Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. How much do fabric structures cost anyway?
Price per Square foot of common tensile structure materials (2017) based on a min. surface area of 5,000 sqft (500 sqm).
NOTE: there is a large variable in cost per square foot because the more steel you use on a tensile structure (frame supported vs a mast supported), the more expensive it will be. Also, there are many "grades" of PTFE, ETFE, PVC and HDPE. The above price is to design, engineer. fabricate and install. It does not include foundations.
Here is a basic rule of thumb:
Tensile Structures and Tensile roofs are normally priced by surface area because of their unique shapes.
Plan Area (Length x Width) X Shape Factor (H) = Surface Area
Shape Factor is a number which varies depending on the form chosen and is used to estimate the amount of fabric including waste used on a project. Most project vary between 1.25 to 1.5.
Surface Area X Cost per SQFT= Budget
Price per Square foot of common tensile structure materials (2017) based on a min. surface area of 5,000 sqft (500 sqm).
- Teflon coated fiberglass (PTFE): $50-100 sqft
- Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE): $75-150 sqft
- Vinyl Coated Polyester (PVC): $25-100 sqft
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): $25-50 sqft
NOTE: there is a large variable in cost per square foot because the more steel you use on a tensile structure (frame supported vs a mast supported), the more expensive it will be. Also, there are many "grades" of PTFE, ETFE, PVC and HDPE. The above price is to design, engineer. fabricate and install. It does not include foundations.
Here is a basic rule of thumb:
Tensile Structures and Tensile roofs are normally priced by surface area because of their unique shapes.
Plan Area (Length x Width) X Shape Factor (H) = Surface Area
Shape Factor is a number which varies depending on the form chosen and is used to estimate the amount of fabric including waste used on a project. Most project vary between 1.25 to 1.5.
Surface Area X Cost per SQFT= Budget
2. How Do I get started with a tensile structure or architectural umbrellas?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Once you have these questions answered, it makes it easier for us to help you solve your needs.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is it being used for?
- Permanent or Temporary?
- Wind and Snow Load?
- Building Code?
- Life Span?
- Access to site?
- Who is going to take care of it?
- What is my budget?
- Do you have a drawing, sketch or image in mind already?
Once you have these questions answered, it makes it easier for us to help you solve your needs.
3. What is the breakdown of the cost of a tensile structure?
The breakdown of the major cost (design, engineering, project management, steel, fabric and hardware fabrication, installation and equipment and shipping) is also called a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM).
The percentage of the overall cost can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, the material chosen, the location and access of the site, the cost of labor and equipment and the amount of material needed to be shipped.
Price Breakdown
Design: (5-15%)
The breakdown of the major cost (design, engineering, project management, steel, fabric and hardware fabrication, installation and equipment and shipping) is also called a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM).
The percentage of the overall cost can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, the material chosen, the location and access of the site, the cost of labor and equipment and the amount of material needed to be shipped.
Price Breakdown
Design: (5-15%)
- Design Development to Construction Document. Percentage varies depending on Design/Build vs Plans and Specification approach.
- Awning to Dome Stadium. All projects require a structural analysis. It all depends on how many load cases (DD,LL, etc.) are required.
- varies depending on the scope of work. Some projects are tensile fabric roof only while most are single source complete tensile structures.
- Large variable. Mast supported tensile structures vs frame supported tensile fabric roofs.
- cost varies depending on the complexity of design.
- cost vary depending on labor rates and location.
- cost can vary depending on access and site location.
- Membrane is fabricated around the world. Shipping cost may include sea freight, air freight, dedicated trucks, etc. cost vary depending on gas prices and final destination.
- Pay now, pay later or have a plan. Some fabrics are "self cleaning", others need to be periodically cleaned. You also may want to take it down and put it up seasonally. That means you need to pay someone to wash and store it.