Best 20x20 Tents in 2024

The Quictent wedding gazebo is the best 20x20 outdoor event tent due to its unparalleled combination of durability, functionality, style, and exceptional customer service. Quictent (pronounced “Quick Tent”) has been an industry leader in the instant canopy and gazebo industry for many years, so it should come as no surprise this tent provides reliable protection and a comfortable environment for guests. With 400 square feet of spacious interior and customizable features, such as removable doors and sidewall windows, it’s an attractive option for anyone looking to create a memorable event.

Structural Design Features

The commercial-grade frame boasts 1.5” diameter steel poles that have been powder-coated white, differentiating it from most competitors who have raw galvanized steel poles. This is just one of the many unique features of the frame, but one that we love because it allows the support poles to blend seamlessly into the white canvas. The poles have a thickness of 1mm steel walls compared to the popular .5mm used in portable carports and smaller outdoor tents.

Quictent reinforces its frames with small trusses and joists, providing stability and durability not found in many other tents. The gable roof structure features a small horizontal truss bar that forms a triangle structure at the peak and adds reinforced protection against downward pressure in heavy rains. There are 45-degree trusses where the legs meet the side perimeter poles to reduce rotational pressure in gusty winds. These are just a few of the structural elements that make this a best-in-class frame tent.

The peak of the roof measures approximately 10ft high, compared to gable roof alternatives like Peaktop Outdoors and American Phoenix which measures a height of 9’2”. The head clearance of the valance is 6’6” which is higher than the 6'2" average, so most guests should be able to enter the interior of the tent without needing to duck.

Design Elements of the Valance and Canvas

The white roof canvas is made of a 180g polyethylene (PE) material which is commonly used in outdoor tents because it has excellent durability, water resistance, and UV resistance, and is lightweight and cost-effective. It doesn’t offer the same benefits of PVC vinyl used in many 20x20 industrial canopies, as the PVC vinyl is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to fire and extreme weather conditions. But PE is more practical and often the preferred roof material in many large outdoor tents as it provides all the benefits outlined above at a much more affordable price.

The doors and cathedral-style sidewalls are both made of lower quality 160g PE, but still offers more than enough protection as they do not need to provide the same waterproofing properties as the roof. The doors measure 7’x16’ on opposite sides of the tent, are solid white like the roof, and can be zippered shut. We really enjoy that the 6 independent windows can be added or removed individually based on preference. Being able to add or remove panels based on outside temperatures, weather conditions, and even party-specific uses is a great benefit many will enjoy.

The valance extends down over the eaves of the frame and is a straight-edge design as opposed to the scalloped valance found on the Peaktop Outdoors and American Phoenix. We do prefer the scalloped design and think it is classier with a touch of elegance, but the straight edge also offers a nice clean finish that seamlessly blends into the roof and sidewalls.

Easy Assembly for Large Gatherings

We found the instructions of the Quictent the easiest to follow of any of the 20x20 canopies that we reviewed. It arrived in 3 separate boxes and all boxes were fortified with thin sheets of wood to protect the equipment. We still highly recommend opening the packaging and examining the parts right away to identify any damage and reach out to their customer service, no one wants to find out one of their steel poles is damaged the day of their party. Quictent customer service is also the best that we have experienced. They are happy to answer any questions and will reship damaged items promptly if they are needed.

No additional tools are required to assemble the tent, everything needed to connect and fasten the hardware is included. The only exception would be a rubber mallet for the stakes, which isn’t necessary but will help expedite the setup process. All parts are clearly marked with their respective part number, but we found it helpful to write the part number on the hardware with a Sharpie or color code with tape as it will make the identification process much easier. This will save you time down the road and you will be glad you took this extra step.

Once the canopy is fully set up, the 400 square feet of shade will comfortably seat a total of 50 people at 8 ft round tables. The gable roof design does not require a center pole to support the canvas, so there is ample room underneath to have 5 round tables and plenty of space for guests to walk.

The 600-denier polyester oxford black carry bags that come with the tent make storage very easy, allowing everything to be neatly packed away when it’s time to take it down. To ensure the safety of your belongings in damp or high-humidity conditions, these bags are expertly crafted with a PVC coating that provides 100% waterproofing, giving you peace of mind that your items will remain dry and protected.

