How to Choose the Right Tarp: Materials, Sizes, and Uses

Understanding Tarp Materials

Poly Tarps (Polyethylene Tarps)

Poly tarps are the most popular type of tarp, made from woven polyethylene strands that are laminated for complete water protection. These waterproof tarps offer excellent versatility at affordable prices.

Key Features:

• Fully waterproof, will not leak or absorb moisture
• UV resistant for outdoor durability
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Mildew and rot-proof
• Chemical resistant

Best For: Construction equipment, camping, agriculture, pool covers, truck beds, and emergency roof repairs.

Vinyl Tarps (PVC Tarps)

Vinyl tarps (also called PVC tarps) represent premium heavy duty tarps. Made from polyester fabric coated with polyvinyl chloride, these waterproof tarps deliver maximum durability in demanding environments.

Key Features:

• Extremely durable with superior tear resistance
• Completely waterproof and impermeable
• Abrasion resistant for repeated use
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Temperature stable (-40°F to 180°F)
• Long lifespan (5-10+ years)

Best For: Hot asphalt covers, industrial equipment, lumber yards, welding, and greenhouses.

Canvas Tarps

Canvas tarps are made from cotton or cotton-polyester blend, offering natural, breathable protection. While water resistant rather than waterproof, they provide unique benefits for specific applications.

Key Features:

• Breathable - prevents condensation buildup
• Water resistant - repels light moisture
• Tear resistant natural fibers
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable
• Paint-friendly for artistic projects
• UV resistant

Best For: Firewood protection, painter's drop cloths, equipment ventilation, tree protection, and car storage.

Specialty Flame-Resistant Tarps

For hot work and fire-hazard environments, Humphrys offers flame-resistant versions of poly tarps, vinyl tarps, and canvas tarps. These specialty heavy duty tarps resist ignition and meet NFPA fire safety standards. Humphrys offers flame resistant tarps certified to NFPA 701 in all three material types.

Mesh Tarps

Mesh tarps feature an open-weave design allowing air and light through while providing shade and partial protection. These specialized tarps serve unique applications where full coverage would be problematic. For application-specific tarps, explore our specialty tarps, including dump truck covers, roofing tarps, and leak diverters.

Best For: Construction debris containment, truck load covering, athletic backstops, shade structures, leaf collection, and pond covers. For commercial dump truck applications, see our dump truck tarps.

How Thick Should Your Tarp Be?

Thickness is measured in mils for poly tarps, where one mil equals 0.001 inch, and in ounces per square yard for vinyl and canvas. As a rule of thumb, 5 to 8 mil suits light, short-term use, 10 to 12 mil handles general-duty jobs, and 14 to 20 mil and up is built for heavy-duty, long-term outdoor work. For the full breakdown, including a mil and oz chart, the true mil question, and the right thickness by application, see our complete Tarp Thickness Guide.

Tarp Sizes: Selecting the Right Dimensions

Small Tarps (6×6 to 10×10 feet):

Solo camping, motorcycle/ATV covers, small equipment, generators, bicycle covering

Medium Tarps (10×12 to 16×20 feet):

Car covers, group camping (2-4 people), pallet covering, garden beds, above-ground pools

Large Tarps (20×20 to 30×40 feet):

Pickup trucks, large boats, construction materials, hay bales (20-30), in-ground pools, emergency roof covering

Extra-Large Tarps (30×40+ feet):

Industrial equipment, commercial buildings, disaster relief shelters, warehouse inventory, bulk hay storage (100+ bales)

Measuring Tip: Add 2-3 feet overhang on all sides. For tall items, add twice the height to your base dimensions.

Essential Tarp Features

• Reinforced Hems: Folded and sewn edges prevent tearing. Quality heavy duty tarps feature double-thickness hems or rope reinforcement.
• Rust-Resistant Grommets: Brass or stainless steel grommets won't corrode. Look for spacing every 12-18 inches for maximum tie-down options.
• UV Resistance: UV inhibitors extend outdoor life. Premium tarps offer 2-5+ years outdoor exposure rating.
• Weave Count: Higher counts mean stronger **tarp material**. Humphrys' poly tarps feature 12×12 weave for superior strength.
• Temperature Resistance: Quality poly tarps and vinyl tarps remain flexible from -40°F to 180°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between poly tarps and vinyl tarps?

Poly tarps are lightweight and made from woven polyethylene plastic, making them ideal for general-purpose use at affordable prices. Vinyl tarps (also called PVC tarps) feature a thicker construction with polyester fabric coated in vinyl, providing superior strength and durability for harsh conditions.

Are canvas tarps waterproof?

Canvas tarps are water resistant, not waterproof. They repel light rain but will soak through with prolonged exposure or pooling water. The advantage of canvas tarps is breathability; they prevent condensation and mildew that vinyl tarps may cause cause. Choose canvas tarps for applications requiring ventilation like firewood covering.

What size tarp do I need?

Measure your item and add 2 to 3 feet of overhang on every side, and for tall items add twice the height to your base dimensions. Standard tarp sizes run from about 6x6 up to 30x40 feet, and any size can be made to order.