Last updated: April 2026| Reading time: 12 minutes

Whether you're buying your first tarpaulin or you're a seasoned professional sourcing covers for an industrial site, this guide covers everything you need to make the right choice. We've been supplying tarpaulins across the UK since 2010, serving everyone from individual homeowners to the Ministry of Defence and the NHS.

1. What is a Tarpaulin?

A tarpaulin (commonly called a "tarp") is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or, more commonly today, polyethylene or PVC. The word comes from the combination of "tar" (historically used to waterproof canvas) and "palling" (meaning a covering cloth). Modern tarpaulins are manufactured from synthetic polymers that offer superior waterproofing, UV resistance, and durability compared to traditional canvas.

Tarpaulins are used for an enormous range of applications: from covering a woodpile in a garden to protecting military equipment in the field. Understanding the different types, weights, and materials will ensure you buy the right product for your specific needs and budget. For a full overview, see our complete tarpaulin guide.

2. Tarpaulin Materials: PE vs PVC vs Canvas

Polyethylene (PE) Tarpaulins

The most common and affordable type. Polyethylene tarps are made from woven HDPE (high-density polyethylene) fabric laminated with PE film on both sides. They are:

Fully waterproof and UV-resistant
Lightweight and easy to handle
Available in a wide range of sizes and weights (70gsm to 270gsm)
The best value option for most domestic and light commercial applications
Not as durable as PVC in extreme cold or abrasion conditions

Best for: Gardens, camping, construction materials, agricultural use, general purpose covering.

PVC Tarpaulins

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tarpaulins are the premium choice for heavy-duty industrial and commercial applications. They offer:

Superior tear and puncture resistance (typically 10x stronger than equivalent PE)
Flexibility in sub-zero temperatures (down to -30°C)
Welded seams for complete waterproofing
Chemical resistance
5–10 year outdoor lifespan
Fire-retardant versions available

Best for: Lorry curtain sides, industrial machinery, permanent outdoor structures, skip covers, agricultural silage. Read our complete PVC tarpaulin guide for full specification details.

Canvas Tarpaulins

Traditional canvas tarps are made from heavy cotton or cotton-polyester blends. Though less waterproof than PE or PVC, canvas is breathable (preventing condensation build-up), biodegradable, and aesthetically pleasing. Canvas tarps are heavier and more expensive, but prized for certain applications. Best for: Protecting tools and equipment that need to breathe, classic vehicle covers, traditional country use. See our in-depth canvas tarpaulin guide for a full comparison against synthetic materials.

3. Understanding Tarpaulin Weight (GSM Guide)

GSM (grams per square metre) is the key specification that tells you how heavy and durable a tarpaulin is. Here's our definitive UK weight guide:

70–90gsm (Ultra Economy): Very lightweight. Suitable for one-off use, decorating sheets, temporary covering. Expected life: 1 season.
100–120gsm (Economy): Standard entry-level tarpaulins. Good for garden furniture, camping groundsheets, light outdoor use. Life: 1–2 seasons.
140–160gsm (Standard): The most popular weight. Balances cost and durability. Suitable for regular outdoor use, log stores, caravan covers. Life: 2–4 years.
170–200gsm (Medium-Heavy): Professional grade. Construction sites, agricultural use, vehicle covers, scaffolding. Life: 3–5 years.
250–270gsm (Super Heavy): Industrial grade. Permanent installations, skip covers, heavy machinery. Life: 5+ years.
500–900gsm (PVC): Commercial/industrial PVC. Lorry curtains, permanent structures. Life: 8–12+ years.

Not sure which weight you need? Read our detailed GSM buyer's guide with application-by-application recommendations.

4. Tarpaulin Size Guide

Choosing the right size is critical. Our top tip: always go bigger than you think you need. Here are common applications and the sizes we recommend:

Covering a standard car: 6m x 4m
Garden furniture set: 3m x 4m
Motorcycle: 2.5m x 3m
Log store (standard size): 3m x 4m
Caravan (6-berth): 10m x 6m
Scaffolding bay (standard): 4m x 6m
Small skip: 3m x 4m
Large machinery: Measure item + add 1m per exposed side

Rule of thumb: Add a minimum of 50cm to each dimension of the item you're covering to allow for overhang, tie-down margin, and wind movement. For permanent outdoor installation, add 1 metre per side. For a full breakdown by use case, see our complete tarpaulin size guide. Need a very large cover? Read our large tarpaulin guide.

5. Tarpaulin Colours and Their Uses

Blue: The most common general-purpose colour. Visible, affordable, suits most outdoor applications. See our blue tarpaulin guide.
Green: Blends into garden and landscape environments. Popular for garden and agricultural use. See our green tarpaulin guide.
Silver/Grey: Reflective surface helps regulate temperature. Popular for vehicle and equipment covers.
Black: UV-blocking. Ideal for light-sensitive applications like photography backdrops, weed suppression.
White: Maximum light reflection. Often used for greenhouse applications and food-safe covers. See our white tarpaulin guide.
Clear/Transparent: Allows light through. Ideal for conservatories, greenhouses, outdoor dining areas. See our clear tarpaulin guide.
Orange/Yellow: High-visibility safety applications.
Camo: Military and hunting applications, outdoor concealment.