Final Thoughts

The Quictent Wedding Gazebo is a top choice for anyone needing a large outdoor portable shade tent. With a focus on durability, functionality, style, and affordability, Quictent has created a product that provides reliable protection from the sun and rain and a comfortable environment for guests. If you're looking to buy a 20x20 tent that has many user-friendly features, this large canopy is a great investment.

The American Phoenix tent is another high-quality option, with many similar features to the Quictent. However, there is one standout feature where it outperforms the competition. The similarities start with the gable-style roof and continue to the same roof covering and sidewall materials. The interior is not obstructed by a center pole which allows for a large open tent layout and offers flexibility to maximize seating. Depending on the size and shape of your tables, you can seat anywhere between 40 and 70 people comfortably and still have enough interior space to move around.

The 180g Polyethylene (PE) roof covering offers the perfect combination of UV protection, waterproofing, lightweight, and affordability. The one difference over the Quictent is that the valances are scalloped as opposed to straight. This is a personal preference, but we think the scalloped curves offer a better aesthetic for weddings and make the structure appear less boxy. The doors and sides are independent of each other and can be removed as needed, and all are made of the same 160g PE. With a height of about 7 feet from the ground to the perimeter pole and a top peak of 10 feet, so if used for a carport the tent can likely accommodate any sedan, SUV, or non-lifted truck.

Innovative Design for Ultimate Durability

The American Phoenix gazebo has a standout feature that sets it apart from other 20x20 tents on the market. Most tents only support the canopy top with the use of rafters, which connect the eave pole (side pole at the top of the legs) to the ridge pole (highest point of the tent). However, the American Phoenix connects the rafters together with a joist that runs parallel to the eave and ridge pole. The two joists are also connected via a large steel truss bar, and the vertical pole in the middle connects to the ridge pole. All these features work together to create one of the most reliable and durable 20x20 tents available. In fact, this type of design was engineered after the building code of residential roofs.

The added support helps to distribute weight more evenly across the frame, reducing the risk of damage from heavy snow or wind. Another not-so-obvious benefit is that it gives more flexibility from which to hang interior lighting, compared to others that do not have joists and trusses and need to be hung from the rafters that are further apart.

Weight and Portability

The tent arrives in 3 separate boxes: one with poles measuring about 8’ long, another with shorter poles measuring 6’ long, and the last with the tarp, sides, and hardware measuring about 4’ long. There are 6 different lengths of poles, compared to the 3 used in the Party Tents Direct Weekender, so it might be more overwhelming at first as you lay out all the parts.

Having the additional trusses, joists, and connectors adds a bit of time to the assembly process, but it only took 3 of us about 1 hour from start to finish thanks to detailed diagrams and clear and easy-to-follow directions. In our opinion, the included hardware could be improved as the bolt and wing nuts and screw eyes didn’t seem to be of the same quality as other shelters. We do like the heavy-duty bungee cords that are used to secure the roof to the poles through metal grommets located around the canopy valence. We found stitching around the metal grommets to be fraying but it didn’t impact the ability to tether the canvas to the corner ropes and steel ground pegs.

The total weight is about 220 lbs. which is comparable to many others of the same style. Being able to disassemble in pieces does make the structure portable, but once assembled it is difficult to reposition. It’s worth noting this unit does not come with a carrying bag, so we recommend wrapping the poles in a tarp and getting one plastic bin for the hardware and another for the top and sides to keep everything organized in storage and ready for the next time.

Save Money with Replacement Covers

Depending on how frequently the tent is used, you might need a replacement canopy if the original is worn out due to wear and tear or from weather damage. You can buy replacement covers and sides from American Pheonix for about $270, so if the frame is still intact it could save you about $400 vs. buying an entirely new tent. Replacement covers can also be a cost-effective way to change the color or style of the tent for different events that you might host. Just be sure to confirm the dimensions and style of your roof covering before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

In summary, with nearly all specifications and materials on par with the best 20x20 canopies and the major standout feature in the design of the roof rafters, trusses, and joists it is a tough decision between the American Pheonix and the Quictent. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either one of these options if you're looking to buy a large 400-square-foot outdoor tent.

The Weekender West Coast Series by Party Tents Direct is the perfect solution for those looking for a sturdy and spacious outdoor shelter and willing to sacrifice a bit on visual appeal. The 400-square-foot tent is a heavy-duty, robust pyramid-shaped structure designed with poles that connect each leg to the center peak hub, eliminating the need for a center pole to support the canvas. Made of high gauge steel, the frame is built to withstand harsh weather conditions but the exposed steel legs do not make it the most visually aesthetic party tent. While it might not be the best buy for a wedding tent, we think this is the ideal option for corporate events, festivals, fairs, or community gatherings.

