Tarps, covers, and industrial curtains protect a wide range of possessions, areas, and people. Whether you need a waterproof cover for tools and supplies or shade on your patio, there is a tarp for the job. They come in many durable fabrics and popular sizes. Many of the same materials used to make tarps are also available by the yard or roll for DIY projects at home or at work.
Making your own tarp is simpler than you might think. The main ingredients are tarp fabric, grommets, thread, and glue. A little space for layout and production helps too. Beyond tarps, the same fabrics can be used to make industrial curtains, totes, bags, tents, and shelters. Sheets of material on their own also work well as liners and covers.
Not ready to make your own? Custom tarps are available through Tarps Now. Custom orders are common, affordable, and built to your exact size and shape. The right fit means better protection and a cleaner finished look.
This guide covers the fabrics and accessories you need for DIY tarp projects. It also explains how to order custom tarps and the benefits of going that route.
Selection of Tarp Fabrics
Choosing the right fabric is the most important step in any DIY tarp project. Options include poly, vinyl, clear vinyl, mesh, and canvas, each available in a range of colors. Every material has its own strengths and best uses. Whether you are covering equipment, working a construction site, or tackling a landscaping project, the right tarp fabric is out there for you.
Poly Tarp Fabric
Polyethylene, or poly, is one of the most common tarp fabrics. It is durable, waterproof, lightweight, and easy to clean. Poly tarps work well for residential, construction, and landscaping projects. A popular and tough option available by the yard and roll is the 12 Mil woven reinforced poly fabric .
Poly Sheeting/ Plastic Sheeting
Poly sheeting / plastic sheeting are sold by the roll and are widely used in construction and industrial settings for enclosures and scaffold coverings. Clear and translucent options let sunlight through while blocking wind, rain, snow, dirt, and dust.
Poly sheeting comes in 5 Mil, 6 Mil, and 10 Mil thicknesses. Roll widths are 15', 20', and 40', with lengths of 100 or 200 feet. Flame retardant and string-reinforced options are also available.
Vinyl Tarp Fabric
Vinyl tarp fabric is strong, waterproof, and easy to handle. Made from heavy duty PVC, it is built to last in all kinds of weather. Vinyl works well across many industries including industrial, construction, trucking, and residential. It is lightweight, easy to transport, and a popular choice for patios, porches, entryways, gazebos, clean rooms, and wash bays.
Mesh and Shade Tarp Fabric
Mesh is a versatile fabric used in residential, commercial, industrial, construction, trucking, and landscaping applications. It is made from woven vinyl, nylon, or polyethylene. The open weave allows some wind and water to pass through, which actually adds stability in strong conditions. Mesh is great for general tarps, truck tarps, sunscreens, windscreens, privacy screens, pool covers, hurricane covers, and landscaping and gardening tarps.
Canvas Tarp Fabric
Canvas tarp fabric is made from cotton and is strong enough for medium and heavy duty use. One of its biggest advantages is breathability. In hot weather, canvas allows heat and condensation to escape, something plastic fabrics cannot do.
Rhino-Tex waterproof canvas is a popular upgrade. Made with 100 percent silicone-coated threads, it is two to three times stronger than standard canvas. Fire retardant canvas is also available for projects that require protection from fire, flame, and heat.
Additional Tarp Fabric
Specialty tarp fabrics are also available by the yard or roll. Options include Neoprene, Hypalon, military grade, noise barrier, sound blocking, reinforced, denier nylon, fire retardant, high temperature resistant materials like acrylic coated fiberglass, anti-static, welding fabrics, debris netting, and scaffolding netting.
Grommets
Grommets, also called eyelets, are metal ring fasteners set into the hems of tarps and curtains. They create secure attachment points for zip ties, cord, rubber straps, and hooks. For best results, use every grommet when tying down a tarp. This spreads tension evenly and reduces stress on the fabric.
Grommet kits are available for both new DIY projects and for repairing existing covers.
Tarp Accessories
The right accessories make DIY tarp projects easier and help your covers last longer. Popular options include tarp clips, tarp grabbers, bungee balls, shock cord clips, zip ties, cord, and rubber straps for securing and hanging tarps. Tarp tape and tarp glue are essential for making and repairing covers. Grommet kits help you add or replace eyelets. Tarp cleaners and protectants keep your covers in good shape over time.
Industrial Curtain Track and Hardware
If you are making your own industrial or divider curtains, you will need a way to hang and move them. Industrial curtain track and Hardware is the best solution. Tracks come in straight and curved options so curtains can slide and be positioned wherever needed.
