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Marquees are an incredibly flexible way to create extra space, whether for events, hospitality, education, construction or commercial use. They can be installed quickly, removed with minimal impact to the site, and adapted to suit a wide range of requirements.
But if you need additional space regularly, or for an extended period, is it better to buy a marquee rather than hire one?
It’s a question we’re often asked. In most cases, hiring remains the smarter, lower-risk option. Here’s why.
If you expect to use a marquee several times a year or for a long period of time, buying can look appealing at first glance. However, the purchase price is only part of the picture.
When you factor in installation, maintenance, storage, cleaning, compliance and eventual replacement, the true cost of ownership quickly adds up.
Hiring allows you to access the right structure when you need it without tying up capital. For many organisations, the cost of hiring over several years is still lower than buying and maintaining their own structure.
Installing a marquee safely and correctly requires:
The larger and more complex the structure, the more critical this becomes.
When you hire a marquee, installation and de-rig are handled for you. That includes everything from groundworks and flooring to doors, heating, lighting and safety signage — all delivered by experienced teams.
Buying a marquee is a capital investment. It appears on your balance sheet, depreciates over time, and ties up cash that could be used elsewhere in the business.
Hiring, on the other hand, is an operational expense. It’s typically treated as a direct cost, making budgeting simpler and often more tax-efficient.
For many organisations, especially those managing cash flow carefully, this flexibility is a major advantage.
A new marquee looks great on day one — clean PVC, crisp lines, professional finish. Over time, however, exposure to weather, repeated use and transport takes its toll.
If you own the structure, you’re responsible for:
With hired marquees, all of this is managed for you. Reputable suppliers continually maintain and refresh their stock, ensuring structures remain safe, compliant and presentable throughout their lifespan.
Even modest marquee systems take up significant space when not in use. PVC sheets, poles, flooring and fixings all need secure, dry storage, and appropriate insurance.
For many businesses, that space is far better used for operations rather than storing equipment that may only be used occasionally.
Hiring removes the storage burden entirely. Structures are delivered, installed, removed and stored off-site until you need them again.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring is flexibility.
Many clients return year after year, but their requirements aren’t always the same. Guest numbers grow, layouts change, seasons shift, or regulations evolve.
If you own a marquee, adapting usually means purchasing extensions or entirely new structures. When you hire, you can simply specify what you need each time — different sizes, layouts, linings or specifications — without long-term commitment.
So… should you ever buy a marquee?
If you have:
Buying can make sense.
For most organisations, however, hiring offers a lower-risk, more flexible and more cost-effective solution especially when quality, safety and presentation matter.
If you’d like to explore your options:
We’re always happy to help you work out what makes most sense for your space, timeframe and budget.
