What are the benefits and drawbacks of a modular double-deck system versus a custom deck engineered by an exhibit house?

No matter the type of structure, double decks can be great investments if you're looking for more real estate, in that they allow you to build up, not out. So by using the space over your footprint, you can rent less concrete. Sure, any additional architecture comes with ancillary expenses, but increased space-rental fees are not among them.

But before we launch into the pros and cons of these options, remember that you can rent or buy a modular double deck, just as you can rent or buy a custom-constructed property. Granted, the second option is less common than its counterpart, but there's considerable flexibility here.

When you're trying to decide between a modular versus custom deck, there are multiple variables to consider. Chief among them is probably the overall cost. Renting and perhaps buying a modular double deck will usually cost significantly less than the expenses of a custom build. Plus, most exhibitors will only use a double deck at a handful of shows per year – typically at their industries' largest events – which makes renting a modular structure a sound option.

But if you are one of the rare exhibitors that plan to reuse the deck again and again and year after year, purchasing either modular or custom might make more sense financially. Overall, going with modular structures will most likely offer more potential for cost savings, unless you plan to use a custom deck almost every time you trot out your exhibit.

The comparatively minimal cost of modular, then, also allows exhibitors to experiment a bit and/or to ratchet up their show-floor experiences at a handful of events. Let's say you want to try adding more prescheduled meetings to your space, but you're not sure the tactic will fly. You could rent a modular double deck for one show to house some meeting rooms and test your strategy. In this regard, rented modular structures let you experiment, whereas a custom build wouldn't make much sense given the immense investment.

Modular decks also provide some perks in terms of predictability. That is, they are, in effect, prefabricated kits, so all of the guesswork has been eliminated. Material handling, electrical, and labor hours are all predetermined, so you should have a good handle on how much it will cost to rent, ship, dray, install, etc. (Remember, to control costs, you'll need to hire labor that's familiar with your deck structure, whether that's from the show labor pool or your own exhibitor-appointed contractor.) There are more variables with a custom deck, and you'll never know exactly how much it will cost you until you've used it a few times.

The flip side is that modular options can somewhat limit you creatively. These kit constructions often come with a fixed layout and size (usually a rigid square or rectangle), so aside from altering the deck's orientation within your space, you don't have a ton of structural wiggle room. That said, you can add opaque or transparent wall panels to define and enclose various areas on both the upper and lower portions of the deck. And you can sometimes incorporate elements to the top of the structure to boost visibility. But the bones will usually remain the same.

Comparatively, the sky's the limit with a custom double deck, as you can build just about anything a show's structural engineers will approve. As such, you can create an environment that best suits your exhibiting needs, as opposed to tailoring your desires to meet the parameters of the modular kit you've selected.

Both modular and custom decks certainly have their place in the exhibiting world. But when deciding between the two of them, it often comes down to cost, number of uses, predictability, and creativity.