Large Tarpaulin UK: How to Choose, Size Up & Buy the Right Big Cover
When standard-size covers won't cut it, you need a large tarpaulin — and the UK market has plenty of options. From 8m × 12m agricultural sheets to custom-cut industrial covers, this guide explains how to size up correctly, which weight to choose, and where to get large tarpaulins delivered fast in the UK.
What Counts as a "Large" Tarpaulin?
There's no fixed definition, but in the UK market, large tarpaulins typically means anything above 6m × 8m (48m²). These are used for applications that small domestic tarps simply can't cover:
- Full roof coverage on a domestic or commercial building
- Agricultural silage clamp or hay bay covering
- Large construction site material storage
- Festival or event ground sheets and canopies
- Swimming pool covers and pond liners (large format)
- Lorry and HGV covers
Large Tarpaulin Size Guide
| Size | Area | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6m × 8m | 48m² | Large vehicle, small agricultural store, scaffolding |
| 6m × 10m | 60m² | Domestic roof coverage, medium agricultural use |
| 8m × 10m | 80m² | Large roof section, event ground sheet, hay bale cover |
| 8m × 12m | 96m² | Commercial building protection, silage clamp side |
| 10m × 12m | 120m² | Large event, commercial storage, full lorry cover |
| 10m × 15m | 150m² | Industrial storage, large silage, stadium/arena use |
| 12m × 20m+ | 240m²+ | Very large industrial or agricultural installations |
How to Measure for a Large Tarpaulin
The golden rule: always add overhang. For large tarpaulins, the overhang allowance is even more critical because you typically can't add a second tarp easily if the first is too short:
- Roof covering: Measure the roof span plus at least 60–75cm overhang per side
- Agricultural silage/hay: Measure the base footprint and add 1–1.5m per side to allow the tarp to lay flat on the ground as a seal
- Ground sheets / event use: Measure the area to be covered and add 30cm per side minimum
- Machinery / vehicle: Measure height as well as footprint — the tarp must reach the ground on all sides
What GSM for a Large Tarpaulin?
Large tarpaulins are typically subjected to more stress than small covers — more wind load, more weight of water pooling, and more physical handling. Size up your GSM specification accordingly:
| Application | Minimum Recommended GSM |
|---|---|
| Temporary event ground sheet | 120gsm |
| Domestic roof cover (emergency) | 170gsm |
| Agricultural hay/silage | 200gsm |
| Construction site long-term | 200–250gsm |
| Permanent industrial | 250gsm+ or PVC |
Weight Considerations for Large Tarps
A 200gsm tarpaulin measuring 10m × 15m weighs approximately 30kg. Handling and deploying large tarps requires planning — especially on rooftops or in exposed locations:
- Always have at least two people for tarps over 6m × 8m
- Roll rather than fold for deployment — much easier to control
- Secure one side first before unrolling across the full span
- Use ballast bags or sandbags around the perimeter rather than relying solely on eyelets in windy conditions
Large Tarpaulin Securing Methods
Standard bungee cords are insufficient for large tarps in exposed or windy conditions. For large tarpaulins, use: polypropylene rope (8–12mm diameter) threaded through eyelets and tied to anchor points; ratchet straps for maximum tension across large spans; sandbags or weighted ballast around the perimeter; and tent pegs or ground anchors for large ground sheets. Space fixings no more than every 100cm — the larger the tarp, the more fixing points needed.
Where to Buy Large Tarpaulins in the UK
Tarpaulins UK stocks large tarpaulins in all standard sizes up to 10m × 15m — and can supply custom cut sizes for agricultural, industrial and commercial requirements. All available for next-day delivery across the UK. Browse our heavy weight large tarpaulins or call us on 01744 520 110 to discuss large or custom requirements and bulk pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest standard tarpaulin size available?
Standard off-the-shelf tarpaulins are available up to approximately 10m × 15m. For larger requirements, custom cutting and welding services are available — contact us to discuss your specific size requirements.
How do I keep a large tarpaulin in place in the wind?
For large tarps in exposed locations, combine multiple securing methods: rope through all eyelets tied to anchor points, plus weighted ballast around the perimeter. For roof use, ridge battens or weighted sandbags across the top ridge prevent the cover from lifting in strong winds.
Can I get a large tarpaulin delivered next day in the UK?
Yes — Tarpaulins UK offers next-day delivery on all standard large tarpaulin sizes. Order before the daily cut-off and your cover will arrive the following working day anywhere in mainland UK. Call 01744 520 110 for same-day dispatch options.
What's the best large tarpaulin for roof covering?
For emergency or temporary roof covering, a 170–200gsm heavy duty PE tarpaulin with reinforced edges and aluminium eyelets is the standard recommendation. Ensure it's sized to extend at least 60cm beyond the damaged area on all sides, and secure through all available eyelets. See our heavy weight tarpaulin range for available sizes.