Our fully waterproof tarps include poly tarps, industrial-grade vinyl tarps, and treated waterproof canvas tarps.

• Poly Tarps – Made from laminated polyethylene, poly tarps block 100% of moisture and offer lightweight, affordable protection for rain, wind, dust, and general outdoor use. They are the best all-purpose waterproof option for covering equipment, patios, vehicles, and job sites.
  
• Vinyl Tarps – Our heavy-duty vinyl tarps deliver maximum waterproofing and long-term durability. They are designed for industrial, commercial, trucking, roofing, construction, and agriculture applications where strength and full weather resistance are essential.
  
• Waterproof Canvas Tarps – Treated canvas tarps repel water while providing breathability, improved tear resistance, and better dimensional stability compared to untreated canvas. They are ideal for applications where airflow, reduced condensation, and longevity are important.
  

If you need help choosing the best waterproof tarp for your project, call 1-800-838-3057 and our team will guide you.

The strongest tarps we carry are vinyl tarps, heavy-duty poly tarps (typically 12 mil and up), and waterproof polyester canvas tarps. These premium materials are engineered for long-term durability in demanding environments—including construction sites, agriculture, trucking, disaster relief, and industrial applications. They offer high tear strength, abrasion resistance, UV protection, and complete weatherproofing for the toughest jobs.

For budget or short-term needs, blue poly tarps work well as light-duty covers, but they are not designed for heavy or prolonged exposure.

If you need help choosing the best heavy-duty tarp for your application, call our experts at 1-800-838-3057 and we’ll guide you to the right option.

Canvas tarps are typically used when breathability and durability are important, such as covering equipment, lumber, vehicles, and materials that benefit from airflow to reduce condensation. Standard cotton canvas tarps are water-resistant but can absorb water and may shrink over time, making them better for short- to medium-term coverage under moderate weather. Waterproof canvas tarps are treated to repel water more effectively and maintain their size, offering a good balance between breathability and weather protection. For guidance on whether canvas or another material is best for your situation, call 1-800-838-3057

When your goal is to reduce heat or filter sunlight, several tarp materials perform exceptionally well. Silver/black poly tarps are especially effective in high-sun environments because the reflective silver side helps deflect heat while the black underside blocks light—making them ideal for patios, job sites, and equipment covers.

For bright, diffused light with lower heat buildup, many customers choose white poly tarps or other colored poly options. These provide clean, even lighting while helping maintain cooler temperatures underneath.

If you need airflow along with shade, mesh tarps are a great choice. They offer 50–90% UV shade protection while allowing air to pass through, making them perfect for kennels, patios, fences, garden structures, and shaded work areas.

If you’d like help selecting the best tarp for your shade or cooling project, call 1-800-838-3057 and our team will assist you.

Most in-stock orders ship the same business day when placed before 1:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Orders placed after 1:00 p.m. CST typically ship the next business day. Custom tarps usually ship within 7–10 business days once the design and details are confirmed. Typical transit times after shipment are 1–4 business days depending on your location and carrier. For time-sensitive orders or exact delivery estimates, call 1-800-838-3057

Yes, we offer a full range of custom tarps tailored to your exact specifications. You can choose the size, material, color, thickness, grommet spacing, hems, and finishing options to create the perfect solution for your application. We provide custom options in poly tarps, vinyl tarps, canvas tarps, mesh tarps, and more.

All custom tarps are made to order and are non-returnable due to their personalized nature. To get a quote, upload specifications, or receive design assistance, visit our Custom Tarps page or call 1-800-838-3057.

Mil is a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001"). It describes the thickness of the tarp material. For example, a 10-mil tarp is 0.010" thick, while a 20-mil tarp is 0.020" thick. Thicker tarps generally offer greater strength, tear resistance, and durability, which is important for high-stress or long-term applications. If you’re unsure which thickness is appropriate for your project, call 1-800-838-3057

For quick, budget-friendly coverage, blue poly tarps are one of the most commonly used options. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and practical for short-term needs such as temporary weather protection, emergency patching, DIY projects, painting, camping, and general household tasks.

Because they’re made for basic, short-duration use, blue tarps are not ideal for long-term exposure or demanding conditions. If you need stronger durability or extended outdoor performance, choosing a heavy-duty poly tarp, vinyl tarp, or canvas tarp will provide far better UV stability, tear resistance, and weatherproofing:

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  Heavy-duty poly tarps → https://www.tarpsplus.com/collections/poly-tarps
  
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  Vinyl tarps → https://www.tarpsplus.com/collections/vinyl-tarps
  
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  Canvas tarps → https://www.tarpsplus.com/collections/canvas-tarps
  

If you're unsure which tarp is the best fit for your project, call 1-800-838-3057, and our team will help you choose the right option.

