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
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
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
Drainpipes, Gutters & Fixtures
Drainpipes, air vents and wall lights may affect positioning.
We may need to make custom infills to stop drafts.
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.
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.
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.