Frame and Fittings

The frame is made of the popular 1.5” diameter galvanized steel and the fittings from 1.25” schedule 40 steel are finished with zinc plating. Zinc plating is an electroplating technique that helps to protect the steel from rust and other forms of corrosion, extending its lifespan and improving the durability of the fittings. An advantage of this frame is the uniform pipe length, facilitating easy assembly. The legs and perimeter are built with two poles, while the corner and hip rafters have three interconnected pipes each, all connected with bolts and wingnuts.

This tent features three types of fittings: corner, side tees, and an 8-way crown. Unlike a tent that uses a center pole for support and has corner and side fittings with three openings, the fittings on this shelter have four openings since the canvas is not supported by a center pole. The additional opening accommodates the corner and hip rafters that attach to the 8-way crown at the peak of the tent. All of this additional steel results in the tent weighing about 250 lbs., which is about twice the weight of a 20x20 center pole canopy tent. Although the heavy weight makes transportation more difficult, it adds stability to the structure and is a tradeoff we believe is worthwhile for those who prioritize safety.

The 8 rafter poles extending to the peak provide good connection points for string lighting compared to the center pole which would only accommodate lighting around the perimeter. If your party is at night, you’ll surely want some way to attach LED lights to keep the party going.

If you prefer a tent with a more refined and sophisticated look, this may not be the best choice for you. The legs are uncovered and the visible steel may not be aesthetically pleasing for events like weddings. In this case, a gable roof tent like the 20x20 Quictent may be a better option as it provides a more elegant design with the canvas extending down from the roof to cover the poles.

Roof Materials, Sidewalls, and Replacements

The roof material is made from PVC vinyl, our preferred material for large industrial tents. Compared to polyethylene material which is commonly used in large recreational-grade tent roofs, PVC is stronger and heavier and a better choice when greater protection is required. The scalloped valance extends over the eaves and has attachments underneath for optional sidewalls. The sidewalls come in a variety of styles and all are made with the same PVC vinyl. While it would be great to have them included with the purchase, we understand why they are sold separately in order to maintain an affordable price point, especially since not everyone may need them. It's worth noting that many other tents offer this feature.

While the open sides provide consistent airflow on hot days, the ventilation under the tent is comparable to similar options. To improve ventilation, we think it would be beneficial for companies to utilize vented roof slots that are commonly found on smaller 10x10 canopy tents. These vents allow rising warm air to escape through the peak of the canopy, which can be particularly useful in reducing heat and humidity buildup.

In the event your canopy gets damaged, Party Tents Direct offers 20x20 replacement canopies so you can avoid the cost of buying a brand-new one. They offer materials in PE and PVC vinyl, as well as a number of different colors and styles, and range anywhere from $200-$300.

This 20x20 Weekender is versatile in terms of its anchoring system, making it suitable for a wide range of surfaces. The frame can be anchored on concrete surfaces and grass, providing a more stable and secure structure that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This feature is not available on the center pole Weekender, which is designed to be anchored only on grass surfaces. The added versatility makes it a great option for driveways and parking lots, providing greater flexibility for different events and occasions.

Final Thoughts

The Weekender West Coast Series canopy pole tent by Party Tents Direct is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an industrial-grade outdoor event shelter. Built with a high gauge steel frame and a tarp roof made from thick PVC vinyl, it is some of the best quality components we have found in our testing. Assembly was a breeze with uniform pipe lengths, sturdy fittings, and quality hardware. While it may not have a refined and sophisticated look, we think this is the best 20x20 option for backyard birthday parties, festivals, and fairs.

Peaktop Outdoors might be a company best known for portable carports, but their large 20x20 canopy is the talk of event planners everywhere. Offering 400 square feet of shade, it is commonly used for events like weddings, birthday parties, farmer's markets, backyard BBQs, or family reunions, this canopy shelter keeps everything under it protected from UV rays and passing showers.

Interconnected Pole System for Added Stability

Constructed with industrial-grade 1.5” diameter rust-resistant galvanized steel poles, this party tent is built to handle anything thrown its way. We especially love that the poles are made with 1mm steel sidewalls, compared to the .5mm thickness on many similar products. Having used both pole thicknesses we must say the difference in quality between the two is noticeable. The frame is relying on all 28 poles to interconnect and support the roof structure and canvas, so the quality of these poles is paramount to ensuring a safe outdoor space.

