If your family likes to cook and eat in your backyard or go to the beach, or if they simply love staying outdoors, you probably need a canopy. Canopies are very easy to install and come are handy in protecting you against the harsh effects of the sun or the rain. But with the many canopy styles and sizes to choose from, buying one can get quite confusing. Here, we give you a quick rundown of the different types of canopies so you can chose which one works best for you.

Pole tents feature a fabric roof supported by poles. To secure the tent perimeter, you need anchor ropes with either weights, augers, or stakes. Tensile tents also work the same way as pole tents, but appear more arched and seamless.

Marquees are bigger canopy tents and serve either as an entranceway or covered walkway between two tents. Marquees are also used during outdoor occasions such as weddings to cover buffet tables, wine tables, etc.

Frame tents are designed for bigger purposes. A frame tent, as its name implies, is propped up by a sturdy frame structure with legs on each side. Ropes or cables are used to secure the tent in place. Installed correctly, frame tents provide the most protection against wind and heavy rains. There are smaller versions of frame tents called pop-up tents, which use lighter and more easily collapsible aluminum frames instead of sturdy frames. Pop-up tents do not have to be staked to the ground.

Tent canopies can be quite difficult to set up because each independent pole has to be secured to the ground, but they are quite popular for big events. When set up correctly, tent canopies are so sturdy and expandable in fact, most hotels have permanently installed them in their gardens to augment their function rooms.