Tarps for Dummies: A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Tarp

• What is the difference between the types of tarps?
• With so many kinds available how can I know which tarp I need?
• Where do I find information about tarps?
• What tarp will work best for my project?
• How do prices compare for the different tarp types?

Perhaps you can relate to these common questions about tarps. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. Intelligent people ask questions! Asking questions is basic to understanding any subject and that’s exactly why we’ve created this tarp guide for beginners.

According to Confucious, He who asks a question remains a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask remains a fool forever.

Quick Overview of Tarps

Deciding which type of tarp will serve your purpose best can be tricky. A good starting point to begin the process involves determining if your tarp need is short term or long term. The all-purpose economy poly tarp is excellent for short term uses and economical for the pocketbook.

If the tarp you need requires added strength, check out the heavy-duty poly tarp. Durability, versatility, and affordability are important qualities of the extremely popular, “strength-on-a-budget” heavy-duty poly tarp.

Generally speaking, vinyl tarps are noted for a longer life and resistance to abrasion.

If breathability is important, the canvas tarp allows moisture to escape because its natural-feel, solid fabric is breathable. In addition, the premium canvas tarp is waterproof.

Mesh tarps not only breathe and allow air flow and visibility, they also provide shade at the same time.

To answer some of your common questions about different tarp types, this ‘Tarps for Dummies’ article serves as a helpful tarp guide for beginners. It will familiarize you with four kinds of tarps and enable you to compare basic information: the specifications of each, the sizes available, and common uses — helping you choose the best tarp for your needs.

Also Read: Tarp Colors: Color-by-Color Differences Explained

Poly Tarps

Heavy-duty Poly Tarp

When you need a tarp that balances durability and cost, the heavy-duty poly tarp is a go-to solution. It’s designed for tough jobs while remaining practical for everyday use.

Specifics

The heavy-duty poly tarp is our best-selling tarp and a top choice for those needing a durable tarp for outdoor use. Its combination of strength, affordability, and weather resistance makes it ideal for both personal and commercial projects.

• 6 oz. weight, 12 mil thickness

• 7 oz. is available – longer life, minimal price increase

• Economical

• Strong

• Long-lasting, tough

• Waterproof and UV resistant

• Mold and mildew resistant

• Reinforced rope in folded edges

• Grommets spaced every 18”

• Colors: tan, red, yellow, orange, green, white, silver, clear

• Available in fire-retardant options

• Valance style available (over the edge)

• Custom orders available

Sizes

Available in a wide range of sizes to suit nearly every need – from residential covers to industrial uses.

• Wide variety of sizes available from 5 x 7’ up to 170’ square

• Custom sizes also available

Uses

The heavy-duty poly tarp is a versatile tarp solution for both temporary and long-term applications. It’s lightweight yet tough, making it easy to handle while delivering dependable protection.

• Canopies

• Camping – tents, canopy, cover equipment, etc.

• Farming uses – cover hay bales & equipment

• Cover for greenhouses

• Car ports

• Outdoor market tops and side walls

• Covers well

• Easy and light to transport & assemble

• Budget-friendly

• Protect outdoor furniture

• Cover hot tubs

• Cover wood piles

• Walls and site barriers

• Baseball fields and golf courses

• Backyard ice skating rinks

All-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp

This tarp is a practical choice for a wide range of everyday uses where flexibility and value are key.

Specifics

This economy poly tarp is an excellent option for short-term use and budget-conscious projects. Despite its affordability, it still offers reliable performance and protection from the elements.

• Medium duty poly

• Very economical

• Lightweight

• Tear and UV resistant

• Waterproof, mold and mildew resistant

• Does not rot or shrink

• Rust-proof grommets every 3 feet and on corners

• Available in blue, desert camo, green camo, brown/green

Sizes

This lightweight tarp for temporary use is available in a wide variety of sizes to fit your covering needs.

• Available in many sizes from 5 x 7’ to 60 x 120’

Uses

Ideal for short-term applications, this affordable waterproof tarp performs well across a variety of settings.

• Temporary roofing protection

• Protection from elements

• Camping covers

• Hunting blinds

• Outdoor games

Vinyl Tarps

18 oz. & 13 oz. Vinyl Tarps

A dependable solution for more rugged tarp needs, vinyl tarps are built to handle tough environments and high-performance expectations.

Specifics

Our vinyl tarps for heavy-duty use are designed for commercial and industrial environments where strength, flexibility, and weather resistance are essential. These commercial-grade waterproof tarps offer superior performance in demanding applications.

• Heavy

• Commercial duty

• 18 oz. is 3 x the weight of heavy-duty poly

• 13 oz. is 2 x the weight of heavy-duty poly

• Double layer reinforcement on edges (tough as seat belts!)

• Double stitching with heat-sealed seams

• Heavy-duty grommets

• Excellent UV resistance

• Remains flexible in low temperatures

• Flame retardant varieties available

• Available in clear and 12 different colors

• Custom sizes, colors, designs, & shapes available

• Ultra long-lasting, tear resistant

• Waterproof & mildew proof

Sizes

Whether you're covering equipment or creating protective enclosures, these durable vinyl tarps come in a range of standard and custom sizes.