The shape of the roof is a standard gable design with two sloping sides that meet at the peak, providing a classic look that can be ideal for weddings and upscale events. The valance extends 12" over the eaves and features scalloped edges that serve to hide the metal poles and hardware and conceal the attachment points of the sidewalls and windows. In our opinion, the scalloped edges add a decorative touch and a more attractive aesthetic to an otherwise boxy shelter.

The 20' ground bars that connect the 4 vertical side poles and add stability to the walls are one of our favorite features of the Peaktop Outdoors tent. While other tents only rely on vertical poles with steel foot pads that can be staked into the ground, this design doesn't reinforce the bottom of the frame, making them more susceptible to toppling in windy conditions.

Extended Walls for Water Runoff

The roof covering is made from the same 180g PE found commonly found on similar tents, providing durable and cost-effective shade that will keep all guests protected. The removable cathedral windows and doors feature the same 160g PE as well, which are well-built and double-stitched to prevent leakage. The walls and doors are extended which allows for water to run off away from the tent, a very cool feature that will help to keep the interior ground dry.

Challenges and Tips for Assembly

The tent arrives in 3 boxes and assembly should take about 2 hours with 2 people. It took 3 of us about 1:20 minutes to get it fully assembled once we had all the pieces removed from the carrying bags. Ensuring a level ground where the tent will be set up is a critical yet commonly overlooked step, as attaching the roof canopy properly can prove challenging if the 20x20 frame is uneven.

We did find the instructions difficult to follow at times, it had plenty of diagrams but there were many poorly worded steps. Even after setting up a number of these large tents, we had to repeat a few steps due to missing information in a prior step. One issue we came across was the small truss bars that connect the roof supports have pre-drilled holes that will not line up properly if the ground is uneven, or if the previous connections have been fully torqued. We ended up drilling new holes to get the proper alignment, but for this reason, we recommend only hand-tightening all the nuts and bolts until the very end to save time and complications.

The metal grommets on the canopy are well made, and although a few of them were fraying they didn’t impact anchoring the roof material to the ground. If the wind gusts are strong enough, the large surface area of a 20x20 tarp can turn your structure into a sail, so we always recommend using steel anchors and nylon rope to give increased wind resistance and durability. It only takes a few minutes but is well worth the damage prevention and safety risks.

We left the tent set up over a 3-day weekend and had no problem with wind or structural damage during that time. It briefly rained during one of the days and all equipment underneath stayed dry, the waterproof test passed! During the birthday party, we chose to remove all the sides and doors to keep the ventilation airflow circulating and a slight breeze helped to keep those underneath cool throughout the afternoon.

Final Thoughts

Overall the Peaktop Outdoors is a versatile shelter that we can confidently say is suitable for hosting a variety of outdoor events or parties. The durable industrial-grade frame is constructed with 28 rust-resistant galvanized steel poles and the roof is made of a sturdy and lightweight polyethylene material that provides excellent protection against the elements. The doors and sidewall windows can each be removed to increase airflow and customize your tent’s functionality!

For us, products must always come from trusted brands. For the past 25 years, Party Tents Direct has been one of the biggest retailers of industrial tents for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. They are a top-rated company that carries an excellent assortment of premium party tents in ubiquitous styles to suit various customer specifications. All frame tents from Party Tents Direct are made using high-quality, commercial-grade materials with excellent durability and brilliant canopy shelter designs.

The Weekender is named as such because of its perfect blend of commercial and recreational features, making it an ideal choice for everyday consumers looking to buy an affordable 20x20 tent.

It is easy to assemble and is lightweight relative to other options. It creates the ideal atmosphere for an array of outdoor events including weddings, parties, graduation celebrations, and more. Offering up to 400 square feet of shade and engineered specifically for at-home, backyard, or light-duty commercial use, it’s a great choice for a myriad of weekend occasions!

Type of Materials Used in This Tent

Material type and construction are important factors to consider for large pop up tents. The tent frame consists of eight separate side poles with a 1.25" diameter, which are made up of two pieces, as well as a thick 1.5" diameter center pole that is made up of four pieces. It's worth mentioning that in comparison to many 20x20 frames that are made entirely of 1.5" diameter poles, the use of 1.25" poles puts this frame at a disadvantage.

