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Overview
Safety note: Our beach tent is made for fun rather than shade protection, so don’t forget to follow the Cancer Society's advice to Slip, Slop Slap and Wrap when the UV is 3 or above. If you want your tent to provide a degree of sun protection, swap the curtaining for shade cloth or fabric that is rated for sun protection. Simply loop over the top and sew in place or secure with cable ties.
Tools and materials
Tools
- 25mm spade bit
- 8mm drill bit
- Drill press
- Drill with driver bit
- Safety equipment
- Sewing pins
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Mitre saw
- Sewing machine and thread (optional)
- Six 8mm lynch pins
Steps
Make the uprights
Measure and cut the pine in half with a mitre saw to make four 1500mm lengths. From the top of each, centre and mark 150mm and 1350mm to make holes using a 25mm spade bit with a drill press.
Secure the uprights
On pairs of uprights, centre and mark 300mm from the top to position the parts of the cabin hook at 45°, with the hook plate turned anti-clockwise on the left upright, and the eye plate turned clockwise on the right, using a drill to secure with the supplied screws.
Construct the rails
Measure and cut the dowel to 1600mm lengths with a mitre saw. Measure and mark 25mm from the ends (to make holes for the lynch pins) using an 8mm bit with a drill press.
Join rails with uprights
On one rail, measure and mark 70mm from the ends to make holes using an 8mm bit with a drill press. Dab adhesive onto two dowel connectors and slot them in. Sand all over the uprights, rails and into the 25mm holes with 180-grit abrasive paper.
Sew together the cover
Along one 2000mm side of the fabric, fold a hem of 10mm and iron. Fold again to make a 40mm loop. Iron, then machine or hand sew to secure, leaving the ends open (the base rails are threaded through the loops to hold down the sides). Repeat for the second piece.
Stitch the seam
Position the fabric together, loop sides facing out and at the base. Measure along the top, 120mm down, and pin. Sew along the pin line, then repeat to reinforce the seam. Trim away the excess fabric with scissors, cutting along the outside of the seam closest to the join. Butterfly the seam to iron it open, which will help position the cover along the top rail.
Put the tent together
To assemble the frame, position pairs of uprights onto the ends of the top rail, sliding on the left sides first, with the hooks facing outwards. Add lynch pins to the outside holes and stand the frame up, holding it in place with the hooks.
To assemble the cover, thread base rails through the curtain hems, then position the cover over the frame. From the inside of the uprights, push the rails into the base holes, securing with lynch pins through the outside holes.
Dig the feet into the sand for stability, spread the gathers of the cover out evenly and avoid using the tent in a strong breeze.
Love the boho look?
Take inspiration from our guide to creating your own beautiful outdoor retreat at home.
Photography credit: Sam van Kan, Belinda Merrie
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More D.I.Y. Advice
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.