6. Eyelets and Fixing Points Explained

All our tarpaulins come with eyelets (metal rings) around the perimeter for securing with ropes, bungee cords, or straps. Understanding eyelet quality and spacing is important:

Aluminium eyelets: Standard on economy and medium weight tarps. Rust-resistant but not as strong as brass. Typically 8–12mm diameter.
Brass eyelets: Stronger and more corrosion-resistant. Found on heavy weight and PVC tarps.
Eyelet spacing: Economy tarps: every 100cm. Heavy weight: every 50–75cm. More eyelets = more secure and less likely to tear at fixing points.
Reinforced corners: All quality tarps should have double or triple-reinforced corner patches — the highest stress points.

7. How to Secure a Tarpaulin Properly

A poorly secured tarpaulin is dangerous and will quickly damage itself and what it's covering. Follow these best practices:

Use proper bungee hooks or rope through eyelets — never just drape and weigh down.
Tie from alternate eyelets to distribute load evenly.
Use a tarp cover with rope loops for the bottom edges to prevent wind lift.
For roofing applications: Always use a ballast or batten at the peak to prevent water pooling.
In windy conditions: Use at least 3 anchor points per side and check regularly.

For step-by-step securing methods for every application, read our professional guide to tying down a tarpaulin.

8. Flame-Retardant Tarpaulins: When Are They Required?

For certain applications, standard tarpaulins are not permitted by law or health and safety regulations. Flame-retardant (FR) tarpaulins are required for:

Public events and festivals (often required by local authority)
Theatre and stage applications
Scaffolding shrouds around occupied buildings
Uses near electrical equipment or welding
Schools and public buildings

Our Flame Retardant Tarpaulin range meets BS 5438, M2 (French standard), and DIN 4102 B1 (German standard). Always request a fire certificate from your supplier.

9. Tarpaulin Uses by Industry

Not sure if a tarpaulin is right for your specific application? We cover the most popular use cases in dedicated guides:

Market stall tarpaulins — sizing, weight and colour guide for traders
Cricket pitch covers — complete guide for groundskeepers
Heavy duty ground sheets — what to use and how to choose
Waterproof outdoor curtains — PVC and vinyl covers for patios and terraces
Clear plastic outdoor curtains — hospitality and home use guide
Canvas vs PVC vs Polyethylene — full material comparison

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Tarpaulins

Q: What's the difference between a tarpaulin and a ground sheet?
A: Very little — a groundsheet is simply a tarpaulin used on the ground, typically for camping or construction. The main difference is that groundsheets need to be heavier and more puncture-resistant as they bear weight and abrasion from below.

Q: Can I use a tarpaulin as a roof?
A: Yes, temporarily. We recommend a minimum of 170gsm for any roofing application, with the tarp tensioned to allow water run-off (no pooling). For anything more than a few weeks, use our PVC range which handles UV and physical stress far better.

Q: Are tarpaulins recyclable?
A: PE tarpaulins are technically recyclable as type 2 or 4 plastic, but few UK councils accept them via household recycling. Some specialist recyclers process them. PVC tarps have limited recycling options.

Q: How do I clean a tarpaulin?
A: Brush off loose dirt, then wash with warm soapy water. A soft brush works well for stubborn marks. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully before storing to prevent mould. Never use solvents or bleach on PE tarps.

Q: How do I store a tarpaulin?
A: Fold or roll loosely (never tightly folded when wet), store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Prolonged folding in the same spots can cause creasing and eventual failure at those points.

Q: Do tarpaulins rot?
A: Modern PE and PVC tarpaulins do not rot. However, prolonged moisture trapped between the tarp and a surface can cause mould to grow on the tarp surface. Canvas tarps can rot if stored wet.

Q: Are tarpaulins VAT-exempt?
A: No — tarpaulins are subject to standard UK VAT at 20%. We display both inc. and exc. VAT pricing on all our products for your convenience.

Q: Can I get a tarpaulin cut to a custom size?
A: Yes — call our team on 01744 520 110 or email sales@tarpaulinsuk.uk for custom sizing. We can supply bespoke sizes with welded seams and custom eyelet placement for orders over 10m².

Q: What is the cheapest tarpaulin that will still do the job?
A: It depends on the application — read our honest guide to cheap tarpaulins to understand where budget tarps work and where they'll let you down.

11. Why Buy From Tarpaulins UK?

14+ years of specialist experience supplying tarpaulins across the UK
Trusted by major organisations including the Ministry of Defence, NHS, Met Police, and leading UK universities
4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from over 300 verified customer reviews
Widest range in the UK — economy to industrial PVC, all in stock
Express delivery on orders placed before 2pm
Expert advice available on 01744 520 110 Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm
30-day returns on all standard products

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