Marquees can be installed on many different surfaces, including grass, concrete, hardstanding, gravel and, in some circumstances, raised platforms or staging. They can also be installed on some sloping or uneven sites when appropriate levelling systems are used.
The important consideration isn't simply whether a marquee can physically fit on a surface. The installation area needs to be assessed to determine how the marquee will be safely anchored, whether the ground is sufficiently stable and whether flooring or additional preparation is required.
Having installed marquees in a wide variety of locations over more than 20 years, we've put together this guide to explain the most common marquee surfaces and what you should consider for each one.
Can You Put a Marquee on Grass?
Yes. Grass is one of the most common surfaces for marquee installations and is regularly used for weddings, garden parties, festivals, corporate events and other outdoor occasions.
Where ground conditions allow, marquees can typically be anchored using stakes driven into suitable ground at designated anchoring points.
However, the grass itself is only part of the consideration. Your marquee company should also assess:
- Ground firmness
- Drainage
- Recent rainfall
- Slopes and uneven areas
- Underground utilities and services
- Vehicle access
- Surrounding trees and structures
- Space available for anchoring
A lawn that appears perfectly suitable during dry weather may behave very differently after several days of heavy rain, which is why site conditions should always be considered before installation.
Can You Put a Marquee on Wet Grass?
Potentially, but it depends on how wet the ground has become.
Normal damp conditions aren't necessarily a problem, but heavily saturated or waterlogged ground can affect access, anchoring and the stability of the installation.
Vehicle access also needs consideration. Even if the installation area itself remains suitable, vans and other installation vehicles may struggle to reach it without damaging the surrounding ground.
For events on grass, particularly during periods when wet weather is possible, professional marquee flooring can significantly improve the guest experience.
Do You Need Flooring for a Marquee on Grass?
Flooring isn't always essential, but we generally recommend considering it for weddings, parties and other events where guest comfort and presentation are important.
Marquee flooring provides:
- A more stable walking surface
- Greater protection from wet or muddy ground
- A level base for tables and chairs
- Improved accessibility
- A more finished interior appearance
Carpet can then be installed over suitable marquee flooring to create a more refined finish.
For informal summer events in good ground conditions, flooring may not always be necessary. Your supplier should be able to recommend the best option after assessing the site and type of event.
Can You Put a Marquee on Uneven Ground?
In some cases, yes.
Minor variations in ground level can often be accommodated during installation. More significant slopes or uneven surfaces may require a levelled flooring or sub-frame system to create an appropriate base for the marquee.
Whether this is possible depends on:
- The severity of the slope
- Marquee dimensions
- Ground conditions
- Required floor level
- Anchoring options
- Access to the site
This is an area where a site visit is particularly valuable.
Rather than assuming a sloping site is unsuitable, ask your marquee supplier to assess it and recommend an appropriate installation method.
Can You Put a Marquee on Concrete?
Yes. Marquees can often be installed on concrete and other suitable hardstanding surfaces.
The primary difference is the anchoring method.
On grass and other suitable soft ground, anchoring systems can potentially be driven into the ground. With concrete, this may not be appropriate or permitted.
Alternative methods, such as professionally specified ballast or other anchoring systems, can therefore be used depending on the marquee and site.
The required anchoring system should always be determined by the marquee supplier rather than improvised on site.
Do You Need Flooring for a Marquee on Concrete?
Not necessarily.
Concrete already provides a firm, dry surface, so flooring may be less essential than it would be on grass.
However, flooring can still considerably improve the appearance of the marquee.
For weddings, corporate hospitality and formal events, adding flooring and carpet can transform an ordinary hard surface into a much more polished event space.
The decision is therefore often about presentation and guest comfort rather than weather protection alone.
Can You Put a Marquee on Gravel?
Marquees can often be installed on suitable gravel areas, although the exact installation method depends on the site.
Important considerations include:
- Depth and type of gravel
- Surface beneath the gravel
- Ground stability
- Anchoring options
- Surface level
- Drainage
- Vehicle access
Ballast or another appropriate anchoring system may be required depending on the structure and conditions.
