What is Tarpaulin? The Ultimate Guide to Types, Uses, and Sizes

If you have ever needed to shield outdoor equipment from a sudden downpour, cover a leaking roof, or keep cargo dry on the back of a truck, you have likely relied on a tarpaulin.

A tarpaulin (commonly shortened to “tarp”) is a large, strong, flexible, and water-resistant or waterproof sheet. Typically made from highly durable plastics like polyethylene (PE) and PVC, or breathable heavy-duty fabrics like canvas, its primary purpose is to provide robust weather protection against rain, wind, and harsh sunlight.

While tarps are a staple of modern construction sites and backyard storage today, their history goes back centuries. The word itself tells the story of its origin: it combines “tar” (the dark oil used to seal ships) and “palling” (an old English term for a fabric covering). Early sailors would coat heavy canvas cloth with tar to create waterproof covers that protected ship cargo from the brutal elements at sea.

Today’s tarpaulins have evolved far beyond tar-soaked cloth, utilizing advanced synthetic materials engineered for specific industries. Whether you are looking for a lightweight cover for a weekend camping trip or a heavy-duty industrial barrier, understanding the core characteristics of this versatile material is the first step to choosing the right one for your needs.

What is Tarpaulin Used For?

Tarpaulins are the unsung heroes of heavy-duty protection. Because they can be folded, tied down, and trusted to withstand brute force, you will find them across almost every major industry. Here is where they are most commonly put to work:

Construction & Roofing: If a storm damages a house, contractors immediately roll out a heavy tarp to prevent water from destroying the interior. On commercial sites, they act as weather barriers for scaffolding and temporarily shield exposed building materials like cement or timber.

Logistics & Transportation: You have undoubtedly seen flatbed trucks on the highway hauling goods under tightly strapped covers. These truck tarps are engineered to endure high-velocity winds and highway debris, ensuring cargo arrives at its destination dry and undamaged.

Agriculture: Farmers use large-scale tarps to cover haystack pyramids, shield expensive machinery from rust, and line temporary grain storage areas to protect harvests from pests and moisture.

Camping & Outdoor Recreation: From serving as a rugged ground cloth beneath your tent to acting as an improvised rainfly or sun shelter, lightweight tarps are an essential piece of survival and recreational gear.

Types of Tarpaulin Materials

Choosing the wrong material for your project will cost you time and money. Tarpaulins are categorized by the polymers or fabrics they are woven from, each offering entirely different performance levels.

Polyethylene (PE) Tarps – Best for Temporary & Budget Use

Often called “poly tarps,” these are the affordable, crinkly plastic sheets you find at local hardware stores. They are made from woven polyethylene strips bonded to a sheet surface.

Pros: Lightweight, highly water-resistant, inexpensive, and easy to handle.
Cons: Can degrade quickly under continuous, intense sunlight and tear easier than heavy-duty options.
Best For:Backyard woodpiles, temporary camping shelters, and light-duty DIY home renovations.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Tarps – The Heavy-Duty Industrial Standard

PVC tarps are made from a high-tensile polyester core coated with liquid PVC plastic. This is a professional-grade product designed to last for years, not weeks.

Pros: 100% waterproof, incredibly difficult to tear, highly resistant to oil and acid, and inherently UV-stable.
Cons: Noticeably heavy, stiff in freezing temperatures, and comes with a higher upfront cost.
Best For: Truck side curtains, long-term construction covers, and commercial-grade agricultural protection.

Canvas Tarps – The Breathable Choice

Woven from 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends, canvas tarps are treated to repel water while remaining entirely breathable.

Pros: Allows moisture to escape (preventing condensation underneath), highly heat-resistant, and non-slip.
Cons: Not 100% waterproof under pooling rain; they will eventually saturate if water sits on them.
Best For: Covering valuable machinery, shielding delicate indoor furniture during painting, or protecting materials prone to rust from trapped moisture.

Key Features to Look For (Buying Guide)

When shopping for a tarp, don’t just grab the cheapest option. You need to decode the specifications on the label to ensure it matches your environment.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Do not confuse these two. Waterproof means water cannot penetrate the fabric even under pressure (like PVC). Water-resistant means it repels a light shower but will leak if water pools on top for extended periods (like canvas).

Thickness & GSM (Grams per Square Meter): This is how you measure a tarp’s toughness. A standard utility tarp sits around 80 to 120 GSM (lightweight). Heavy-duty industrial or commercial tarps often exceed 500 to 700 GSM. The higher the number, the thicker and more durable the tarp.

Grommets (Eyelets): These are the reinforced metal holes along the edges used to tie the tarp down. Look for rust-resistant brass or aluminum grommets spaced every 18 to 24 inches for secure anchoring. Loose or poorly reinforced grommets are the number one point of failure in high winds.

Quick Material Comparison

If you need a fast answer on which material fits your current project, use this breakdown to make your decision:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a tarp and a tarpaulin?

There is no structural difference. “Tarp” is simply the shortened, colloquial slang for “tarpaulin.” They refer to the exact same protective, heavy-duty sheets.

Can tarpaulins be recycled?

It depends entirely on the material. Standard Polyethylene (PE) tarps are often recyclable under specific plastic recycling programs (Class 2 or 4), provided they are thoroughly cleaned of dirt and chemicals. Heavy-duty PVC and treated canvas tarps are much harder to recycle through standard municipal systems due to their mixed coatings and chemical treatments, though specialized industrial recycling facilities can process them.

How long does a heavy-duty PVC tarp last outside?

Under constant, year-round exposure to harsh UV rays, rain, and wind, a high-quality, treated PVC tarp can easily last 3 to 5 years (or longer). In contrast, a cheap, non-UV-treated PE tarp may begin to fray and crack within 3 to 6 months of direct sunlight exposure.