Waterproof Tarpaulins UK — Heavy Duty Tarps, All Sizes & Grades
Waterproof Tarpaulins UK — Heavy Duty Tarps, All Sizes & Grades
From lightweight economy covers to military-grade super heavy PVC — Tarpaulins UK supplies the widest range of waterproof tarpaulins in the UK. 100gsm to 420gsm. Same-day dispatch from Burnley, Lancashire.
The UK's Most Complete Range of Waterproof Tarpaulins
Tarpaulins UK is a British manufacturer and direct distributor supplying heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulins to UK businesses, tradespeople, farmers, and individuals since 1999. Based in Burnley, Lancashire, we hold genuine UK stock ready for same-day dispatch — no dropshipping, no long waits.
Our tarpaulins range from 100gsm lightweight economy tarps through to 650gsm super-heavy industrial PVC sheet. Every product is independently specified with verifiable weight, waterproofing rating, UV resistance, and eyelet spacing — because we believe you deserve accurate product information when making a purchasing decision.
Tarpaulin Types — Which Grade Do You Need?
Choosing the right tarpaulin starts with understanding GSM (grams per square metre). Higher GSM means heavier, stronger, and more durable — but also heavier to handle and costlier. Use this guide to match grade to application:
| Type | GSM Range | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Tarpaulins | 80–120 gsm | Garden furniture, casual covers, temporary shelter | Lightweight, affordable, easy to handle |
| Medium Weight Tarpaulins | 120–180 gsm | Camping, caravans, market stalls, scaffolding | Good all-rounder, UV-stabilised |
| Heavy Weight Tarpaulins | 180–270 gsm | Roofing, construction sites, agricultural use | Reinforced eyelets, tear-resistant |
| Super Heavy Weight Tarpaulins | 270–420 gsm | Industrial, haulage, long-term outdoor use | Double-stitched edges, maximum durability |
| PVC Tarpaulins | 350–650 gsm | MOD, transport, lorry curtains, permanent covers | Military specification, 100% waterproof |
| Canvas Tarpaulins | 340–420 gsm | Agricultural, breathable covers, artistic use | Natural fibre, breathable, traditional |
| Flame Retardant Tarpaulins | 180–250 gsm | Events, construction sites, welding areas | BS EN 13501-compliant fire rating |
| Clear Tarpaulins | 200–300 gsm | Greenhouses, windbreaks, light transmission | Transparent PVC, UV-stabilised |
Find the Right Tarpaulin for Your Application
Not sure which type you need? Browse by application — each collection is hand-curated with the most suitable products for each use case:
Roofing & Construction
Heavy-duty and super heavy-weight PE tarpaulins for temporary roofing, scaffold sheeting, skip covers, and site protection. 180–420gsm options.
Shop Roofing Tarpaulins →Agricultural & Farming
Heavy canvas and PE tarpaulins for hay bales, silage clamps, grain storage, farm machinery covers, and livestock shelter. Mildew-resistant.
Shop Agricultural Tarpaulins →Garden & Patio
Economy and clear tarpaulins for garden furniture covers, greenhouse panels, outdoor equipment protection, and patio windbreaks.
Shop Garden Tarpaulins →Camping & Festivals
Lightweight medium-weight tarps for tent footprints, shade shelters, fire canopies, and festival groundsheets. Easy to pack and carry.
Shop Camping Tarpaulins →Market Stalls
Purpose-built market stall tarpaulins in standard trade sizes with heavy-duty eyelets, UV-resistant coatings, and colour-coded options.
Shop Market Stall Tarps →Transport & Haulage
Heavy PVC and super-heavy PE tarpaulins for lorry loads, flatbed covers, skip hire, and cargo protection. Meets transport regulations.
Shop Transport Tarpaulins →What Makes a Quality Tarpaulin? Our Product Standards
Every tarpaulin sold by Tarpaulins UK is independently specified and quality-checked before dispatch. Here's what you should look for — and what we guarantee on every product:
PE vs PVC Tarpaulins — What's the Difference?
Polyethylene (PE) tarpaulins are the most commonly used. They're lightweight, affordable, and available in weights from 80gsm to 420gsm. The PE woven substrate is laminated with LDPE on both sides to create the waterproof barrier. Most of our green, blue, and economy range tarps are PE.
PVC tarpaulins are heavier (350–650gsm), more expensive, and significantly more durable. They're used for permanent applications: lorry curtain sides, military equipment covers, and industrial storage. Our PVC range meets military specification MIL-PRF-7420G.
Canvas tarpaulins use natural cotton fibres treated with wax or oil. They're breathable — ideal for covering produce that shouldn't be sealed from airflow — and have a traditional appearance preferred in agricultural settings.
Tarpaulin Size Guide — Standard UK Sizes
All tarpaulins are sold by nominal size. Due to hem folding and finishing, the usable (cut) size is typically 3–5% smaller than the stated nominal size. Always order one size up if you need exact coverage.
| Nominal Size | Approx. Cut Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6ft × 4ft (1.8m × 1.2m) | 1.72m × 1.15m | Small equipment cover, car boot liner |
| 8ft × 6ft (2.4m × 1.8m) | 2.30m × 1.73m | Patio furniture, motorbike cover |
| 10ft × 8ft (3m × 2.4m) | 2.88m × 2.30m | Small garden shelter, caravan cover |
| 12ft × 9ft (3.6m × 2.7m) | 3.46m × 2.59m | Market stall side, scaffolding sheet |
| 20ft × 13ft (6m × 4m) | 5.75m × 3.84m | Roofing, hay bale cover, lorry load |
| 30ft × 20ft (9m × 6m) | 8.63m × 5.75m | Large agricultural, industrial use |
| Custom | Made to order | Any application — call for a quote |
Common Questions About Tarpaulins
Need Help Choosing the Right Tarpaulin?
Our UK-based tarpaulin specialists are available Monday–Friday 8am–5pm to help you find the perfect solution for your application.
Monday–Friday 8am–5pm · Same-day quotes available · Burnley, Lancashire