Market Stalls vs. Pop Up Gazebos
Unlike other suppliers, we manufacture and supply both Pop Up Gazebo/Instant Shelters and more traditional steel framed Market Stall frames. This gives us a truly unique and unbiased viewpoint regarding the merits and drawbacks of both types of structure, something that not many suppliers can profess to having.
Pop Up Gazebos are sometimes confused as, not to mention incorrectly marketed as, a successor to Market Stalls. In reality the two structures are very different breeds and suffice to say opinion is somewhat split amongst event traders regarding which type of structure works best. The reason for this is simple; there is no one size fits all solution.
Pop ups work well for a lot of traders because they can usually be erected more quickly than market stalls and look great, but other traders bemoan their limited durability and inflexibleness when compared to market stalls which are typically more rugged and can be chopped, changed and extended with relative ease.
As a rule of thumb we usually tell our customers that, in the case of pop up gazebos, what you gain in practicality and ease of use you lose somewhat in durability and flexibility. And in the case of market stalls, what you gain in durability and flexibility, you lose somewhat in practicality. We've put together a comparison chart below that details more of the benefits and drawbacks of both types of structure. You can also read more in our Pop Up Gazebo and Market Stall buyer guides.
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Weight |
Due to the heavy-duty nature of the materials used in their construction, Market Stalls are reasonably heavy structures compared with Pop Up Gazebos. A typical 3.0m x 3.0m (10ft x 10ft) walk in style market stall that is most comparable to a standard size pop up gazebo weights in at around 60kg. |
A typical entry-level 3.0m x 3.0m (10ft x 10ft) pop up gazebo weighs in at around 25kg-30kg which is an indication of the lighter duty materials that pop up gazebos typically utilise. A more heavy-duty 'professional' type pop up gazebo may weigh closer to 45kg. Professional pop up gazebos almost always utilise lightweight aluminium to help keep weight down. |
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Ease of use |
Market Stalls are basic structures that utilise a rudimental pin and socket system to connect together a series of steel components that form the framework of the stall. A typical market stall usually consists of 15-20 components whilst larger market stalls may consist of 30+ components. It can occasionally be a little daunting for new traders, when unpacking their market stall for the first time, to be faced with a number of strange looking steel components. However, a quick flick through the instruction manual supplied with all our market stalls will help to better visualise how each of these components fits together. Through regular use you'll undoubtedly become more familiar with each of the components and where they fit within the framework as a whole. Consequently, the more you use your market stall the quicker it will become to assemble. |
Pop Up Gazebos are effectively a single piece structure that folds outwards utilising a number of moving parts and pivot points. This means that, unlike market stalls, no assembly is required. This ultimately makes pop ups quicker to erect than market stalls and somewhat more attractive and user friendly for first time market traders. When first unpacked, the roof canopy will need to be fitted to the pop up gazebo framework. This is a fairly straightforward one off task that does not need to be repeated since the roof is designed to be left attached to the framework when folding down after each use. As with our market stalls, instruction manuals are provided with all our pop up gazebos. |
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Durability / lifespan |
Owing to the basic pin and socket construction system that market stalls utilise there are no moving parts that are liable to fail and durability is very rarely an issue. The gauge of the steel used in the framework is far more heavy-duty than that of any pop up gazebo frame, this does of course make market stalls heavier and therefore arguably slightly less practical than gazebos. Frames are manufactured from steel which is susceptible to rust (depending upon the type of finish applied to the framework) but with good care and maintenance, market stall frames can last for many years and we frequently come across structures that we manufactured in the 1970s still in regular use today. Replacement parts are cheap and readily available. |
Pop up gazebos are more complex folding structures that utilise moving parts and pivot points. In one respect this makes them very quick and easy to erect but it also means that they are more susceptible to damage due to the increased number of possible failure points. Frames are manufactured from aluminium which, unlike our steel market stall frames, is not susceptible to rust. The durability and lifespan of a pop up gazebo depends primarily upon how much you intend to use the structure and your budget. We supply structures for all types of usage and budget, ranging from entry-level structures for occasional use through to mid-range structures for regular use and top of the range structures for very heavy use. |
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Materials / construction |
