The Ultimate Tarpaulin Buying Guide UK Edition

A tarpaulin, commonly referred to simply as a "tarp," is a strong, lightweight, and water-resistant material used for a wide variety of protective covering applications. Black Tarpaulin are most commonly constructed from heavy-duty synthetic fabrics like polyethylene (PE), polyester, or vinyl-coated polyester and are reinforced with hemmed edges and grommet holes for tying down.

Some key facts about tarps:

Tarps are versatile multi-use materials ideal for temporary shelters, equipment covers, outdoor projects, and more.

The lightweight and packable nature of tarps makes them convenient to transport and easy to deploy.

Properly installed tarps can provide weatherproof protection from rain, snow, frost, and sunlight.

More durable tarps used for contractor applications may be constructed with heavyweight materials like reinforced canvas.

Basic plastic tarps are very affordable starting around $10-20, while specialty tarps can range from $30-200 depending on fabric and size.

Some common uses of tarps include:

Use	Description
Temporary shelter	Tarps are a lightweight alternative to traditional tents for basic rain or sun shelter during activities like camping, events, construction sites.
Equipment covering	Tarps help protect vehicles, tools, firewood, and other items from weather damage during storage or transport.
Project cover	Tarps provide a waterproof ground barrier and overhead coverage for activities like painting, welding, staining decks while allowing ventilation.
Livestock shelter	Mesh tarps are sometimes used as temporary shelter or containment for livestock to provide shade and pest protection.
Water diversion	Placed on sloped surfaces like roofs, Tarpaulins UK can direct water runoff during repairs or help divert moisture until permanent coverage is installed.

Tarps are most commonly constructed with fabric made from polyethylene (PE), polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or canvas materials. PE and polyester tarps are very lightweight and packable, making them affordable for basic tasks, while reinforced vinyl and canvas options provide heavier-duty performance for construction worksites.

Polyethylene (PE) tarps are the most economical choice, consisting of a thin plastic film highly resistant to moisture. While lightweight, PE tear easily over time from UV exposure.

Polyester tarps have a slightly more durable woven fabric composition compared to PE but are still susceptible to degradation in sunlight. Reinforced polyester blends add strength.

Vinyl-coated polyester , also called PVC tarps , contain a thicker plastic coating for maximum waterproofing and durability. The heavier material stands up well to abrasion and weathering.

Canvas tarps are made from tightly-woven cotton, polyester, or vinyl-coated fabric blends. As the most breathable option, canvas tarps allow ventilation while protecting from precipitation. However, canvas also has a higher price point.

In addition to the main fabric, tarps feature elements like reinforced grommets , metal eyelets sewn into the perimeter or corners to accept rope or pole insertion. This allows for multiple tie-down points to securely anchor the tarp. Some tarps feature guy lines , short lengths of rope permanently attached along the sides.

Here are some additional details on tarpaulin parts and features:

Reinforced Edges

One area prone to early wear on tarps are the edges, as they endure stress each time the tarp is installed or removed. Tarps designed for heavy use will have double-stitched or folded-over edges to add strength.

Reinforced edges help prevent tearing over time. Some premium tarps go as far as adding vinyl or steel edging tapes that won't fray even after years of use.

D-Rings or Loops

Some larger contractor tarps include metal D-rings sewn into the edges or corners. These provide secure anchor points for chains, straps or ropes. Loops made of thicker fabric material serve a similar purpose.

Mesh Windows

Temporary tarps used for shelter sometimes include mesh screening patches. Mesh allows daylight and visibility while keeping out flying insects. Windows can be zipped open for ventilation.

Coating Weights

Heavier-duty tarps will specify the approximate weight (in grams/m2 or ounces/yard) of their polymer coating. A 2500mm or 3000mm rating means the tarp can withstand a large volume of precipitation before moisture penetrates.

Radiant Barrier

Specialized tarps designed for high-heat scenarios like welding contain a radiant barrier foil layer between the fabric plies. This reflects infrared and ultraviolet rays to keep the user cooler.

Tarpaulin Size

One of the most important selection criteria is choosing a tarpaulin sheet large enough for the intended use while also being manageable to transport and deploy. Standard options include:

8x10 feet - A compact size suitable for lightweight tasks or as a groundsheet.

10x12 feet - Commonhousehold size that provides coverage for small repairs, vehicles, or camping gear.

10x14 feet - Provides extra space for larger jobs or multi-person shelters.

12x16 feet - Accommodates large equipment and work areas. Suitable for most camping tents.

12x20 feet or larger - Industrial sizes needed for extended coverage on job sites or equipment.