Flooring can also be useful over gravel, particularly where guests will be wearing formal footwear or where tables and furniture need a consistently level surface.
Can You Put a Marquee on Tarmac?
In many situations, yes.
As with concrete, the main consideration is how the marquee will be safely anchored without unnecessarily damaging the surface.
A suitable ballast or alternative anchoring system may be used where staking isn't appropriate.
The site should be assessed beforehand so that the correct anchoring method can be planned.
Can You Put a Marquee Over a Stage?
In certain circumstances, marquees can be installed in conjunction with raised stages and platforms.
This is particularly relevant for:
- Festivals
- Live music
- Outdoor performances
- Corporate presentations
- Shows
- Public events
The marquee can provide valuable weather protection for performers and equipment, but these installations require careful planning.
The marquee supplier and staging company need to coordinate dimensions, loading, clearances and anchoring arrangements before installation.
Accurate measurements are particularly important. The marquee should be specified around the stage dimensions rather than simply choosing the closest available size.
How Are Marquees Secured on Different Surfaces?
The anchoring method varies according to the marquee, location, ground conditions and surface.
As a general guide:
SurfaceTypical considerationsGrassGround anchors/stakes may be suitable where conditions allowConcreteBallast or another suitable hardstanding anchoring system may be requiredTarmacBallast or an appropriate alternative anchoring system may be usedGravelDepends on gravel depth, underlying surface and anchoring possibilitiesUneven/sloping groundLevelling or a sub-frame may be requiredStage/platformRequires a site-specific installation and anchoring assessment
These are general examples rather than installation instructions. The correct anchoring system should always be specified by an experienced marquee supplier for the particular structure and site.
What Should Be Checked Before Installing a Marquee?
The surface isn't the only consideration.
Before confirming a marquee installation, your supplier may need to assess:
- Available width and length
- Ground conditions
- Surface type
- Slope
- Drainage
- Underground services
- Overhead obstructions
- Trees
- Nearby buildings
- Vehicle access
- Installation access
- Anchoring space
- Flooring requirements
Providing photographs, measurements and details of the surface when requesting a quotation can be extremely helpful. For more complicated sites, a physical site visit may be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surface for a marquee?
There isn't one universally "best" surface. Grass is extremely common and provides straightforward installation opportunities where ground conditions are suitable, while concrete and hardstanding can provide a firm base but may require different anchoring methods.
The best surface is one that provides sufficient space, stability, access and appropriate anchoring options for the particular marquee.
Can you put a marquee on a driveway?
Potentially, yes. A marquee can often be installed on a sufficiently large and suitable driveway, although the surface, slope, access and anchoring requirements need to be assessed first.
Can you put a marquee on a patio?
Potentially. The dimensions, surface construction and available anchoring options need to be considered. Your supplier should assess the area before confirming suitability.
Can a marquee go on a slope?
Some sloping sites can accommodate marquees using specialist flooring and levelling systems. The feasibility depends on the gradient, structure, ground conditions and available space.
Can a marquee be erected on waterlogged ground?
Severely waterlogged ground can create problems with anchoring, flooring and installation access. The site should be assessed before proceeding, and in some circumstances installation may need to be changed or postponed for safety reasons.
Will a marquee damage my lawn?
Professional installation aims to minimise damage, but some temporary marking or disturbance can occur, particularly from anchoring, flooring, foot traffic and installation vehicles. Wet conditions can increase the likelihood of damage.
Can you put a marquee on concrete without drilling into it?
Depending on the structure and site, appropriate ballast or alternative anchoring systems may allow installation without penetrating the concrete. Your marquee supplier should determine the correct method.
Which Surface Is Right for Your Marquee?
Grass, concrete, gravel, hardstanding and some sloping sites can all potentially accommodate a marquee. What matters is choosing the correct structure, flooring and anchoring method for the individual location.
That's why providing details of the installation site at the beginning of your enquiry is so important.
At Marquees for All Occasions, we have more than 20 years' experience installing marquees across a wide range of locations and surfaces. If you're unsure whether your garden, driveway, venue or event site is suitable, send us the location, approximate dimensions and photographs of the area and we can help determine the most appropriate solution.
