How We Set a Marquee Up Against a House

Setting a marquee against a house can be a fantastic way to extend your living space into the garden - but it does need to be done the right way to ensure good access, weather protection, and a professional finish.

This page explains how and why we position marquees next to the house, so you know exactly what to expect.

Plan with Purpose

Why The Apex Faces the House Wall

When a marquee is installed against a house, the apex (the highest point of the roof) must sit against the building.

All of our frame marquees have 2 metre high eaves ( the lowest point of the roof). Most patio and bi-fold doors are taller than this.

If a marquee were set with its eaves against the house, the roof could clash with doors, blocking access and preventing the doors opening properly.

By placing apex against the house, the full height of the marquee roof clears doors allowing free movement between the house and marquee.

Patio Doors & Eaves Height

Interior of a decorated event tent with white draped fabric and yellow string lights hanging from the ceiling, orange vertical garlands on the tent poles, and black flooring. There are some stacked chairs, a small wooden box, and some equipment at the far end, with windows showing an outdoor area with grass and a brick building.
A man smiling taking a selfie outdoors in a backyard during a tent construction project. There is a white canopy tent frame, a step ladder, and construction tools and materials on the ground.

How Far the Marquee Extends Into the Garden

Because the apex faces the house, the marquee extends outwards into the garden by its full length.

For example:

  • A 4x8m marquee will project 8 metres into the garden.

  • A 3x6m marquee will project 6 metres into the garden.

This is an important consideration when measuring your space, and something we’ll always discuss with you before confirming a layout.

Weather Protection & Rain Run Off

Positioning the marquee this way also plays an important role in keeping your event dry.

With the apex against the house:

  • Rainwater runs down the marquee walls, away from the building.

  • There is no channel where water can collect or drip between the house and marquee.

If the marquee were positioned the other way around - rain would run towards the house and drip into the gap - which is exactly what we want to avoid.

Clear Access through doors

Proper weather protection.

A clean, professional finish.

No awkward gaps or dripping water.

The Result

A man taking a selfie outdoors in a backyard during a construction or setup project. There is a partially assembled tent or canopy with a metal frame and white fabric, a ladder, and various tools and materials on the ground.
A white outdoor party tent set up on a grassy area next to a building with two windows and a large sliding door. The tent has arched windows with grid patterns and is anchored with stakes and ropes. Several potted plants are placed near the tent.

Space Checklist

What We Need to Set Up Safely

  • Clear access for equipment

  • A reasonably level lawn or hardstanding

  • Enough garden depth for the marquee size.

  • No overhead cable or trees

A lush green park with a well-maintained lawn, various trees, and colorful flower beds surrounded by a garden fence.

Drainpipes, Gutters & Fixtures

Drainpipes, air vents and wall lights may affect positioning.

We may need to make custom infills to stop drafts.

Close-up of a weathered copper and black drainpipe attached to a gray stone building wall.

Ground Fixings

We’ll need to know if you plan to set the marquee on a patio, we will bring sufficient concrete blocks to anchor your marquee too.

A single gray concrete block with three rectangular holes, isolated on a gray gradient background.
Close-up of a yellow measuring tape extended to 6 feet on a black surface.

Measuring Guide

If you’re unsure, measure from the wall straight out into the garden - that distance needs to match the length of the marquee,

or ideally be 1 metre larger than required marquee to enable safe assembly.

White outdoor event tent with arched windows setup on a gray tiled patio next to brick house walls, with a black trash bin and a wind instrument prop nearby.

Not Sure What Will Fit?

If you’re unsure whether a marquee will work against your house, just ask.

We’re happy to advise before you book.

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