Tarpaulin Sheets: Sizes, Materials & How to Choose the Right One for the Job
Tarpaulin sheets are among the most versatile and widely used protective covers available. Whether you're on a building site, in a garden, at a market, or on a farm, the right tarpaulin sheet does the job quickly and cost-effectively. But with so many sizes, weights and materials available, it helps to know what to look for. This guide covers everything.
What Is a Tarpaulin Sheet?
A tarpaulin sheet is a large, flat, waterproof or water-resistant cover made from woven fabric (usually polyethylene or PVC) designed to protect surfaces, objects and structures from weather, dust and damage. They come with eyelets around the perimeter for securing with rope or bungee cords. The terms "tarpaulin sheet", "tarp sheet" and "poly sheet" all refer to the same product.
Standard Tarpaulin Sheet Sizes
Tarpaulin sheets are available in a wide range of standard sizes. Here are the most popular dimensions and their typical uses:
| Size | Area | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2m × 3m | 6m² | Small furniture, motorbike, BBQ cover |
| 3m × 4m | 12m² | Car cover, garden furniture set, small skip |
| 4m × 5m | 20m² | Large vehicle, scaffolding section, market stall |
| 5m × 8m | 40m² | Roof protection, agricultural store, site materials |
| 6m × 10m | 60m² | Scaffolding, large agricultural area, event cover |
| 8m × 12m | 96m² | Industrial storage, large building protection |
| 10m × 15m | 150m² | Farm silage, large event, lorry cover |
Always add 30cm of overhang on each side when measuring — this allows adequate coverage and tie-down clearance. For roof covering, allow 50cm+ overhang per side.
Tarpaulin Sheet Weights (GSM Guide)
The GSM (grams per square metre) of a tarpaulin sheet determines its weight, durability and waterproofing level:
| GSM | Weight Class | Lifespan | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60–90gsm | Economy/Light | 6–18 months | Dust covers, short-term use |
| 100–130gsm | Lightweight | 1–2 years | Garden furniture, camping |
| 140–170gsm | Medium Weight | 2–4 years | Market stalls, agriculture, general outdoor |
| 180–220gsm | Heavy Duty | 3–6 years | Construction, scaffolding, roof protection |
| 230–270gsm | Super Heavy Duty | 5–8 years | Industrial, lorry, long-term outdoor |
Tarpaulin Sheet Materials
Polyethylene (PE) Tarpaulin Sheets
The most common tarpaulin sheet material — woven high-density polyethylene laminated on both sides. Fully waterproof, UV stabilised and available in all GSM ranges. The classic blue/green/silver tarpaulin sheets you see everywhere are PE. Our full range of PE tarpaulin sheets covers 60gsm economy through to 270gsm super heavy duty.
PVC Tarpaulin Sheets
PVC-coated tarpaulin sheets are significantly heavier and more durable than PE — typically 400–600gsm. They're used for commercial and industrial applications where longevity and strength are priorities: lorry curtainsiders, permanent outdoor storage covers, industrial machinery protection. Our heavy duty tarpaulin range includes PVC options.
Canvas Tarpaulin Sheets
Waxed cotton canvas tarpaulin sheets are the premium breathable option — ideal for covering anything where trapped condensation could cause damage (vehicles, woodwork, antiques, boats). They're heavier and more expensive than PE but can last 15–20 years with proper care. Browse our canvas tarpaulin sheets.
Choosing the Right Tarpaulin Sheet
Three questions will get you to the right product every time:
- How long will it be outside? Short-term (weeks) = economy or lightweight. Permanent outdoor = medium weight minimum.
- What weather will it face? Light drizzle = 100gsm is fine. Heavy rain, strong winds, frost = 170gsm+.
- What am I covering? Something sensitive to condensation = canvas. Everything else = PE or PVC.
Tarpaulin Sheet Colours
Colour choice matters in certain applications: blue is the standard all-purpose colour; green blends into garden or agricultural settings; silver reflects heat — good for summer storage; white reflects maximum light and heat; clear/transparent allows light through — market stalls, greenhouses; camouflage for field use or military applications.
How to Fix and Secure a Tarpaulin Sheet
All our tarpaulin sheets come with rust-proof aluminium eyelets at approximately 50–100cm intervals around the perimeter. Secure using: bungee cords with hooks (quickest, for light to medium use); polypropylene rope through eyelets tied to anchor points; ratchet straps for maximum tension; or tent pegs/ground stakes for flat ground-covering applications.
Buy Tarpaulin Sheets Online — UK Delivery
Tarpaulins UK stocks tarpaulin sheets in every size and weight — from 2m × 3m economy covers to 10m × 15m industrial sheets — available with next-day UK delivery. Call us on 01744 520 110 for advice on the right tarpaulin sheet for your application, or browse our full tarpaulin sheet range online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes do tarpaulin sheets come in?
Standard tarpaulin sheets range from 2m × 3m up to 10m × 15m and beyond. Custom sizes are available for specific applications. The most popular sizes for general use are 4m × 5m, 5m × 8m and 6m × 10m.
What is the strongest tarpaulin sheet?
For PE tarpaulin sheets, 270gsm is the heaviest standard weight. PVC tarpaulin sheets at 570gsm are significantly stronger and used in commercial and industrial applications. Canvas sheets are the strongest natural option.
Are tarpaulin sheets waterproof?
PE and PVC tarpaulin sheets are fully waterproof. Canvas tarpaulin sheets are water-resistant — they manage rain and moisture effectively but won't hold standing water. For complete waterproofing, choose a PE sheet of 120gsm or above.
How do I measure what size tarpaulin sheet I need?
Measure the length and width of the item to be covered, then add at least 30cm (12 inches) to each dimension for overhang. For roof or ground covering use, add 50cm per side to allow for edge staking. See our full tarpaulin size guide for detailed measurements.