Frame: All our standard market stall frames are manufactured from a 25mm x 25mm (1in x 1in) box section steel tube with a 2mm wall thickness. In the case of our entry-level market stalls, steel is finished with a black hammer effect spray paint whilst our Elite range of market stalls is finished with a more durable zinc plate finish. Other custom finish options such as powder coating and galvanising are available at additional cost. Roof canopy / sidewalls / counter skirt: All our standard market stalls are supplied with general purpose polyethylene (plastic) tarpaulins which are secured to the frame using steel market stall clips (spring clamps). Our Elite range of market stalls are supplied with more heavy-duty, made to measure fitted 550gsm PVC tarpaulins which are secured to the frame using discreet bungee cords which are built in to the lining of the tarpaulin. Counters: Counters (where present) are manufactured from a 9mm exterior grade plywood or, in some cases, 18mm exterior grade plywood. Deeper counters (over 3ft deep) will typically have additional support bars supplied with the framework to ensure counter stability. |
Frame: Our S30 gazebo is manufactured from a 30mm x 30mm box section steel while our S40 and S50 pop up gazebo frames are manufactured from 40mm and 50mm diameter hexagonal aluminium extrusion respectively, the exact specification of which varies depending upon the strength of the frame. We supply three different frame strengths to cater for occasional (S30), intermediate (S40) and heavy (S50) usage. Frames have either nylon or cast alloy joints, a machine bolt construction and quick release pull pin fixings with a 5 position adjustable leg height to give a variable head clearance of 190cm to 220cm. Roof canopy / sidewalls: All pop up gazebos are supplied as standard with a PVC coated polyester roof canopy denier sidewalls (300gsm material for the S30, 500gsm for the S40 and 550gsm for the S50). All material is flame retardant to BS 7837 : 1996. Roof canopies are triple stitched with hot air taped seams and are UV stabilised. Sidewalls are supplied with a Velcro quick fit system with zipped corners. |
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Portability |
Frame: Our market stalls break down into components for transportation, the longest unbroken component will usually be 6ft 6in (1.98m). Full details regarding longest unbroken component length for each market stall can be found on the relevant market stall product page. Most cars and vans will transport something of this size but you should check before purchasing to ensure that your vehicle is suitable. We also manufacture special "mini parts" market stalls which break down into shorter pieces for transportation in smaller vehicles. Carry bag: Wheeled carry bags are available for most of our market stalls as an optional extra. These carry bags are approximately 6ft 6in (1.98m) long and are manufactured from re-enforced heavy-duty 550gsm PVC with rubberised carry handles at both ends. They are suitable for carrying up to 60kg which covers many market stalls in our range. Stall frames that weigh in excess of 60kg should be split across two carry bags for safe handling. |
Frame: Our pop up gazebos fold up for transportation, a typical 10ft x 10ft (3m x 3m) gazebo framework will fold down into a package that measures roughly 160cm x 30cm x 30cm (length x width x depth). Most cars and vans will transport something of this size but you should check before purchasing to ensure that your vehicle is suitable. Carry bag: Wheeled carry bags are supplied as standard with all pop up gazebos. These carry bags are approximately 5ft (1.6m) long and are manufactured from a 600 denier polyester with rubberised carry handles at both ends. They are suitable for carrying most pop up gazebo frame sizes. They are designed to carry the gazebo framework and roof whilst a separate carry bag is supplied for the sidewalls. |
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Assembly time |
Approximately 5 minutes for smaller market stalls, up to 20 minutes for larger market stalls. |
Approximately 3 minutes for most pop up gazebos. |
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Number of people required to assemble |
Can usually be assembled by 1 person but 2 people recommended. |
2 people recommended. |
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Additional equipment required |
No additional equipment is required to assemble a market stall. A rubber mallet can sometimes come in handy to help ease the frame together and a small stepladder to help reach the upper parts of the framework may be preferred but is not essential. |
No additional equipment is required to put up a pop up gazebo. A small stepladder to help install the upper parts of the sidewalls may be preferred but is not essential. |
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Appearance |
