We’re often approached by our construction clients looking to create additional space when traditional solutions like portacabins are unavailable or unsuitable for their site requirements. This prompted us to compare the two options—portacabin versus temporary structure—and explore which is the best temporary space solution for your project.

Speed to Site

In an ideal world, you’d have plenty of time to plan and order your temporary space solution. But in reality, projects often face tight deadlines, and quick solutions are critical.

For portacabins, lead times from hire companies are typically 5–10 days, with larger orders (e.g., multiple units) potentially taking longer to fulfill. This delay can impact the progress of your project.

On the other hand, we specialise in next-day installations for many of our marquee-based solutions. Even better, most of our temporary structures require no prior groundworks, eliminating potential delays and ensuring a speedy resolution to your space requirements.

Ease of Installation

Portacabin installations require the use of a hi-ab lorry—a large HGV equipped with a crane—which presents two key challenges: space and weight. These installations demand significant clearance both on the ground and in height, which may limit access in confined or restricted areas.

In contrast, our marquee solutions are far more versatile. Our team can install temporary structures in tight, awkward spaces, including areas with limited access. Whether your site is on grass, hardstanding (like a car park), or even a rooftop, our transit-van-delivered solutions make it possible to overcome these obstacles. Marquees are also ideal for unusual spaces like corridors or other challenging areas during refurbishment projects.

Carbon Footprint

When it comes to sustainability, the transport and installation process make a big difference. Delivering a portacabin requires an HGV, which has a significantly larger carbon footprint than a transit van—the only vehicle we need to transport and install a marquee.

Additionally, our temporary structures are modular and can be reconfigured or reused for various projects, reducing waste and resource consumption. This commitment to sustainability means that choosing a marquee can help your project achieve a greener solution without compromising functionality or quality.

Flexibility

Temporary spaces often need to adapt to changing project requirements, and the flexibility of your chosen solution can significantly impact its effectiveness.

Portacabins, while functional, are limited in their adaptability. Expanding a portacabin setup involves removing wall panels and delivering additional units, which takes time and requires careful planning.

In comparison, our modular marquee solutions are easy to expand, reduce, or reconfigure to meet your evolving needs. Whether you need to add more space, change the layout, or modify specifications, we can adjust the structure quickly and efficiently—often within hours. Our solutions can also incorporate power supplies, heating, ventilation, and other features to create a comfortable working environment.

Portacabin or Temporary Structure – you decide

While this comparison might seem a little biased (we are marquee experts, after all!), we genuinely believe that marquees offer unparalleled advantages as temporary space solutions. Their flexibility, speed of installation, adaptability to various site conditions, and reduced carbon footprint make them a smart choice for many projects.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but we hope this article has provided valuable insights to help you weigh the options. If you’re looking for a reliable, fast, and versatile temporary structure, we are here to help.

To talk more about your temporary space needs, give us a call on 01932 620 060, or click here.