What Are Tarps? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
If your business relies on durable protection for equipment, materials, or inventory, understanding tarps before making a purchase can save both time and money. Construction companies, roofing contractors, moving services, landscaping crews, and fleet operators all depend on the right tarp to keep assets protected from weather, debris, and daily wear. Choosing the wrong tarp can lead to damaged equipment, costly replacements, and unnecessary downtime. Whether you need a few covers or are purchasing wholesale tarps for ongoing operations, this guide explains the key factors to consider, including materials, sizes, thicknesses, and essential features, so you can make a confident buying decision.
What Is a Tarp?
A tarp, short for tarpaulin, is a large sheet of flexible, durable material used to cover and protect equipment, materials, and work areas. The name traces back to the tar-coated canvas sheets that once shielded ship decks from seawater. Today's commercial-grade versions are engineered from modern fabrics and plastics, and they are manufactured in a wide range of sizes, weights, and finishes to meet the demands of job sites, warehouses, fleets, and storage yards.
What Are Tarps Made Of?
Material is the single most important factor in performance and total cost of ownership, so it is worth knowing your options before committing to a purchase order. What tarps are made of comes down to three common categories, each suited to different operational needs.
Polyethylene (poly) tarps are the most widely used and most cost-effective option for businesses. They are made by weaving polyethylene strands into a tight sheet. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tarps are stronger, fully waterproof, and resist UV exposure and tearing, while low-density polyethylene (LDPE) tarps are lighter and suited to short-term, light-duty applications. Poly tarps are the standard choice for construction sites, equipment yards, and general weather protection.
Vinyl tarps are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are thicker and heavier than poly, making them the most rugged option for demanding industrial environments. Vinyl stands up well to abrasion, harsh weather, and continuous wear, so it is commonly specified for covering trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery.
Canvas tarps are made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. They are breathable, which helps prevent trapped moisture, making them a practical choice for covering materials prone to mildew. Canvas is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so light moisture beads off, but pooled water will eventually soak through. Canvas is also widely used as a drop cloth for painting and renovation crews because of its smooth, absorbent surface.
What Are Tarps Used For?
Few products carry as much versatility across industries, which is why procurement teams routinely ask what tarps are used for. The most common commercial applications include:
- Construction and job sites: Covering materials, equipment, and debris, or sectioning off active work areas.
- Roofing and storm response: Temporary roof and window protection following wind or storm damage.
- Fleet, trucking, and transport: Shielding loads on trucks and trailers from rain, snow, and road debris.
- Agriculture and landscaping: Covering hay, crops, equipment, and ground protection for crews.
- Painting and renovation: Protecting floors, fixtures, and furniture from spills and overspray.
- Warehousing and storage: Protecting palletized inventory and outdoor stock from the elements.
Tarp Sizes Guide
Tarps are sold in standard rectangular and square dimensions, and standardizing on the right sizes for your operation reduces waste and simplifies reordering. Many wholesale suppliers, including Reliable Textiles, sell tarps in case packs so you can stock a consistent size in volume. The table below reflects popular commercial sizes and how they are typically deployed.
|
Size |
Typical commercial use |
|
6x8 ft |
Equipment, generators, gear, individual items |
|
8x10 ft |
Small load coverage, workstations, smaller vehicles |
|
10x10 / 10x12 ft |
Vehicles, material stacks, windbreaks |
|
12x16 ft |
Larger vehicles, equipment groupings, canopies |
|
10x20 / 12x20 ft |
Fleet vehicles, large material stacks, temporary roof coverage |
A practical tip for spec'ing orders: measure the items your crews cover most often and add a foot or two on each side so there is enough material to secure the tarp properly.
Tarp Thickness Guide (Understanding Mil)
Thickness is measured in mils, where one mil equals one-thousandth of an inch. A higher mil rating indicates a thicker, more durable tarp and a longer service life under repeated use.
|
Thickness |
Mil range |
Best application |
|
Light-duty |
5 to 8 mil |
Temporary covers, painting, short-term protection |
|
Medium-duty |
10 to 12 mil |
Decks, boats, temporary shelters |
|
Heavy-duty |
14 to 20 mil |
Construction, transport, equipment protection |
|
Super heavy-duty |
20+ mil |
Extreme conditions, industrial, long-term deployment |
Key Features to Evaluate Before You Buy
Two tarps that look identical on a spec sheet can perform very differently in the field. Before approving an order, have your team confirm these details:
- Reinforced hems: Extra material along the edges strengthens the most tear-prone area and extends service life, lowering replacement frequency.
- Rust-resistant grommets: Brass or galvanized steel grommets hold up outdoors. Look for spacing every 12 to 24 inches for secure tie-downs.
- Waterproof vs. water-resistant: Waterproof tarps block water entirely, while water-resistant tarps repel light moisture but can leak under pooling or sustained rain. Match this to your climate and application.
- UV protection: For covers exposed to the sun over long periods, UV resistance prevents premature breakdown and fading.
- Reinforced corners: Added corner strength helps the tarp withstand repeated tie-downs and high winds, a common failure point in fleet and job-site use.
How to Choose the Right Tarp: A Procurement Checklist
Run through these four questions, and your team will land on the right specification almost every time:
- Material: Poly delivers the best balance of waterproofing, durability, and value for most commercial jobs. Vinyl suits the heaviest industrial wear, and canvas offers breathability for moisture-sensitive items.
- Size: Standardize around the items your crews cover most, with overlap for tie-downs.
- Thickness: Light-duty for short-term tasks, heavy-duty for harsh conditions, and long deployment.
- Application: Determine whether you need full waterproofing, UV resistance, or breathability.
For businesses that go through covers regularly, sourcing in bulk at wholesale pricing keeps per-unit costs low and inventory consistent. Reliable Textiles supplies heavy-duty, 100% waterproof poly tarps in case packs across popular sizes from 6x8 up to 12x20, featuring reinforced corners, UV protection, and a tight weave built to resist water, wind, and tearing in demanding commercial conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes do tarps come in?
Tarps are available in a range of standard rectangular and square dimensions. Reliable Textiles stocks popular commercial sizes from 6x8 and 8x10 up through 10x20 and 12x20, sold in case packs so operations can standardize on a consistent size.
What does mil mean for tarps?
Mil measures thickness, with one mil equal to one-thousandth of an inch. Higher mil numbers indicate a thicker, stronger, and more weather-resistant tarp suited to heavier commercial use.
Are all tarps waterproof?
No. Poly and vinyl tarps are typically waterproof, while canvas tarps are water-resistant and will eventually soak through if water pools on the surface.
How should tarps be stored between uses?
Clean and fully dry the tarp first, then fold it loosely and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent mildew and material breakdown, which protects your investment between deployments.
Which tarp is best for covering fleet vehicles or trailers?
A heavy-duty poly tarp with UV protection, a waterproof weave, and reinforced corners is a dependable choice for vehicles, trailers, and transported loads. Larger sizes, such as 10x20 or 12x20, give crews enough coverage and overlap for secure tie-downs.
Final Thoughts
Once your team understands what goes into a quality cover, selecting the right tarp becomes much easier. Start by choosing the appropriate material, match the size and thickness to your specific application, and confirm the features that best suit your working conditions. By incorporating these four factors into your purchasing process, you can maximize durability, improve protection, and reduce long-term replacement costs. For businesses looking for dependable coverage solutions, Reliable Textiles offers a wide selection of tarps designed to meet the demands of commercial, industrial, and everyday applications.
