Which tarpaulin is best?
A tarp is an easy-to-use cover for everything from a winter log pile to a fully loaded big rig. It’s no surprise that you find them everywhere.
So you just need to check the size you want and buy one, right? Well, maybe. There is actually quite a variety. Materials and construction can have a big impact on their cost and longevity.
Our favorite, the Xpose Safety Super Heavy Duty Tarp, offers a durable, all-season solution for all kinds of tasks.
What you need to know before buying a tarpaulin
Materials
Although polyethylene (often simply called poly) and canvas are the most common materials, vinyl and PVC tarps are also common.
Polyethylene is cheap and almost 100% waterproof and has therefore become the most popular choice. However, the sun’s UV rays will quickly destroy cheap polyethylene tarps. They can disintegrate – literally fall apart – in just a few weeks. For this reason, any good poly tarp will have a UV coating (make sure it is on both sides).
Canvas (woven from natural hemp or cotton) is much stronger than polyethylene, so it is a better choice when abrasion resistance is required. It is also flame retardant (but not flame retardant). However, it is rarely fully waterproof and can be prone to rotting in humid environments. The flip side is that because it absorbs liquids to a certain extent, it doesn’t become slippery like plastic, so in some situations it’s safer.
Vinyl is a little more specialized, stronger than polyethylene but more expensive. It’s popular for transportation. PVC combines flexibility and durability and is often used in factory curtains or in the construction of temporary floor coverings.
What to look for in a quality tarp
In addition to the material, the thickness will impact the strength and flexibility of the tarpaulin. There are two commonly used measurement systems: milliliters and ounces per square meter. Manufacturers may offer one or both. Six milliliters/3 ounces would be considered light work, while up to 24 milliliters/12 ounces would be the heaviest. If the tarp is woven (many poly tarps are woven, as well as canvas), you will also get a weave count. Higher numbers mean greater strength, 8 x 8 being a lightweight tarp, up to 24 x 24 on heavy duty models.
Grommets can be plastic, aluminum or brass. All are rust resistant, but metal ones will last longer. Spacing can be between 36 and 18 inches. Typically, they will be closer to heavy-duty tarps, as you generally want more tie-down points.
Rows of double or triple stitching reinforce the edges of the tarpaulin. Nylon rope is sewn into the edge of the highest quality versions to add extra strength.
Regarding size, some manufacturers give the size as that of the material cut before the edge is folded over and sewn. This usually results in the actual dimensions of the tarp being half an inch or more less than those stated in the description. If you need a specific size, this is something to look out for.
How much can you expect to spend on a tarp
You can probably find cheap tarps for just a few dollars, but they tear easily and have no UV protection. A good quality 8-by-10-foot tarp will cost about $15; At the other end of the scale, a heavy-duty, heavy-duty 30-foot by 40-foot tarp will cost you several hundred. This remains very reasonable, considering the size and the level of protection provided.
Tarpaulin FAQs
Are milliliters for tarpaulin thickness the same as millimeters?
A. Sounds similar, right? But no, they are not the same. A mil is 1/1000th of an inch and a millimeter is 1/100th of a meter. If you want a conversion, one millimeter is 0.039 inches, or 39 milliliters.
How do you know if a tarpaulin is waterproof?
A. It’s not easy. There is no common standard, so you have to take the manufacturer’s word for it. It’s difficult to make canvas completely waterproof, so poly is best. Be careful with “water-resistant,” which probably just means shower-proof.
What is the best tarpaulin to buy?
Top tarpaulin
Heavy-duty tarpaulin from Xpose Safety
What you need to know: This heavy-duty tarpaulin is available in a wide range of sizes, offering something for every task.
What you will love: It has a thickness of 16 milliliters and a weave count of 16 x 16. It is strong, waterproof and UV resistant. The eyelets are spaced 18 inches apart and the seams are reinforced for added security.
What you should consider: We know that seams fray from time to time.
Best tarp for the money
High visibility tarpaulin from Harpster Tarps
What you need to know: This lightweight tarp is bright red if you need what you’re covering to stand out.
What you will love: This inexpensive and cheerful cover is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The material measures 3.3 ounces (about 7 milliliters thick). It is waterproof, rot-proof and has an anti-UV coating on both sides.
What you should consider: It’s just a thin, light blanket.
It’s worth the detour
F & J Outdoors Canvas Truck Cover
What you need to know: This traditional, robust, well-designed canvas is intended for use on vehicles, boats and construction sites.
What you will love: The heavyweight 10-ounce, 23-milliliter equivalent fabric has triple-stitched hems. Grommet spacing allows for frequent tie-down points. Precisely sized, it is UV and water resistant.
What you should consider: It is not completely waterproof and the color may fade quickly.
Prices shown reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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