Tarp Buying Guide: Materials, Thickness & Applications

Choosing the right tarp protects your equipment and saves money. With various tarp materials, tarp thicknesses, and tarp sizes available to you, understanding the specific tarp that suits your needs is a must. Whether you need a waterproof tarp for construction, a vinyl tarp for long-term protection, or a canvas tarp for breathable coverage, this guide will help you make the correct choice.

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, emergency roof repairs.

[Shop Heavy Duty Poly Tarps]

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: Truck/trailer covers, industrial equipment, lumber yards, emergency windows, greenhouses, events.

[Shop Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarps]

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, car storage, welding blankets.

[Shop Heavy Duty Canvas Tarps]

Mesh Tarps

Mesh tarps feature 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.

Best For: Construction debris containment, truck load covering, athletic backstops, shade structures, leaf collection, pond covers.
Specialty Flame-Resistant Tarps

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.

[Shop Flame Resistant Tarps]

Tarp Thickness Guide: Understanding Mil Ratings

Tarp thickness is measured in "mils" (1 mil = 0.001 inch). Understanding mil ratings helps you select appropriate tarps for your durability needs.

Light-Duty Tarps (5-8 mil)

• Best for: Temporary indoor protection, painting drop cloths, light equipment covering, short-term use
• Limitations: Tears easily, limited outdoor durability, not suitable as heavy duty tarps

Medium-Duty Tarps (10-12 mil)

• Best for: Boat and RV covers, pool covers, weekend camping, seasonal patio furniture protection
• Performance: Good balance of durability and cost, handles moderate weather

Heavy-Duty Tarps (14-20 mil)

• Best for: Construction sites, commercial use, long-term outdoor protection, agricultural applications
• Performance: Excellent tear and puncture resistance, withstands harsh weather, multi-year lifespan

Super Heavy-Duty Tarps (20+ mil)

• Best for: Extreme weather conditions, industrial applications, permanent installations, heavy machinery
• Performance: Maximum durability, longest lifespan (5-10+ years), resists extreme abuse

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 tarp thickness do I need?

Tarp thickness depends on your application. Light indoor use needs 5-8 mil. Seasonal outdoor use requires 10-12 mil. Heavy duty tarp use for construction and commercial use need 14-20 mil. Industrial and extreme conditions demand 20+ mil super heavy duty tarps.