into the front of the tipis, that create a weather-proofed entry with giant windows and wooden doors. And with roll-up windows, these kits make the tipis suitable as an all-year-round event space.

How long will they last?

All products have a 1-year Manufacturing Warranty and we advise a regular Maintenance Plan to ensure the longevity of your canvas product. We use a coated outdoor fabric that extends the lifespan of your canvas, making it easier to clean and more rot & UV resistant than the standard fabric. It meets all requirements for your business, including glamping, education, hospitality and wedding and event venues. So if you look after it well, it will last for many years to come. That said, should a repair or replacement be required in the future, our After-Sales team can help provide you with any individual component you might need. 

What colour can the Canvas be?

Our most popular colour, and one that is synonymous amongst the industry, is our Sand beige. This is the colour that the majority of our clients chose to invest in, and the result is stunning, both during the day and at night. 

We are also proud that we are the only tipi manufacturer in the world to be able to offer two other colourways for our full range of  tipis and enhancements. Forest Green and Mocha Brown are already proving to be incredibly popular amongst the educational and glamping sector, in particular when a tipi is situated within a wooded environment, or where planning permission is restricted and calls for a darker colour for the tipis. Our tipi rental client, Artisan Tipis, launched in 2023 as the first ever tipi rental business to use Mocha coloured tipis – a truly unique USP that is proving fruitful for bookings! 

Please check out our Customer Stories page for pictures of all our colourways

What wind speed can they withstand?

We are the only tipi manufacturer to have heavily invested in our wind loadings, using a unique engineering consultancy firm that utilised Computational Fluid Dynamics to calculate the safest wind loads for our structures – the same methods used in the Formula 1 and Fighter Jet industries! Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

Marquees vs Tipis in the wind, which one is better?

In general, both tipis and marquees can be used in moderately windy conditions. However, it’s crucial to consider the specific design, construction quality, anchoring methods, and wind rating provided by the manufacturer for the particular structure you are considering. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper installation, anchoring, and use in windy conditions to ensure safety and minimise the risk of damage. Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

Is The Tipi Company a sustainable organisation?

Please read our Sustainability page for more information about the positive steps we are taking towards Net Zero, with the support and experience of The Growth Company, an award-winning provider of environmental services designed to accelerate the net zero ambition. considering. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper installation, anchoring, and use in windy conditions to ensure safety and minimise the risk of damage. Depending on the configuration of the tipis, the wind direction and whether the front is fully open or the sides completely down, Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling indicates our tipis can withstand up to wind speeds of 75 mph.

What is the raised wooden base made of?

The raised wooden base is made from kiln-dried, rough-sawn-treated timber decking as standard. There is the possibility to upgrade your flooring to decking or composite boards at an additional price.

Do I need planning?

Yes and No – depending on the type of land and the business you are, a change of use may be required. We recommend speaking to your local planning department. We can assist with the provision of structural specifications to aid with your planning. We have also partnered with The Rural Planning Co, who can help with your application.

Can the tipis be heated?

Yes, you can install a wood-burning stove, indirect fan heater or infrared heaters to heat the tipis efficiently. of structural specifications to aid with your planning. We have also partnered with The Rural Planning Co, who can help with your application.

Can they be used all year round?

Yes, they are intended to be used all 12 months of the year.

How do I build it, or who installs it?

Depending on the application, or the business you are wishing to form, we can offer training so that you and your team can build the tipis temporarily. If you are wishing for the tipi to be installed as a permanent space, our experienced team of Tipi Install Experts can do this for you. Our team can also derig the structure on your behalf if you wish to move it to another location or store it away during your quiet season. 

Can the tipis be built on a slope?

Yes, we offer an additional Elevation Package to include any additional steps or railings.

Do they have windows or doors?

Yes, all our tipis have been designed to receive our Enhancement Kits that include a range of entrances and roll-up windows. Take a look at our Enhancements page for inspiration.

What will the delivery lead time be?

We always aim to meet our clients deadlines – whether that be immediate delivery or planning for a year’s time. As we manufacture everything inhouse, we have total control over our Production Diary and Stock Planning, so we can always help our customers with their business timeframe. 

What maintenance is needed for the tipis?

A well-maintained tipi will ensure the longevity of your investment, particularly if you live in a rural, wooded environment. We provide all our customers with a personal login to our Online Training & Maintenance Portal, where you will find Checklist and cleaning templates.

Do you sell second hand tipis?

No, we don’t. Additionally, we unfortunately can’t offer repairs on tipis that are not a product of The Tipi Company. If you have purchased a second-hand tipi, you will need to quote the Serial Number on the mudwall for us to be able to track the item and offer the most appropriate advice. 

What is the payment process?

We require a 25% deposit on confirmation of the order, with the remaining 75% due 14 days before the installation or when the collection is. There are companies that offer finance should you need a more comprehensive schedule of smaller payments.