We supply two different ranges of market stalls; our budget Entry-Level Market Stalls and our premium Elite Market Stalls Entry-level market stalls: these market stalls utilise cheaper materials and finish levels and are a popular choice for first time traders and those looking to keep costs down. Frames are typically finished with a black hammerite spray paint and are supplied with general purpose polyethylene (plastic) tarpaulins that are secured to the frame using market stall clips (spring clamps). This kind of market stall can be found in use at markets all over the country. Entry-level market stalls are considerably cheaper than a pop up gazebo of comparable size and strength but from an aesthetic point of view they fall a little short of the sleek and tidy appearance of a Pop Up Gazebo or more expensive Elite style market stall. Elite market stalls: these market stalls offer a higher level of finish for traders working in environments where there is a greater onus on appearance, such as those trading at farmers markets or within indoor shopping centres. They are also better suited for brand marketing and roof canopies, sidewalls and counter skirts can be fully customised. Frames are typically finished with a more durable silver zinc plate finish and are supplied with heavy-duty, made to measure fitted 550gsm PVC tarpaulins which are secured to the frame using discreet bungee cords which are built in to the lining of the tarpaulin. Elite market stalls are more comparable in price to pop up gazebos. |
Pop up gazebos are generally considered quite sleek and tidy in appearance, regardless of budget. This is because, unlike market stalls, the cost of a pop up gazebo is dictated less by appearance and primarily by the strength and durability of the frame that you require. As such, appearance remains fairly consistent across the range of pop up gazebos that we supply but the durability of those materials used will differ. For example, as standard, our pop up gazebos are supplied with a polyester roof canopy and sidewalls which offer excellent coverage but, if you're using your pop up gazebo very regularly, then you may want to consider substituting this the polyester for a more durable PVC roof and sidewalls. PVC is a harder wearing, thicker material which is less susceptible to damage and easier to clean which may help to keep your Pop Up Gazebo looking great for longer. |
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Options for extending in the future |
Market Stalls are modular systems and can be extended with relative ease at a later date by purchasing additional legs and connecting bars. This means that a market stall can grow with you as your business grows. Being modular also allows traders to customise their market stall setup for different markets. Some markets may have smaller pitch sizes than others and a market stall can usually be customised to cater for these different pitch sizes. |
Pop Up Gazebos are generally supplied in fixed sizes (3m x 3m, 4.5m x 3m and 6m x 3m being the most popular) so, in comparison to market stalls, customisation is somewhat limited. Components cannot be added to or removed from Pop Up Gazebo frames making them a little less flexible than market stalls. Gazebos can however usually be connected together in runs using connection plates and guttering systems. If you're working on multiple markets with different pitch sizes then you may need to check whether or not your pop up gazebo will fit all the pitch sizes. |
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Customisable finishes and branding options |
In the case of our Elite range of Market Stalls, the supplied PVC roof canopies, sidewalls and counter skirts can be fully branded and supplied in any colour. Bespoke frame finishes are also available such as galvanised or coloured powder coat finishes. |
Pop Up Gazebo roof canopies and sidewalls can be fully branded and supplied in any colour. |
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Accessories |
Extensions, carry bags, leg weights and soft ground stakes are available to purchase via our online store. |
Leg weights and soft ground stakes are available to purchase via our online store. |
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Maintenance and spare parts |
Maintenance of market stall frames consists of ensuring that the steel framework remains clean and rust free. Ensuring that market stall components are clean and dry prior to storage and that they are stored in a dry place will help to reduce the risk of mildew or rust. In the case of our entry-level market stall frames, repainting the framework every few years will also help to keep the frame in good condition. In the case of our Elite market stalls which are supplied with more a durable zinc plate finish to the framework, minimal maintenance is required other than to clean down the framework every now and again. Spare parts are available for all of our market stalls and can be purchased via our online store. |
Pop Up Gazebo frames are manufactured from aluminium so are not susceptible to rust in the way that steel framed market stalls are. Maintenance largely involves checking pivot points are robust and free of excessive play. As with our market stalls, ensuring that your pop up gazebo is clean and dry prior to storage and that it is stored in a dry place will help to reduce the risk of mildew build up on the roof canopy and sidewalls which can, if left untreated, eventually lead to damage to the polyester or PVC material. Spare parts are available for all of our pop up gazebos and can be purchased via our online store. |
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Warranty |
All our market stall frames are supplied with a 60 month warranty as standard. |
Our pop up gazebo frames are supplied with 12 month, 24 month and 36 month warranties for the S30, S40 and S50 respectively. |
