Choosing the right tarp fabric makes all the difference. Tarp fabric is available by the yard and in full rolls, in many colors and materials. This guide covers the most common types to help you find the right one for your project, whether you are building your own tarps, making repairs, or stocking inventory.
Polyethylene (poly) is one of the most common tarp fabrics. It is waterproof, durable, lightweight, and easy to clean, great for construction and landscaping.
Canvas is strong and breathable. It works well in hot and humid conditions because it lets air flow through, preventing heat and condensation from building up underneath. Waterproof, water-resistant, and fire-resistant canvas options are also available.
Vinyl is tough, waterproof, and easy to handle. Made from heavy duty PVC, it works across many industries and settings. Clear vinyl is especially popular for patios, porches, restaurants, and marine use, it offers the same strength with full visibility.
Mesh is woven from vinyl, nylon, or polyethylene. It blocks sun, wind, and debris while letting some air and water pass through. It is used for shade tarps, windscreens, privacy screens, truck tarps, pool covers, and more.
Specialty fabrics are also available by the yard or roll, including neoprene, Hypalon, military-grade, noise barrier, sound blocking, fire retardant, anti-static, welding fabric, debris netting, and scaffolding netting.
Choosing The Best Tarp Fabrics for Your Applications
Poly, vinyl, clear vinyl, mesh, and canvas are all available by the yard or roll in many colors. Each has its own strengths. Use this section to find the right fabric for your DIY project, repair, or inventory need.
Canvas Tarp Fabric
Canvas fabric is strong, durable, and breathable. It works well in hot and humid conditions because air flows through it, preventing heat and condensation from building up underneath. It is a great choice for medium and heavy duty use.
Waterproof Canvas Fabric made with Rhino-Tex and 100% silicone-coated threads is two to three times stronger than standard canvas. Fire Retardant Canvas Fabric is also available for projects that need protection from fire, flames, and heat.
Vinyl Tarp Fabric
Vinyl Tarp Fabric is strong, waterproof, and easy to handle. Made from heavy duty PVC, it holds up well against the elements and works across industrial, construction, trucking, and residential uses. It is lightweight and easy to transport.
Clear Vinyl Fabric is a popular variant. It offers the same strength as standard vinyl with the added benefit of full visibility. Use it for patios, porches, entryways, gazebos, clean rooms, beer gardens, and wash bays.
Poly Tarp Fabric
Poly Tarp Fabric is waterproof, durable, and very lightweight. It is easy to clean and works well for residential, construction, and landscaping projects. Available by the yard or in rolls. A popular choice is the 12 Mil woven reinforced material.
Poly Sheeting / Plastic Sheeting
Poly Sheeting is used for construction enclosures, scaffold coverings, and other industrial applications. It protects fixtures, structures, and areas from wind, rain, snow, dirt, and dust while letting sunlight through.
It comes in clear and translucent options in 5 Mil, 6 Mil, and 10 Mil thickness. Roll widths are 15', 20', and 40', with lengths of 100 and 200 feet. Flame retardant and string-reinforced options are also available.
Mesh Tarp and Shade Tarp Fabric
Mesh Tarp Fabric is woven from vinyl, nylon, or polyethylene. It blocks sun, wind, and debris while letting some air and water pass through for added stability. It works well in residential, commercial, industrial, construction, trucking, and landscaping settings.
Common uses include general tarps, truck tarps, sunscreens, windscreens, privacy screens, pool covers, hurricane covers, and garden covers.
Additional Tarp Fabrics
Specialty tarp fabrics are also available by the yard or roll. Options include nylon, neoprene, Hypalon, military-grade, noise barrier, sound blocking, fire retardant, high temperature resistant (including aluminum fiberglass), welding fabric, anti-static, debris netting, and scaffolding netting.
Grommets
Grommets are metal rings set into the edges of tarps and curtains. They are used with zip ties, cords, rubber straps, or hooks to secure the cover to a structure. Use as many grommets as possible and keep the tension even to avoid stress on the fabric. Grommet Kits are available for adding or repairing grommets on DIY projects and existing covers.