• Stock sizes are 5 x 7’ to 50 x 50’

• Available in custom sizes

Uses

Vinyl tarps are ideal for demanding tarp applications, particularly where strength, moisture resistance, and flame resistance are important.

• Construction site covers

• Heavy equipment covers

• Cover truck beds & trailers

• Cover boats

• Provide barriers, dividers, and walls

• Protection from elements

• Pools, hot tubs

• Outdoor furniture 

• Camping 

• Shelters

• Tools

• Sports applications

• Sports & gymnastic mats

• Martial arts mats

• Boxing ring mats

• Gym floor covers

Also Read: How to Keep Outdoor Furniture Safe with Tarps Year-Round

Mesh Tarps / Shade Cloth

When airflow, light filtering, and visibility matter, mesh tarps provide a versatile solution for both residential and commercial outdoor settings.

Specifics

These breathable mesh tarps are a smart choice for applications where air circulation and partial light are beneficial. Perfect for shade, privacy, and airflow control.

• 6 oz. poly material

• Breathable

• Allows airflow

• Provides shade (range of shade percentages available)

• Blocks the sun but allows some sunlight

• Lightweight

• Flexible

• Strong

• Available in black, white, tan, green, and blue

Sizes

Whether you’re covering large areas or customizing smaller projects, mesh tarps are available in both stock and custom sizes.

• Stock sizes 6 x 8’ to 50 x 70’

• Custom sizes also available

Uses

Mesh tarps are ideal for outdoor environments where ventilation and shading are needed.

• Garden shade

• Canopy structure

• Cover truck loads

• Fence site barrier

• Shade for patio but allows air flow

Canvas Tarps

Premium Canvas Tarp

This tarp is ideal for customers who want the rugged performance of canvas with modern improvements in waterproofing and breathability.

Specifics

This heavy-duty canvas tarp is crafted from a durable polyester blend, offering a breathable yet waterproof solution. It combines strength, weather resistance, and longevity with a cleaner, more odor-free experience than cotton-based options.

• Premium canvas tarp of polyester blend

• 14.5 oz / sq. yd

• Durable – double strength of cotton tarp

• Brass spur grommets every 24”

• Waterproof (no odor)

• Water-resistant where seams are located

• Breathable

• Colorfast -- will not bleed or stain items covered

• Will not shrink (1% at most)

• Available in olive green, black, brown, tan, white, blue, gray, natural

• Does not have a strong odor (unlike cotton canvas)

• Made in the USA

Sizes

Available in a variety of dimensions with customizable options to fit your project needs.

• Available in many sizes

• Array of sizes given on website

• Custom options within 2-3 weeks of ordering

Uses

A reliable choice for commercial, outdoor, or industrial coverage needs where canvas performance is essential.

• Cover construction supplies

• Cover equipment

• Barriers

• Fences 

• Cover lumber

• Archaeological dig sites

• Protect deck furniture

• Boat covers

Cotton Canvas Tarp

Traditional Performance with a Natural Feel

A long-time favorite for breathable and heat-tolerant applications, cotton canvas tarps offer a natural solution for specific outdoor and agricultural needs.

Specifics

The cotton canvas tarp is a cost-effective solution ideal for high-temperature or breathable coverage needs. Though it has some limitations like shrinkage and odor, it remains a reliable traditional option.

• Economical, but strong

• Cotton

• Does shrink

• Not colorfast

• Water resistant (treatment produces an odor which may lessen over time)

• Array of weights available

• Discourages mildew & mold build-up

• Reduces heat build-up

• Excellent for high temperatures

• Colors: natural, olive green, green, brown, gold

• Made in the USA

Sizes

Available in multiple sizes to suit everything from equipment covers to farm applications.

• Available in many sizes

• Array of sizes listed on website

Uses

Well-suited for breathable coverage and agricultural needs.

• Cover tools

• Horse blankets

• Temporary shelters

• Shield livestock

• Cover hay bales

• Martial arts mat covers

You Asked – “Tarps for Dummies” Has Answers!

The kind of tarp you need depends upon several variables: where you live, the purpose for the tarp, what color of tarp you want, the kind of fabric, and, perhaps, if you need to correct some tarp issues from the past.

When it comes to knowledge about tarps, Tarps.com has the answers! The website gives pertinent information along with pictures to help you find the right tarp for your needs. Knowledgeable, helpful staff is available to answer your tarp questions, share advice concerning your tarp projects, and provide skilled help in planning and obtaining your tarp essentials. Sample fabric swatches are available upon request.

Be wise! Ask questions! With the help of this guide and our team, you can understand the differences and uses of the various types of tarps — and confidently choose the best tarp for your needs. 

Still not sure which tarp is right for your project?
Our tarp experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized recommendations, or shop our full tarp collection now to find the perfect fit.