Hardware components include trolleys, track connectors, track mounts, corner mounts, ceiling mounts, chain mounts, wall mounts, floor mount bases, and end stops.
Custom Tarps and Custom Industrial Curtains Give You The Size You Want
Do not want to make your own tarp or need a size that is not available in stock? Custom tarps and industrial curtains are a fast and affordable solution. They are made to your exact dimensions with any special features you need. Custom products often cost less than buying multiple standard tarps to cover an irregular space.
The Tarps Now Custom Size Tarp Builder app makes ordering quick and easy. Just follow the prompts online and your order will be ready in minutes.
The Four Easy Steps In Choosing And Ordering Custom Tarps
Ordering a custom tarp or curtain is simple. Here are the four steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Product — Pick from around 20 custom product types including Custom Size Tarps, Equipment Covers, Cylinder Covers, Round Tarps, Boxing Ring and MMA Covers, Jump Pit Covers, Industrial Curtains, Clear Vinyl Curtains, Strip Curtains, Mesh Curtains, Wash Bay Curtains, Welding Curtains, and Fence Screens.
Step 2: Enter Your Size and Options — Provide your exact dimensions in feet and inches. Choose your grommet spacing and other fastener options.
Step 3: Select Your Material — Choose from vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, nylon, mesh, polyester, or polyethylene. Pick a color if applicable. A price will be shown at the end of this step. Shipping is not yet included.
Step 4: Review and Place Your Order — Check all details, add special notes, and review delivery information. Then enter your shipping and payment details and place your order.
Need something beyond what the app offers? Call (888) 800-1383. Our team can work with you directly and may request prints or drawings to capture all the details.
Productive Uses For Tarps And Covers
Tarps are incredibly versatile. Here are some creative and practical ways to put them to use:
- Shelters — Build quick temporary shelters like tents, dog houses, livestock housing, and chicken coops.
- Kids' Forts and Playhouses — Create a fun, easy play space for children.
- Privacy — Hang tarps on fences, porches, and around outdoor showers or toilets.
- Ground Cover — Use as a dry, waterproof base under a tent or shelter.
- Picnic Cover — Durable, easy to clean, and reusable.
- Supply and Material Covers — Keep firewood, tools, and supplies dry at home, on the job site, or at the campsite.
- Beach Blanket — A tough cover that holds up to sand, water, and the sun.
- Wind Block — Shield people and areas from strong winds.
- Sleeping Bag — A quick substitute to stay warm and dry in a pinch.
- Emergency Blanket — Keep someone safe and warm when regular blankets are not available.
- Poncho — Wrap up in a tarp to stay dry in the rain.
- Hammock — Tie a heavy duty tarp between two trees or posts for a quick hammock.
- Backpack or Tote — Fold a tarp into a carrying bag when you need one fast.
- Cover Damaged Areas — Protect windows, walls, roofs, and cars from weather damage.
- Stretcher or Gurney — A heavy duty tarp can carry a person to safety in an emergency.
- Carry Heavy Items — Drag or carry supplies, equipment, branches, yard trimmings, or hunting game.
- Catch Rainwater — Line a hole or bucket to collect rainwater at home or camp.
- Protect Plants — Drape over plants to shield them from frost and cold weather.
- Catch-All — Lay a tarp down to catch paint, debris, food scraps, or yard waste.
- Vehicle Liner — Line a car trunk or truck bed to protect against dirt, spills, and debris.
- Pet Protection — Cover couches, chairs, car seats, and beds to protect them from pet fur and messes.
- Banners and Billboards — Paint on a tarp or fabric sheet to create a custom sign or banner.
Tarps Now
Whether you need Tarp Fabric, Accessories, Custom Tarps, or Stock Size Tarps, Tarps Now has you covered. We carry a wide range of protective products for every application, backed by a team that puts customer service first.
Have questions about materials or need help placing an order? Call us toll-free at (888) 800-1383 or email sales@tarpsnow.com. Our knowledgeable team at the Michigan headquarters is happy to help.
Tarps Now is based in St. Joseph, Michigan. We manufacture, distribute, and sell the widest selection of Tarps, Tarp Fabrics, Tarp Accessories, and Industrial Curtains in the industry. We also build Custom Tarps, Industrial Curtains, and Divider Curtains to order. Our customers include homeowners, manufacturers, warehouses, construction companies, trucking firms, athletic facilities, and municipalities across the United States and North America.
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