FAQ - The Timber Tent Company

Copyright The Timber Tent Company 2009
Greenhill Steading, Nr Barnbarroch, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG5 4QT

What is a Timber Tent?

Why should I consider having Timber Tents?

What are the lead times for Timber Tents?

How are Timber Tents delivered?

Can timber tents be easily moved?

Do you prepare the site and locate the tents?

How is the elctricity supply connected to the Timber Tent?

Can I order a Timber Tent without electrics?

What are the eco power options for the Timber tent?

What about planning regulations?

What additional facilities do we need to provide?

Do I have to join Timber Tent Holidays marketing activity?

Do you operate a franchise model?

Have many people can fit in a Timber Tent?

What maintenance will my Timber Tent need?

What is a Timber Tent?
Timber Tents are a new, exciting, low cost, comfortable camping concept. They allow guests to enjoy the great outdoors, without any of the hassle or drawbacks of conventional camping. They are delivered to you ready built, and can be ordered with or without electrical services.
Measuring internally approx 10' x 8' and over 6' tall, sleeping 2 - 3 people, they are constructed from sustainably forested timber.

Why should I consider having Timber Tents?
Timber Tents add a novel dimension to your location - children love them, whilst adults appreciate the convenience and comfort they offer from the British Isles sometimes less than favourable weather. Timber Tents can also be sited on land less suited to normal camping. Assuming you can access it, they can be sited in scrub, woodland and sloping ground.
Due to their added comfort, particularly with the electric pack, Timber Tents can extend your camping season into the colder months.

What are the lead times for Timber Tents?
Unless we are particularly busy, we can normally fulfil orders in 4-6 weeks from receipt of deposit.

How are Timber Tents delivered?
Our contracted hauliers make deliveries using a 26ft rigid HGV with a Hiab crane. This can fit up to two Timber Tents. The delivery drivers are not permitted to take vehicles off hard standing, so please bear this in mind when planning your delivery and final location. Alternatively you can arrange for a haulier local to yourselves to come and collect your Timber Tent.

Can Timber Tents be easily moved?
We move Timber Tents around our production site using lifting slings and either a hi-spec tractor loader or telehandler. They weigh approx. 1400kg.
On firm level ground Timber Tents can be towed short distances on their skids by either a tractor or 4x4

Do you prepare the site and locate the tents?
We don't currently provide a service to undertake ground works or lay electrical lines (if applicable). The driver will unload the tents onto your site if it is prepared and accessable with their vehicle. The finishing off of the location eg. fixing decking or building steps to the tent is the site owners responsibility.

How is the electrical supply connected to the Timber Tent?
The Timber tent has a short length of cable finished off with a 'commando connector' similar to those used for caravan hook up points. Your electrical contractor should simply finish off your supply cable with a connector which then allows quick and simple connection in seconds.

Can I order a Timber Tent without electrics?
Yes - Timber Tents can be ordered without any electrical services, or if you have concerns over power useage with limited services e.g. only lights.
We appreciate that certain sites may be unsuitable for electricity but our customer feedback re-enforces that providing lights and heating makes the Timber Tents more attractive to campers during the colder months.

What about planning regulations?
Different local authorities have different views to Timber Tents and other camping cabins. Although the Timber Tents footprint is small enough to be exempt from some planning requirements, if you do not already have a site you may need to apply for change of use.
If in doubt we suggest you check with your local authority planning dept.

What additional facilities do we need to provide?
As a minimum campers expect the use of clean toilets and showers. Some sites offer a kitchen/cooking area or pots wash-up facility. Normally the better the facilities the higher tariff rates you will be able to charge. Campers are now used to finding a laundry and drying room particularly if you are in a location likely to attract walkers, cyclists. Below is a short list of other facilities to consider.
Picnic tables, BBQ's, freezer service for cool packs, campfires/firewood sales, etc.

Do I have to join Timber Tent Holidays marketing activity?
No. You have the option of benefiting from your first season free of charge, and if you think the marketing offers you value for money you can choose to sign up to continue with the programme.

What are the eco-power options for Timber Tents?
To provide a reliable supply of power we recommend a combined photocell and micro turbine arrangement. This charges a 12v deep cycle battery - and we then use a power inverter to make the batteries 12v DC to AC. This means that if you ever want to connect the Timber Tent to the mains you can do without further modification.
This set-up can be specified to power either individual Timber Tents or a larger eco-power arrangement can power several tents - please call us to discuss requirements & pricing.

Do you operate a franchise model?
No - Timber Tents can only be purchased from us. We believe that in working with independent sites and land owners, who believe in the concept, we have the best partnership to develop each others respective businesses.

Have many people can fit in a Timber Tent?
Two to three people

What tariff should I charge for my Timber Tents?
This will depend on your location, quality of facilities and local competition. We would expect prices to range from £20-£35 per night per Timber Tent.

What maintenance will my Timber Tent need?
Not much. Every couple of years we would recommend treating the external weathered wood with a protective stain - we use and recommend Sadolin Classic Woodstain. Periodically the floor may need re-varnishing