Canvas Tarpaulin vs PVC vs Polyethylene: Which Tarp Material Is Right for You?

Walk into any builders' merchant or agricultural supplier in the UK and you'll find tarpaulins made from three fundamentally different materials: canvas tarpaulin, PVC, and polyethylene (PE). They look similar but perform very differently. Choosing the wrong material is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. This guide from Tarpaulins UK — the UK's leading tarpaulins specialist — settles the debate.

Canvas Tarpaulin: Natural, Breathable, Eco-Friendly

A canvas tarpaulin is made from woven cotton duck fabric, traditionally wax-treated or chemically treated for water resistance. It's the oldest and most traditional tarp material — and for certain applications, it's still the best.

Canvas Tarpaulin Advantages

• Breathable — unlike PVC or PE, a canvas tarpaulin allows moisture vapour to escape. This prevents condensation buildup under the cover — critical for protecting timber, machinery, and organic materials
• Eco-friendly — cotton canvas tarpaulins are biodegradable at end of life, with minimal microplastic impact
• Aesthetically natural — blends into rural and traditional settings far better than plastic alternatives
• Waxed canvas gains waterproofing that improves with age and use
• Excellent abrasion resistance — the woven structure holds up better than laminated plastic under friction

Canvas Tarpaulin Disadvantages

• Heavier than PE equivalents at the same size
• Requires periodic re-waxing to maintain waterproofing
• Higher cost than polyethylene options
• Can be susceptible to mildew if stored wet

Best Uses for Canvas Tarpaulins

Agricultural machinery covers, heritage vehicle storage, eco-conscious applications, camping and bushcraft, furniture protection where condensation is a concern. Browse our canvas tarpaulin range — available in 17oz, 18oz, and 21oz weights.

PVC Tarpaulin: Maximum Durability & Weather Protection

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tarpaulins are the professional grade — used by the construction industry, haulage sector, military, and infrastructure professionals. A PVC tarpaulin is made from a woven polyester base coated on both sides with PVC film, creating an exceptionally strong, completely waterproof, and highly durable cover.

PVC Tarpaulin Advantages

• Maximum strength — tear resistance far exceeds PE at equivalent weight
• Complete waterproofing — the PVC coating forms a sealed barrier; no moisture passes through
• UV resistance — UV stabilisers built into the PVC compound, not just a surface coating
• Cold flexibility — remains workable down to -30°C; PE becomes brittle in severe cold
• Cleanability — PVC wipes clean easily, important for food production and clinical environments
• Longevity — a quality PVC tarpaulin lasts 10–15+ years under continuous outdoor use

PVC Tarpaulin Disadvantages

• Heaviest material — a 560gsm PVC sheet is substantial to handle
• Highest cost
• Not breathable — can cause condensation on enclosed materials
• Environmental impact at end of life (not biodegradable)

Best Uses for PVC Tarpaulins

Scaffolding, lorry curtain sides, industrial storage, construction enclosures, military applications. Browse our PVC tarpaulin range — 350gsm to 650gsm.

Polyethylene (PE) Tarpaulin: Versatile, Lightweight, Great Value

Polyethylene tarpaulins — the standard green/silver, blue, or white tarps you'll find across the UK — are made from woven HDPE (high-density polyethylene) tape laminated on both sides with PE film. They're the most widely used tarpaulin type in the UK for good reason: excellent value, good durability, and available in every size and weight.

PE Tarpaulin Advantages

• Excellent value — the most cost-effective waterproof cover available
• Lightweight — much easier to handle than canvas or PVC at equivalent size
• Wide weight range — from 90gsm economy to 350gsm super heavy duty
• UV stabilised — quality PE tarpaulins are UV-treated throughout
• Rot and mildew proof — unlike canvas, PE won't mildew if stored wet

PE Tarpaulin Disadvantages

• Not breathable — can trap moisture under the cover
• Less abrasion-resistant than canvas at equivalent weight
• Economy grades degrade quickly under UV

Material Comparison Table

Which Material Should You Choose?

• Protecting timber, antique vehicles, or anything where condensation matters → canvas tarpaulin
• Scaffolding, lorry covers, permanent industrial use → PVC tarpaulin
• General garden, construction, agricultural, home use → PE tarpaulin

Not sure? Our specialist team has been advising UK customers for over 60 years. Call 01744 520 110 or browse our full range:

• Canvas Tarpaulins
• PVC Tarpaulins
• Heavy Duty PE Tarpaulins