Affordable Tent Material

[bearadactyl]

I just finished construction the dome/ yurt hybrid pictured above out of PVC pipe. the inner tent is 12 feet in diameter and 8 feet tall. The planned shade structure that is integrated into the design is 23 feet in diameter and 10 feet tall. I was able to build the entire frame out of PVC for under $40. I'd like to be able to complete my tent as designed ( though I don't care about material colors) but it's looking like the tent covering material is going to be very expensive. I really want to build this whole tent for under $100. This leaves about $60 for the inner tent material and the shade structure materials. I've been reading a lot of forums, including this one, about the best materials to use to skin domes and yurts. There seems to be a consensus that silver tarps and aluminet are the best options to reflect light and block dust on the playa. Also rigid foam insulation is popular in the Yurt crowd. Here's my problem: All of these options are very expensive. At the size that I need to be able to make my custom cover these would all cost over $150.

I've done extensive research into Soft Structure Tyvek Reflektra but I can't find a place to buy it in LA and I can't seem to find it online anwywere (the links pointing to Reflektra sales sites in other discussions on this forum are all old). I was wondering if:

#1) Anyone knows where I can get Reflektra in Los Angeles or online.
#2) Anyone has skinned a dome or yurt with tyvek and has any tips.
#3) Anyone knows of a better or cheaper material to skin my dome/ yurt with.

Again, I'm looking for some affordable tent material that will last me a few years on the playa. Any information would be a huge help! I've got plenty of free time to paint, cut, sew and modify a cheaper material if anyone can think of anything, I'd just rather not spend more than double what I spent to build the frame on the skin for the structure.


For bigger images go to:
http://i.imgur.com/LtiIMr5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zRrteo6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZGn1pGR.jpg

[GreyCoyote]

Something I use for prototyping, but also works pretty well for actual use, is "housewrap", as available from HomeDespot, or Lowies. There are two basic types:

First is the more expensive tyvek-based wrap. Runs about 170 bucks for a roll 150 feet long and 9 feet wide. My luck with this stuff has been limited. It tends to drum in a wind, is prone to tearing, but makes a wonderful vapor barrier. Stitching can be problematic until you get the machine setup right.

Then there is the less expensive poly wrap. This is a poly laminate with bilateral filaments very similar to tarp material. It is waterproof, vapor proof, easy to handle, and holds stitching well. Runs about 75 bucks a roll, same dimensions as above.

Suggestion: rather than make your first attempt out of expensive materials, use one of the above. Double stitch everything and use a fold-over welt. Put it together like you mean it and set it up. You may find it useable on the playa as long as you can make it close-fitting and maintain good abrasion control in your design (same as with any tent-type structure).

[theCryptofishist]

Ah, but $75 would violate his $100 budget.

Wax candles rubbed on old newspapers?

[GreyCoyote]

I neglected to say you can get smaller rolls in lesser widths on-line if you need them. The 150 x 9 are the largest rolls I have seen. (I think HomeLess Depot has half rolls of the cheaper weaved material)

[delle]

I'd probably start looking by calling up the larger second-hand stores (value village, salvation army, etc.) and asking them if they have any tents minus poles available.

I found out by accident that some of these places just junk incomplete tent sets and it's possible that they will give you odds and ends for free (or just about). I was appalled by the number of incomplete poles and tarps that were ditched by the Church basement here just before I'd offhandedly inquired about their availability.

You can also get really cheap sheets while you're at it, for your prototype material. (I generally go for the butt-ugly, holey or threadbare ones to keep the good ones available for those really in need) Patching together lesser pieces to match these patterns might mean more effort, but could certainly save your budget.

[dragonpilot]

I applaud your inventiveness...really! I'm so lame in that department that I bought a 12 x 14 x 7 tent for $100 at a big box sporting goods store 6 years ago...still works.

[atomicray]

DuPont Tyvek 9-ft x 150-ft House Wrap...$167


Hardie Wrap 9-ft x 100-ft House Wrap...$120


Pactiv 150-ft x 9-ft House Wrap...$106

There are 3'x100' versions for $30-$70 but I just do not see this stuff being what you want.

I applaud your wish to go all out without any real investment, but I am having a tough time finding reasonable material for $60.

Best of luck.

PS
I considered the idea of securing sheets from hotels...actually from the service companies that support the same. Not much help in the rain, but layered with a water proofing material over your center...hmmm...your budget is tough to wrap my head around to meet all the potential needs.

[*Kat*]

...alternatively you could just move into a box for a week...

[GreyCoyote]

...alternatively you could just move into a box for a week...

I like it! Park your bike outside. Make a "doorbell" from a couple of cans on a string. Cut-out windows and a door. Hang a "No girlz allowd" sign on it and stay up late making scary noises and playing with flashlights.

(Other than the "no girls" sign, Burning Man would remind me a lot of my childhood summers. heheheh)

[*Kat*]

Yeah. And you can burn the box once it's all over. Less stuff to haul home!

[dragonpilot]

Yeah. And you can burn the box once it's all over.

But only at an approved burn platform or barrel...

[msj2u]

Trust Me, you don't want to use tyvek....LOL During the wind, it will make so much noise!! I slept in tyvek, it's not warm and the sound is awful.

Just My 2cents

MSJ

[atomicray]

Yep, I think those materials alone would be poo...I linked them because it came up in conversation