Unused stock tarps in their original condition are typically returnable within 30 days of purchase, subject to our return policy. Custom-made or modified tarps are non-returnable because they are manufactured to your specific requirements. Orders that have not yet shipped may often be canceled without penalty, while shipped orders must follow our standard return process. For questions about a specific order, call 1-800-838-3057

Grommets are metal rings installed along the edges of a tarp to create secure tie-down points for ropes, bungee cords, or straps. Rope-reinforced hems have a rope sewn into the perimeter of the tarp, which strengthens the edges and reduces the risk of tearing around grommets when the tarp is under tension or exposed to wind. This feature is especially useful for heavy-duty and high-wind applications.

When you need shade without blocking airflow, mesh tarps are one of the best options available. Their breathable design helps reduce heat buildup and lowers wind resistance, which makes them ideal for patios, dog kennels, privacy fencing, garden areas, construction sites, and open-top truck or trailer loads.

Different shade percentages are available—typically ranging from 50% to over 80% coverage—allowing you to choose the right balance of shade, cooling, and visibility. Compared to solid tarps, mesh tarps offer superior ventilation and are better suited for situations where airflow is just as important as protection.

If you need help selecting the right shade percentage or material for your project, call 1-800-838-3057.

Canvas tarps offer natural breathability, but standard canvas material is only water-resistant—not fully waterproof. Untreated canvas can absorb moisture, and during prolonged or heavy rainfall, water may eventually pass through.

For significantly stronger moisture protection, many customers choose our waterproof canvas tarps, which are specially treated to repel water, resist mildew, and maintain their size and shape in outdoor conditions. These treated canvas options provide an excellent balance of durability, breathability, and weather resistance—especially when compared to regular tarps.

If you’re unsure whether standard or waterproof canvas is best for your project, call 1-800-838-3057 and we’ll help you choose the right option.

For long-term outdoor storage, the best tarps to use are vinyl tarps and heavy-duty poly tarps. Our vinyl tarps provide exceptional durability, tear strength, and complete weatherproofing, making them ideal for covering valuable equipment, vehicles, building materials, and machinery in harsh outdoor environments.

Heavy-duty poly tarps—especially silver poly tarps and white poly tarps—offer strong UV resistance and long-lasting protection when you need a lighter-weight but still rugged cover.

If you need help selecting the right outdoor storage tarp, call our team at 1-800-838-3057.

For storm or hurricane protection, choose super heavy-duty poly tarps or vinyl tarps . These tarps are designed to withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and debris better than light-duty options. Blue tarps can be useful for emergency situations but are not suitable for long-term, high-stress storm exposure. For critical weather-related protection, call 1-800-838-3057

Yes, tarps are commonly used as temporary roof covers, especially after storm damage or during repairs. Heavy-duty poly tarps with reinforced corners and strong grommets are recommended for roof applications. They should be installed securely with sufficient overlap and proper anchoring to ensure water runs off the roof rather than pooling or seeping underneath. Always follow safety guidelines when working at heights or on damaged structures.

Yes, tarps are frequently used to cover cars, trucks, boats, and RVs to protect them from sun, rain, dust, and debris. For smaller vehicles, heavy-duty poly tarps or vinyl tarps work well. For larger RVs and boats, silver or white poly tarps help reflect sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Ensure the tarp is properly secured and allow for some ventilation to prevent trapped moisture.

Many tarps are UV-treated to resist damage from sunlight. Poly tarps , vinyl tarps , and waterproof canvas tarps with UV inhibitors can withstand prolonged exposure to the sun better than untreated materials. UV-resistant tarps help prevent degradation such as cracking, fading, and brittleness, and they also help protect whatever you’re covering from harmful UV rays.

Hay tarps are specifically designed to protect hay bales from rain, snow, and sunlight. They are made of heavy-duty, UV-treated materials and include reinforced edges and tie-down points to keep the cover secure in windy conditions. When installed correctly, hay tarps can help reduce spoilage and preserve the quality of your hay.

Light-duty tarps are thinner, lighter, and best suited for short-term or occasional use, such as covering items temporarily or providing quick protection during a project. Heavy-duty tarps use thicker fabric, tighter weaves, and stronger reinforcement, making them more resistant to tearing, UV damage, and harsh weather. Choose heavy-duty tarps for frequent use, long-term coverage, or demanding conditions.

