Ballasting Methodology (Aligned with the ARA Safe Tenting Program)
At Made in the Shade Tent Rentals, our ballast planning is aligned with the
American Rental Association (ARA) Tent Rental Division Safe Tenting Program resources,
including the ARA Tent Ballasting Tool and published ballasting charts.
These resources are widely referenced within the professional tent rental industry to help estimate ballast
requirements based on tent configuration, surface conditions, and manufacturer hold-down values.
Why ARA is Our Baseline Reference
- Industry-recognized methodology: ARA’s Tent Rental Division provides standardized
tools and reference charts used across the U.S. rental industry. - Condition-based inputs: The tool approach accounts for variables that materially change
ballast needs (surface type, tent type, geometry, and manufacturer hold-down loads). - Best-practice alignment: Using a widely referenced methodology helps ensure our safety
decisions are consistent, auditable, and explainable to venues, inspectors, and stakeholders.
Important: Ballast planning is only one part of overall tent safety.
Site conditions, wind exposure, soil/surface characteristics, obstructions, egress, and code requirements
can all change the final engineering and installation plan.
How We Apply the ARA Ballasting Method (High-Level)
- Confirm tent configuration (type, size, height, add-ons like sidewalls, liners, doors, etc.).
- Confirm surface conditions (asphalt, concrete, turf/soil) and permitted anchoring options
(stakes vs. anchors vs. ballast-only). - Reference manufacturer hold-down requirements (where applicable) and tent-specific attachment points.
- Use ARA Safe Tenting resources (ballasting tool and/or published charts) to estimate required ballast.
- Translate required ballast into a safe field plan (block counts, placement, tie-off methods,
and protection for the public/ADA travel paths). - Document + verify placement on site, and implement a wind action plan and monitoring procedures.
If you’re a venue, GC, event planner, or AHJ reviewer and would like to see the inputs we used for a specific
site plan (surface type, configuration assumptions, ballast selection, and placement), contact us and we’ll
share the documentation applicable to your event.
Ballasting FAQ
Do you publish the ARA calculation/formula?
We do not reproduce proprietary member-only formulas or tool logic. Instead, we cite the official ARA Safe
Tenting resources and explain how we apply them in a practical, auditable installation plan.
Is ballasting “one number” for a tent size?
No. The required ballast can change significantly with surface type, tent type, geometry, and accessories
(e.g., sidewalls), as well as site exposure. That’s why we rely on condition-based methodology and
document assumptions.
Can you provide a ballast plan for our site?
Yes. We can develop a site-specific plan that includes ballast selection and placement, safety barriers,
egress considerations, and (when required) permit coordination and documentation.
ballast weight used to safely secure each structure, including estimated
rental costs.
| Tent Size | Square Footage (sq ft) | Total Ballast Weight (lbs) | Estimated Block Package Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 × 15 | 225 | 2,250 | $180.00 |
| 20 × 20 | 400 | 4,000 | $320.00 |
| 30 × 30 | 900 | 9,000 | $720.00 |
| 30 × 60 | 1,800 | 18,000 | $1,440.00 |
| 30 × 100 | 3,000 | 30,000 | $2,400.00 |
| 40 × 40 | 1,600 | 16,000 | $1,280.00 |
| 40 × 60 | 2,400 | 24,000 | $1,920.00 |
| 40 × 90 | 3,600 | 36,000 | $2,880.00 |
| 50 × 50 | 2,500 | 25,000 | $2,000.00 |
| 50 × 70 | 3,500 | 35,000 | $2,800.00 |
| 50 × 100 | 5,000 | 50,000 | $4,000.00 |
Disclaimer: Rental values shown are estimates and may change
without notice. Actual ballast requirements vary based on wind exposure,
surface type, manufacturer specifications, and site conditions. Ballast
calculations are performed using ARA Safe Tenting methodology and are
documented per installation.
SOURCES:
Ballast planning on this site is aligned with the American Rental Association
(ARA) Tent Rental Division Safe Tenting Program resources, including the
ARA Tent Ballasting Tool and published ARA ballasting charts.Source: American Rental Association (ARA), Safe Tenting Program.
Publish Date: January 17, 2026
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Our staff is ready to answer questions or provide additional assistance. Contact us today by PHONE or EMAIL.
To obtain a tent rental estimate for an upcoming event, complete the REQUEST A QUOTE form.
