Formosa Covers Deluxe Party Tent- 20'x12' Hunter Green

I ordered two of these for a big yard party this summer. I owned two previously for almost ten years when the product was marketed as the Garden Oasis, and used them very frequently. This is a good looking product that works very well for protecting against insects.I highly recommend this product, but there are some things you should realize if you wish to have the Deluxe Party Tent last for more than a couple of years:1. To keep the weight of the frame to a manageable level the manufacturer made the tubing pieces out of thin gauge non-galvanized tin. The tubing is not very strong by itself, so the structural rigidity of the assembled frame depends on integration with the tent. It works as a system. If the manufacturer made the tubing any more burly for stand-alone strength no one would be able to transport the thing when disassembled. As it is, the thing weighs about 100 lbs. when in the carry bag. A good snug fit of the tent over the frame helps with structural integrity. Make sure all the latching points between tent and frame are made. Use supporting guide lines at the four corners, with stakes in the ground, for added wind resistance. I've had mine withstand 20 mph gusts with this set up, and I was always conscious to zip up all the openings to make a tight "box" too. But I never left it up when a storm was coming. There are limits to every design.2. Moderate tension is good enough when connecting supporting guide lines to the D rings at each of the four corners, and anchoring with stakes in the ground. Avoid excess tension that will only weaken the fabric where the D rings are sown in.3. The inside of the tubing is not painted and will develop rust if left in the rain. Water will enter at the feet and wick up a couple of inches. It's an issue of dealing with a rusty mess rather than any mechanical concern.4. Putting it up, and taking it down, are best accomplished with at least two people.5. When storing the bag and contents be sure not to stack heavy things on it, or leave it exposed to a crush load, that could ding or flatten the tubing pieces. They need to be free of those kinds of damages to fit together properly, and maintain maximum structural strength.It is a very nice product and will last years with the proper care.

I don't normally do reviews, but I was recently thinking about this purchase and saw unfair reviews.I ordered it for my daughters August birthday party in 2010 and have used it for the next few years including just the other day in 2012, it still performs like a champ. For the few times I have used it, it takes about 40 minutes to set-up (with one other hand), and 20 minutes to take down and put away.Last party we sat 24 adults at 4 six person tables with 8 toddlers at two mini tables and everyone was comfortable.From other reviews I knew that it probably wouldn't work well in high winds so I have never tried. It has sat in the rain for a day or two and survived. Over the 2 years I have used it the only damage so far is a slight rip in the bag.As an affordable solution for bug and sun protection for a yearly family gathering in the yard, this is a solid purchase.

This is the 2nd tent like this I've purchased. It's definitely a low end tent (the poles are fairly thin metal) but it has good construction and a number of very nice touches (the straps are buckles, not velcro as my last tent).The poles did bend in an unusually violent rain/wind storm, but the tent is still usable. Very nice for the price -- I'd buy it again.

Its beautiful when it is put together. Ours didn't last long, wind took it out, so not to be put up for long periods of time. We had ours out for 2 weeks and it was broken. It also took about 10 people to get it up in the air.

First, it is indeed pretty flimsy. Important to note is that the canvas roof is actually structural and holds the flimsy metal frame together. It also rusts like crazy if you leave it out in the rain. That being said, it is pretty easy to put up and take down and would work well for an event in your yard. Look elsewhere if you need something to leave on your deck or patio for longer periods.

Easy to put together as stated. However not impressed with the quality of the stitching on the seams. Probably would try something different before I bought one of these again. I think it leaks a little more than it should when raining.

love it

Plastic connectors broke from the tiniest breeze. After setting it up, the wind (barely 10 mph breeze) picked it up like a parachute and snapped several of the plastic connectors. I wasn't expecting much, based on other reviews, but the frame was even more flimsy than I thought possible. Others complained about the thin poles, but it was the plastic connectors that broke and no way to fix it in time for my party later that day. I am so disappointed. Based on the other reviews, it's like the tent I received was different than the one they reviewed. The poles were fine, possibly improved after previous complaints, but the connectors were the weak point. I have a $200 pile of fabric and poles. Total waste of money.