Tarp Accessories
Tarp accessories help you secure, build, repair, and maintain your tarps and curtains. Fastening options include tarp clips, tarp grabbers, bungee balls, shock cord clips, zip ties, cords, and rubber straps. For repairs and DIY builds, use tarp tape, tarp glue, and grommet kits. Tarp cleaners and protectants keep your covers clean and in good condition.
Custom Tarps and Custom Industrial Curtains Provide Exactly What You Need
IIf a standard size will not work, Custom Tarps and Custom Industrial Curtains are made to your exact dimensions and features. They are often more affordable than buying multiple standard tarps to get the coverage you need. Use the Tarps Now Custom Size Tarp Builder app to order quickly and easily online.
The Four Steps to Easily Choosing and Ordering Custom Tarps and Curtains
Ordering a custom tarp is simple. Here are the four steps:
Step One: Selecting the Best Custom Product for Your Application
Choose the product type that fits your needs. There are around 20 options including Custom Size Tarps, Equipment Covers, Cylinder Covers, Round Tarps, Boxing Ring/MMA Covers, Industrial Curtains, Clear Vinyl Curtains, Strip Curtains, Mesh Screen Curtains, Wash Bay Curtains, Welding Curtains, and Fence Screens.
Step Two: Size and Additional Options
Enter your exact dimensions in feet and inches. Choose your grommet spacing and any other fastener options.
Step Three: Material Selections
Choose your material, vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, nylon, mesh, polyester, or polyethylene, and select your color. A price will be shown at the end of this step, not including shipping.
Step Four: Review of the Order
Review your order, add any special notes, and enter your delivery details. Then move to the cart to add shipping and payment information and place your order.
Creative and Effective Uses for Tarps
Tarps are more versatile than most people think. Here are some practical and creative ways to put them to use:
- Shelters — Build quick temporary shelters, dog houses, livestock housing, or chicken coops.
- Kids' Forts and Playhouses — A fun and easy way to create a play space for children.
- Privacy — Hang a tarp on a fence or porch for privacy and security.
- Ground Cover — Use as a dry, waterproof layer under a tent or shelter.
- Picnic Cover — Durable, easy to clean, and reusable for outdoor meals.
- Supply and Material Covers — Keep firewood, gear, and supplies dry at home, on the job site, or at camp.
- Beach Blanket — Holds up to sand, water, and the elements.
- Wind Block — Shield areas and people from the wind.
- Sleeping Bag Substitute — Keep warm and dry in a pinch.
- Emergency Blanket — Use a tarp to stay safe and warm when 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 an instant hammock.
- Backpack or Tote — Fold a tarp into a quick carry bag.
- Cover Damaged Areas — Protect windows, walls, roofs, and cars from the elements.
- Stretcher or Gurney — A heavy duty tarp can help move a person to safety.
- Carry Heavy Items — Drag or carry supplies, equipment, branches, and yard trimmings on a tarp.
- Collect Rainwater — Line a hole or bucket with a waterproof tarp to gather rainwater.
- Protect Plants — Drape a tarp over plants to shield them from frost and cold.
- Catch All — Lay a tarp down to catch paint, debris, food, or craft mess for easy cleanup.
- Vehicle Liner — Line a car trunk or truck bed to protect it from dirt, spills, and debris.
- Pet Protection — Cover couches, chairs, and car seats to keep them clean from pet fur and messes.
- Banners and Billboards — Paint a tarp and hang it at your home, business, or event.
For Your Tarp Fabric or Full Tarp Requirements, Tarps Now is The Place
Tarps Now carries tarp fabric by the yard and rolls in a wide range of materials and colors. Whether you need fabric for a DIY project, custom tarps, accessories, or stock sizes, we have you covered.
Have a question or need help with your order? Call us toll free at (888) 800-1383 or email sales@tarpsnow.com. Our team in Michigan is ready to help.
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