How-to · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Putting a marquee on a patio, car park or tarmac: how it works
Why hard standing is different
On grass, marquees are held down by steel stakes driven deep into the ground. On a patio, drive, tarmac car park or concrete yard, stakes cannot be used without damaging the surface. The marquee still needs the same resistance to wind uplift, so it has to come from somewhere else.
That is why the type of marquee, the anchoring method and the weight available are the main things to agree when the site is hard standing.
Hard standing also changes how the floor is built. Grass absorbs some unevenness, while patios and car parks often have drainage falls, kerbs and steps. A raised or levelled floor may be needed to give guests a flat surface and to keep any run-off from rain passing underneath rather than through the marquee.
Anchoring options
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ballast weights | Steel, concrete or water-filled weights fixed to each leg | Most hard surfaces where drilling is not allowed |
| Drilled anchors | Bolts or resin anchors fixed into concrete or tarmac | Longer installs where the owner agrees |
| Mixed anchoring | Weights on hard areas, stakes on adjacent grass | Sites split between patio and lawn |
Water-filled weights are lighter to bring in, but need much more volume than steel or concrete for the same weight, so they take more space at each leg.
How much weight is needed
Ballast is calculated from the size of the marquee, its height, the site's exposure and the wind speed it is designed for. Small party frame marquees may need relatively modest weights. Larger frame marquees can need several hundred kilograms per leg, sometimes more, so ballast can add up to several tonnes across the structure.
That weight has to be delivered and placed safely, so ask how it will arrive, whether a pallet truck or forklift is needed, and whether the route will take it.
What to check on the site
- Who owns the surface and whether drilling is allowed
- Whether the surface is level, or the supplier needs to pack and level the frame
- Drainage channels, kerbs, manhole covers and drain gullies
- Whether the surface can take the weight of ballast and vehicles
- Underground services if any anchors are drilled
- Clearance from buildings, overhead cables and trees
- Access for the delivery vehicle and space to unload
Patios over cellars, decks and roof terraces need particular care because of load limits. A supplier should ask about these and may need structural information before agreeing.
Car parks and commercial sites
Business events, product launches, pub gardens and school car parks often use frame marquees on tarmac. On a site like this, agree with the owner how much space is needed, how long the area will be closed, and how vehicles and pedestrians will be kept apart during the build and take-down. A simple site plan helps everyone, and venues may ask for the supplier's risk assessment and method statement.
Remember that ballast weights at each leg take up floor space and can be a trip hazard for guests and staff. Ask the supplier how they will be covered, padded or marked, especially near entrances and walkways.
Questions to ask the supplier
- Which marquee type and size will fit the hard-standing area with room to work around it
- How will it be anchored, and what weight of ballast is needed
- Will you need to drill, and if so how will holes be made good
- Do you need to see the site, or are photos and measurements enough
- How will the ballast and frame be delivered, and what access is needed
- Can the floor be levelled if the surface slopes or has drainage falls
- What wind speed is the anchoring designed for
- How long will the area be out of use for the build and take-down
If part of the marquee is on grass and part on hard standing, ask how the two anchoring methods will be combined and whether the floor will be raised to hide the change in level.
After take-down
Ballast weights usually leave no trace, although heavy items can mark softer surfaces such as resin-bound gravel or block paving on poor foundations. Drilled anchors leave holes that need filling. Agree in advance how holes will be made good and photograph the surface before and after.
Frequently asked questions
Can a marquee go on a patio?
Yes, as long as the patio is big enough for the marquee footprint plus working space, roughly level, and able to take ballast weights at each leg. Frame marquees are normally used on patios because they do not need guy ropes or stakes. The supplier will usually want to see photos or visit to check levels, drains and access before confirming.
Will the weights damage my drive?
Usually not on well-laid concrete, tarmac or paving, as the load is spread through base plates. Softer surfaces, poorly laid block paving and some resin finishes can mark or sink slightly. Ask the supplier about protective pads or boards, and photograph the surface before the build and after the take-down so any issue can be discussed fairly.
Can a pole marquee go on tarmac?
Traditional pole marquees rely on guy ropes and stakes driven into the ground, so they are rarely suitable for tarmac or concrete. If your event is on hard standing, a frame marquee with ballast is normally the right choice, or a mix where the pole marquee stands on adjacent grass.
hard standing ballast patio car park
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