10x10 Tension Fabric Display Buyer's Guide

A tension fabric display is a lightweight aluminum tube frame with a printed fabric graphic that slips over it like a pillowcase and zips closed. It has become the most popular portable backwall for a 10 x 10 trade show booth because it sets up in minutes, weighs little and costs less to ship than almost any other display. This guide compares three 10 ft tension fabric displays, straight, curved and backlit, and explains what to check before you buy.

EcoTube 10 ft Straight EcoTube 10 ft Curved WaveLight LED 10 ft Backlit EcoTube 8 ft Straight EcoTube Modular Kit

Why choose a tension fabric display?

• Fast setup. The tube pieces snap together and one person can assemble a 10 ft EcoTube in under 15 minutes.
• Light to ship. A 10 ft EcoTube weighs 36 to 37 lb and travels in a wheeled bag.
• Seamless graphic. One piece of dye-sublimated fabric covers the whole frame, with no panel seams.
• Easy to update. When your message changes, you replace the fabric graphic and keep the frame.

Three 10 ft tension fabric displays compared

EcoTube 10 ft Straight Tension Fabric Display

Best for: a low cost backwall that leaves room for a counter or kiosk.

The 10 ft Straight EcoTube is our best-selling display. The frame is built from recyclable aluminum tubing that snaps together, and one person can assemble the whole display in under 15 minutes. The dye-sublimated graphic is printed on fabric made from recycled textiles, slips over the frame like a pillowcase and is secured by a heavy duty zipper at the bottom. Because the wall is flat, it sits tight against the back of your booth and leaves the floor open for counters, kiosks and monitor stands.

• Display size: 113"w x 89.5"h x 19.5"d
• Weight: 36 lb
• Included: 10 ft straight aluminum frame, single-sided tension fabric graphic and a travel bag with wheels
• Options: double-sided graphic and a hard shipping case
• Warranty: lifetime against manufacturing defects

See the EcoTube 10 ft Straight

EcoTube 10 ft Curved Display

Best for: a backwall with more depth and presence.

The curved EcoTube uses the same snap-together aluminum tubing and pillowcase graphic as the straight version, with a vertical support in the middle of the frame. The curve gives the graphic a sense of depth and draws the eye toward the center of your booth. Setup takes only a few minutes, and the display packs into the same compact travel bag with wheels.

• Display size: 117"w x 89.5"h x 17"d
• Weight: 37 lb
• Included: a compact travel bag with wheels
• Options: double-sided graphic, a hard shipping case and a graphic case wrap
• Warranty: lifetime against manufacturing defects

See the EcoTube 10 ft Curved

WaveLight LED 10 ft Backlit Display

Best for: a backlit graphic with the easy setup of a tube display.

The WaveLight is one of the thinnest backlit tension fabric displays on the market. The frame is 2 inch corded aluminum tubing that snaps together, and four LED light arrays hang from the frame to light the graphic evenly while minimizing shadows. The kit includes a hard shipping case that doubles as a counter at your show, with a black case wrap as standard and a printed graphic wrap as an option. Unlike an SEG light box, there is no exposed hardware on the sides.

• Display size: 114.17"w x 95.98"h x 19.5"d
• Weight: 73 lb
• Graphic: wrinkle-resistant polyester stretch backlit fabric with a blockout backer
• Included: hard case that converts to a counter measuring 42.5"w x 39.4"h x 21.7"d
• Warranty: lifetime against manufacturing defects on hardware, 1 year on graphics

See the WaveLight LED 10 ft Backlit

Two more options worth knowing

• EcoTube 8 ft Straight Display: at 96" wide, it leaves more room in a 10 x 10 booth for a counter, kiosk or banner stand beside it.
• EcoTube 10 ft Modular Kit C4A4: two angled tube frames that form one backdrop. It ships in a single hard case that becomes a podium with the included fabric case wrap.

What to check before you buy

Straight or curved

A straight wall takes up the least floor space and pairs well with counters and kiosks. A curved wall adds depth and stands out more on its own.

Single or double-sided graphic

Single-sided is all you need against a back wall or pipe and drape. Choose double-sided if the back of the display will be seen, such as in an island booth or a lobby.

Soft bag or hard case

The included travel bag is fine if you carry the display yourself. If it will ship by carrier or go to several shows a year, add the hard shipping case. Our shipping case buyer's guide explains the difference.

Backlit or not

A backlit display is easier to see across a hall, weighs more and needs power at your booth. See our 10x10 backlit display buyer's guide for more backlit options.

Lead time

All three displays ship 6 to 7 business days after you approve your graphic proof, plus shipping time. Order with your show date in mind.

Which one should you choose?

• You want the best value and room for other booth pieces: the EcoTube 10 ft Straight.
• You want the backwall itself to stand out: the EcoTube 10 ft Curved.
• You want a lit graphic and a counter in one kit: the WaveLight LED 10 ft Backlit.
• You need space for a kiosk or counter beside the display: the EcoTube 8 ft Straight.

Common questions

What is a tension fabric display?

It is a portable display made of an aluminum tube frame and a stretch fabric graphic. The graphic slides over the frame like a pillowcase and zips closed, which pulls the fabric tight.

How long does a tension fabric display take to set up?

One person can assemble a 10 ft EcoTube in under 15 minutes. The tube pieces snap together and no tools are needed.

Can I replace the graphic later?

Yes. You can order a new graphic for the frame you already own, such as the EcoTube 10 ft Straight Replacement Graphic.

Will a 10 ft display fit a 10 x 10 booth?

Yes. The 10 ft EcoTube displays measure 113" to 117" wide, which fits inside a standard 10 ft (120") booth space.

Not sure which display fits your booth? Call us at 540-438-9933, or see all of our 10x10 tension fabric tube displays.