Clear Tarps vs. Canvas Tarps: Which One Should You Choose?

 Tarps are one of the most versatile and durable tools available for both professional and personal use. From construction sites to outdoor adventures, tarps serve a variety of functions, providing protection, covering, and even creating shelter. Whether you're using them for DIY projects, camping trips, or industrial applications, choosing the right tarp can make a huge difference in the effectiveness and longevity of the protection it provides. tarps

In this ultimate tarp buying guide, we’ll cover the essential factors to consider when purchasing a tarp, including sizes, materials, and common applications. By understanding these key aspects, you’ll be equipped to select the right tarp for your specific needs and make a smart investment.

1. Tarp Sizes: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

One of the most important factors when purchasing a tarp is selecting the appropriate size. Tarps come in a wide range of dimensions, from small 6x8 feet tarps to massive 30x40 feet tarps. The size you need will depend on what you intend to cover or protect, and how much space you have available.

Common Tarp Sizes:

• Small Tarps (6x8 feet, 8x10 feet): Ideal for small personal projects such as covering tools, equipment, or firewood. These are also great for use in camping as ground covers or rain shelters.
• Medium Tarps (10x12 feet, 12x16 feet): These are more versatile and can be used for larger tasks, like covering outdoor furniture, protecting vehicles, or providing shade for small outdoor events.
• Large Tarps (20x20 feet, 20x30 feet): Perfect for larger coverage areas such as boat covers, protecting large piles of construction materials, or creating temporary roofing or shelter.
• Extra Large Tarps (30x40 feet and beyond): These tarps are used for significant coverage areas, like covering construction sites, large vehicles, or even for outdoor events such as festivals.

Choosing the Right Size:

When selecting a tarp, always measure the area you intend to cover. If you’re covering a vehicle, for example, ensure the tarp is large enough to cover the entire vehicle with extra overlap on the sides. If the tarp will be used for ground coverage, such as for camping or gardening, make sure the tarp is big enough to provide a comfortable area without being too bulky to handle.

Additionally, remember that tarps are typically sold with dimensions in length and width, but these measurements can sometimes vary slightly depending on how the tarp is made or folded. Always consider purchasing a tarp that is slightly larger than what you think you need to ensure full coverage.

2. Tarp Materials: Selecting the Right Fabric for Durability and Function

Tarps are made from various materials, each with distinct advantages and best-use scenarios. The material of the tarp affects its durability, water resistance, UV protection, and ease of use. The three most common tarp materials are polyethylene (PE), canvas, and vinyl.

Polyethylene (PE) Tarps:

Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used materials for tarps. These tarps are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to water, mildew, and UV rays. PE tarps are usually available in various colors and are often used for general-purpose applications.

• Pros:
  • Affordable and budget-friendly
  • Waterproof and UV resistant
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Flexible and available in a variety of sizes
• Cons:
  • Not as durable as other materials, especially in extreme weather
  • Can tear or rip if subjected to excessive stress or sharp objects

Canvas Tarps:

Canvas tarps are made from a durable, woven fabric that is heavier than PE tarps. These tarps are ideal for long-term use and applications where durability is important. Canvas is breathable, which makes it a great choice for covering items that need ventilation, like vehicles or agricultural equipment.

• Pros:
  • Highly durable and long-lasting
  • Breathable, making them ideal for storing equipment or goods that require ventilation
  • Available in heavy-duty options for industrial use
  • Natural look and feel
• Cons:
  • Heavier and less portable than PE tarps
  • More expensive than PE tarps
  • Requires more maintenance (e.g., waterproofing treatment) to remain weather-resistant

Vinyl Tarps:

Vinyl tarps are made from a synthetic plastic material that is extremely strong and resistant to a variety of environmental factors. These tarps are often used in heavy-duty applications, such as construction sites or for protecting large vehicles and machinery.

• Pros:
  • Extremely durable and tear-resistant
  • Highly water-resistant and UV resistant
  • Resistant to chemicals, oils, and grease
  • Long lifespan even in harsh conditions
• Cons:
  • More expensive than other materials
  • Heavier and bulkier, making them less portable
  • Not breathable, so they can trap heat and moisture underneath

Choosing the Right Material:

• For general-purpose use or short-term coverage, a polyethylene tarp is often the best option due to its affordability and water resistance.
• If you need a durable, long-term solution and are covering items that need to breathe (such as agricultural goods or vehicles), a canvas tarp may be the right choice.
• For heavy-duty applications that require extreme durability, such as construction or industrial sites, a vinyl tarp is the most suitable option.

3. Tarp Applications: Where and How You Can Use Tarps

Tarps are used in a wide variety of industries and situations. Their versatility makes them useful in both personal and professional applications. Here are some of the most common uses for tarps:

Outdoor Activities:

• Camping and Hiking: Tarps are often used as temporary shelters in camping, providing protection from rain and the sun. They can also be used as ground covers to keep your tent dry.
• Picnics and Outdoor Events: Tarps can be used to create shade or provide a dry area for sitting during outdoor activities. For events like barbecues, festivals, or family gatherings, tarps provide an inexpensive and effective solution for shelter.
• Boating and Marine Use: Tarps are ideal for protecting boats, kayaks, and other watercraft from weathering, debris, and UV damage when not in use.

Industrial and Construction Uses:

• Site Protection: Construction sites often use large tarps to cover building materials, tools, and machinery from rain, snow, or debris.
• Equipment and Machinery Covers: Heavy-duty tarps are commonly used to protect expensive industrial machinery and equipment from the elements when not in use.
• Temporary Roofing and Shelters: In emergencies, or for quick, temporary fixes, tarps can be used as makeshift roofs or coverings to protect workers or equipment from the elements.

Agricultural and Storage Applications:

• Covering Hay or Crops: Tarps are used on farms to cover hay, crops, and other outdoor storage, keeping them protected from rain or snow.
• Firewood Protection: Tarps can be used to protect firewood from moisture, preventing it from becoming too wet to burn effectively.
• Storage and Vehicle Protection: Tarps are also widely used to protect vehicles, boats, and other outdoor equipment from dust, rain, and UV damage.

Home and Garden:

• Gardening: Tarps are often used in the garden to cover plants during extreme weather or to protect soil from being contaminated by falling debris. They also help create a temporary greenhouse or shade area for plants.
• Protecting Furniture: Outdoor furniture can be covered with tarps to protect it from rain, dirt, and UV rays.

4. Additional Features to Consider When Buying a Tarp

Besides size and material, there are other features to consider when selecting a tarp:

• Grommets: These metal rings around the edges make it easy to tie down the tarp securely. Look for tarps with reinforced grommets for added durability.
• UV Protection: Some tarps come with a special UV-resistant coating, which helps prevent the tarp from deteriorating when exposed to sunlight over time.
• Waterproof Coatings: Many tarps have a waterproof coating, making them ideal for outdoor use, especially in areas that experience heavy rainfall.
• Reinforced Edges: For increased durability, some tarps come with reinforced edges or double-stitched seams to prevent fraying and tearing.

Conclusion

Tarps are incredibly versatile tools, and selecting the right one requires considering several factors including size, material, and intended use. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a camper, a contractor, or an agricultural worker, the right tarp can make a world of difference in protecting your belongings and enhancing the success of your project. By understanding the different sizes, materials, and applications of tarps, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed purchase that suits your specific needs.