Tarps often tear in windy conditions when they are not tightly secured or are rubbing against sharp edges. Flapping and snapping in the wind can create stress points around grommets, seams, and corners, eventually leading to rips. To minimize damage, use enough tie-down points, avoid sharp contact surfaces, and ensure the tarp is pulled tight without large loose areas that can catch the wind.

Yes, tarps can be used as shade sails or overhead covers when properly installed. Mesh tarps are excellent for providing shade with airflow and reduced wind resistance, while solid poly or vinyl tarps also offer rain protection. When using tarps overhead, ensure they are angled so water can run off and that they are securely anchored to withstand wind and weather.

Heavy-duty poly tarps and vinyl tarps are commonly used for truck beds and trailers because they provide strong, waterproof coverage. For loads that need ventilation, such as gravel or yard debris, mesh tarps help contain the load while allowing air to pass through and reducing drag. Choose a tarp size that covers your load fully and use proper tie-downs or winch straps.

Poly and vinyl tarps are naturally resistant to mildew and rot because they are made from synthetic materials. Canvas tarps can develop surface mildew if stored while damp, but this can often be cleaned with mild soap and water and thorough drying. To prevent mildew on any tarp, always ensure it is clean and completely dry before storing.

Poly and vinyl tarps do not typically shrink and will maintain their original size and shape under normal use. Untreated cotton canvas tarps may shrink over time, especially after repeated cycles of getting wet and drying in the sun. Treated or waterproof canvas tarps are more stable and resist shrinking better. For applications where precise dimensions are critical, consider poly, vinyl, or treated canvas.

Yes, tarps are commonly used as replacement tops for canopies and carports, especially durable poly tarps. Poly tarps provide waterproof coverage, UV protection, and easy installation, making them ideal for restoring canopy shelters.

For the best fit and long-term performance, many customers choose our valance tarps, which feature overhanging edges that wrap around the canopy frame to improve tension, reduce flapping, and prevent water intrusion.

When selecting a replacement cover, ensure the size, grommet spacing, and tie-down style match your frame so the tarp stays tight and secure.

If you need help choosing the correct canopy tarp, call 1-800-838-3057 and our team will guide you.

Most stock tarps are “cut size,” meaning the fabric is cut larger than the finished size to allow for hems and seams. As a result, the actual finished dimensions are usually a few inches smaller than the listed size. If you need a tarp with exact dimensions, a custom tarp made to your precise measurements is the best solution.

To choose the right tarp size, measure the length, width, and height (if applicable) of the object or area you want to cover. Select a tarp that is slightly larger than your measurements so there is enough material to cover and secure it properly with tie-downs or bungees. For guidance on sizing for trucks, roofs, equipment, or specialty applications, call 1-800-838-3057

On construction sites, heavy-duty tarps are essential for protecting materials, tools, equipment, and work areas from rain, dust, and debris. Our heavy-duty poly tarps are the most common choice for general construction coverage because they are lightweight, waterproof, and durable enough for daily jobsite use.

For the harshest industrial environments, vinyl tarps are preferred due to their superior tear resistance, long lifespan, and outstanding weatherproofing, especially in heavy rain, snow, or high-wear conditions.

When breathability is important—such as covering masonry, curing concrete, protecting lumber, or shielding freshly painted surfaces—our canvas tarps offer controlled airflow and reduced condensation while still providing strong protection.

If you need help choosing the right construction tarp for your project, call 1-800-838-3057.

Yes, tarps can be used in winter and freezing temperatures, but choosing the right material is crucial. Our heavy-duty poly tarps and vinyl tarps perform best in cold weather because they stay flexible, resist cracking, and maintain their strength even in sub-zero conditions.

Light-duty or thin tarps—such as basic blue poly tarps—tend to become brittle in extreme cold and are more likely to tear, so they are not recommended for winter protection.

If you need help selecting the best winter tarp for equipment, vehicles, structures, or job sites, call 1-800-838-3057.

Yes, tarps can be used effectively for greenhouses, especially when you choose the right material for plant growth and weather protection. Our clear poly tarps allow excellent sunlight transmission while protecting your greenhouse structure from wind, rain, and temperature changes—making them one of the most popular options for DIY greenhouse covers.

White poly tarps help diffuse light, reducing plant stress, preventing hot spots, and creating more even light distribution inside the greenhouse.

For long-term greenhouse performance, we recommend choosing UV-treated tarps from our poly or clear tarp collections to extend outdoor life and reduce deterioration. Make sure your tarp is installed securely using ball bungees and a strong frame to withstand wind and weather.

If you need help selecting the best greenhouse tarp for your climate or crop type, call our team at 1-800-838-3057.