The poles are all made of galvanized steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion, and the fittings are manufactured with schedule 40 steel and finished with zinc plating. Each of the eight side poles is supported by an anchored guy line and ground stake, and the weight of the canvas adds additional reinforcement once the tent is fully assembled. The center pole supports the peak of the canopy, keeping the canvas taut and stabilizing the entire structure.

It is important to mention that while the center pole dramatically improves the stability of the overall canopy, it has some negative side effects. The most efficient table layout to maximize seating under a 20x20 tent is to have four 8’ diameter tables in each corner and one 8’ diameter directly in the middle. This center pole does not allow for the middle table, resulting in up to 10 lost seats. For that reason, center pole pop up tents might be best used with standing cocktail tables as opposed to large seating tables.

The Weekender uses a robust, translucent 14oz PVC vinyl material for the roof that is 100% waterproof and resistant to UV light, mold, mildew, and flames. The 14oz refers to the weight per square yard, which effectively means this is one heavy-duty tarp. PVC vinyl is a synthetic polymer well-known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and sunlight. We love that each of the four panels is double-stitched and bonded with 1” heat-sealed overlapped seams, ensuring that not even the smallest drop of water penetrates the stitching.

Roof Shape and Design

The 20x20 structure features a center peak roof design, creating a pyramid shape that peaks in the center at 12’ 9” and 7’ on the sides. The scalloped valances add an elegant factor and overhang the eaves by 10”, which makes head clearance approximately 6’2”. Aside from the more visually appealing design of a pyramid roof over a gable roof, there are also a few advantages to this style. The higher peak at the center provides more vertical space in the middle of the tent, creating a more spacious feeling for guests. Additionally, because the pyramid roof does not have a flat side it is more resistant to windy conditions than roofs with two flat sides. Lastly, because the gable shape is often associated with carports, the pyramid shape is preferred for formal outdoor events like weddings as it gives a more elegant aesthetic.

It is worth mentioning that the design of the center pole frame makes it more difficult to hang string lights across the interior of the tent. We love the warm and gentle atmosphere lights provide for evening weddings, but you might be limited to hanging the lights around the perimeter due to the lack of connection points needed to anchor the lights under the canopy.

Assembly Tips

We were incredibly pleased to discover that erecting this 20x20 tent is a manageable and straightforward process with just two people. First, we completely rolled out the canopy by pulling the material taut and laid each of the side poles next to the grommet openings of the canopy. Next, we hammered the anchoring stakes vertically into the ground approximately 3.5 feet from the canopy's edge, leaving 6” showing above the ground. It is important to note each corner will have two guy line anchors while the four middle poles will have just one.

Starting with the corner poles on the same side, we located the metal grommet holes and inserted the pole pin through both the grommet and double D-ring. While one person held the pole vertically, the other person tightened the guy ropes using the included plastic tension block. We repeated the steps when it was time for the side poles.

Lastly, we connected the center pole and placed the pole pin through the center grommet hole. It is important to not fully erect the center pole at this stage, rather keep it at an angle while you go back and secure the 8 side poles to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground. We raised the center pole vertically and hammered the last 6” of the stakes into the ground.

When the event is over and it is time to take the tent down, simply go through the same steps in reverse and you’ll be on your way.

Unique Features We Love

While this party tent does not come with sidewalls, they can be purchased separately on the Party Tents Direct website. They offer three different types of 20x7 sidewalls: solid white, two cathedral windows, or clear. Ropes are permanently installed on the inside of the valances to connect sides, and the walls easily clip onto the rope with plastic connectors. We love all three sidewall options and think the cathedral windows are a must-have on at least one side if you're buying for an outdoor wedding.

The feature that makes this 20x20 different from all others is that it only weighs 120 lbs, half the weight of alternative products that weigh 250 lbs. on average. Whereas those structures have interconnecting steel frames and support trusses contributing to their weight, the central pole design removes the need for an interconnected frame, leaving just the weight of the side poles and roof tarp.

Our Verdict

This weekend-ready pole tent is great for shading and sheltering your friends and family. The sidewall-free design allows for airflow on hot days and offers plenty of shelter for large groups of people on rainy afternoons. If you’re hosting a large event and need to seat 50 people the center pole might reduce your table space so this might not be the best option for you. But if you’re looking for a lightweight, compact, and versatile pyramid-shaped tent for a backyard birthday party or community event at a local park, this tent is worth your consideration.