Tarps, covers, and industrial curtains protect equipment, tools, spaces, and people in many situations. You can buy them ready-made or build your own. Tarp fabric is available by the yard and in full rolls for DIY projects at home or at work.
To make your own tarp, you need fabric, grommets, thread, and adhesive, plus some space to work. Beyond tarps, the same fabrics can be used to make curtains, totes, bags, tents, shelters, and liners.
Not interested in making your own? Tarps Now also offers Custom Tarps made to your exact size and shape. This service is popular and affordable. The right size tarp not only looks better, it protects better too.
This guide covers the fabrics and accessories you need for DIY tarp projects, plus how to order a custom tarp if you need one.
The Collection of Tarp Materials
Choosing the right fabric is the first step in any DIY tarp project. Options include polyethylene, vinyl, clear vinyl, mesh, and canvas, each in a range of colors. Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right one.
Vinyl Tarp Fabric
Vinyl Tarp Fabric is strong, waterproof, and easy to work with. Made from heavy duty PVC, it holds up well in industrial, construction, trucking, and residential settings.
Clear Vinyl Fabric is a popular version that offers the same strength with full visibility. It is lightweight and easy to handle, great for porch and patio covers, restaurant enclosures, and marine use.
Canvas Tarp Fabric
Canvas Tarp Fabric is made from cotton canvas; tough, durable, and breathable. It works well in hot conditions because air flows through it, preventing heat and condensation from building up underneath. Great for medium and heavy duty projects.
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.
Mesh and Shade Tarp Fabric
Mesh and Shade 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 across residential, commercial, industrial, construction, and landscaping uses.
Common applications include general tarps, truck tarps, sunscreens, windscreens, privacy screens, pool covers, hurricane barrier tarps, and garden covers.
Poly Tarp Fabric
Poly Tarp Fabric is durable, waterproof, and affordable. It holds up in tough weather and rough conditions. It is also lightweight, easy to clean, and simple to handle; great for residential, construction, and landscaping DIY projects. A popular option is the 12 Mil woven reinforced material, available by the yard or roll.
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.
More Tarp Fabrics
Specialty tarp fabrics are also available by the yard or roll. Options include neoprene, Hypalon, military-grade, noise barrier, sound-blocking, fire-retardant, high-temperature resistant, welding fabric, anti-static, debris netting, and scaffolding netting.
Grommets
Grommets are metal rings set into the edges of tarps and curtains. They connect the cover to structures using zip ties, cords, rubber straps, or hooks. 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 in your DIY projects.
Tarp Accessories
Tarp accessories help you build, secure, repair, and maintain your covers. Use tarp clips, tarp grabbers, bungee balls, shock cord clips, zip ties, rope, and rubber straps to fasten and hang tarps. For repairs and DIY builds, tarp tape, tarp glue, and grommet kits are essential. Tarp cleaners and protectants keep covers clean and in good condition.
Industrial Curtain Track and Track Hardware
Making your own industrial or divider curtains? The best way to hang them is with Industrial Curtain Tracking and hardware. Tracks come in straight and curved options so curtains can be arranged and moved as needed.
Hardware includes trolleys, track connectors, track mounts, corner mounts, ceiling mounts, chain mounts, wall mounts, floor mount bases, and end stops, everything needed for a sturdy, flexible curtain system.
Getting the Exact Fit with Custom Tarps and Custom Industrial Curtains
Not able to make your own tarp, or need a size that is not in stock? Custom Tarps and Industrial Curtains are made to your exact dimensions and can include any special features you need. They are often more affordable than buying multiple standard tarps to get the right fit. Use the Tarps Now Custom Size Tarp Builder app to order online in just a few clicks.
Four Simple Steps for Selecting and Ordering Custom Tarps and Curtains
Ordering a custom tarp takes just a few minutes. Here are the four steps:
Step One | Choosing 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 Other Options
Enter your exact dimensions in feet and inches. Choose your grommet spacing and any other fastener options.
Step Three | Selecting the Material
Choose your material; vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, nylon, mesh, polyester, or polyethylene. And then select your color. A price estimate will appear at the end of this step, not including shipping.
Step Four | The Final Step | Reviewing 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.
Need something more complex than the app can handle? Call us at (888) 800-1383. In some cases, prints or drawings may be needed to capture all the details. Our team is ready to help.
Productive and Creative Uses for DIY Tarps and Fabric
Tarp fabric is more useful than most people realize. Here are some practical and creative ways to put it to work:
- Temporary Shelters — Build quick tents, dog houses, livestock housing, or chicken coops.
- Kid's Play Spaces — Make a fun fort or playhouse for children with just a piece of fabric.
- Privacy Screens — Hang a tarp on a fence or porch for privacy and security.
- Ground Protectors — Use as a dry, waterproof layer under a tent or shelter.
- Picnic Covers — Durable, easy to clean, and reusable for outdoor meals.
- Protective Covers — Keep firewood, gear, and supplies dry at home, on the job site, or at camp.
- Beach Covers — Holds up to sand, water, and the elements.
- Wind Blockers — Shield areas and people from the wind.
- Emergency Aids — Use a tarp to stay warm and sheltered when blankets are not available.
- Ponchos — Wrap up in a tarp to stay dry in the rain.
- Hammocks — Tie a sturdy tarp between two trees or posts for an instant hammock.
- Quick Carriers — Fold a tarp into a makeshift backpack or tote.
- Weatherproofing — Cover windows, walls, roofs, and vehicles from the elements.
- Stretchers and Gurneys — A heavy duty tarp can help move a person to safety.
- Heavy Load Carriers — Drag or carry supplies, equipment, branches, and yard trimmings on a tarp.
- Rainwater Collection — Line a hole or bucket with a waterproof tarp to gather rainwater.
- Plant Protection — Drape a tarp over plants to shield them from frost and cold.
- Debris Catchers — Lay a tarp down to catch paint, trimmings, food, or craft mess for easy cleanup.
- Vehicle Liners — Line a car trunk or truck bed to protect it from dirt, spills, and debris.
- Pet Covers — Protect couches, chairs, and car seats from pet fur and messes.
- Banners and Billboards — Paint a tarp and hang it at your home, business, or event.
Tarps Now is the Place to Get Your DIY Tarp Fabric and Accessories
Tarps Now carries tarp fabric, accessories, custom tarps, and stock sizes for every need. 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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