Choosing a covering material isn’t as simple as grabbing the first tarp off the shelf. It’s more like a small project: measuring, stretching, securing, and hoping it holds through rain, wind, or sun. Pick wrong, and you spend more time wrestling the cover than actually protecting anything.
Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right covering material.
Understanding the Environment
Before you pick a tarp, think about where it will live. Outdoors or indoors? Shady backyard or open lot? Damp basement or sunny patio?
Sun, rain, wind – they all take their toll on weak materials. Poly tarps might stretch and tear if exposed to long-term sun. Canvas breathes and lasts longer in partial shade. Vinyl laughs at water and holds up in heavy storms.
Even sheltered spots are not always safe. A sudden gust, unexpected rainfall, or a tree branch sliding off can ruin a tarp that was not meant for the conditions. Small factors add up quickly, so make sure you have a good understanding of what your environment demands.
Material Choices
Not every covering material does everything. Here’s what works for different needs:
- Poly tarps: Lightweight, cheap, waterproof. Great for seasonal projects or temporary storage. They stretch and are easy to fold, but thin edges can tear if caught on something sharp.
- Canvas tarps: Heavy, breathable, and more natural-feeling. Shrinks a little when wet, but generally holds up for storage in shaded areas. Works well for covering tools or patio furniture.
- Vinyl tarps: Industrial-grade. Nearly waterproof, tear-resistant, and long-lasting. Perfect for boats, vehicles, or outdoor equipment that faces harsh weather constantly.
- Mesh tarps: Let air and light pass through while providing shade or debris protection. Often used on patios, sports fields, or construction scaffolds.
Weight and Handling
How heavy is the cover? How often will you move it? There’s a trade-off.
- Heavy-duty covers last longer but can be cumbersome.
- Lightweight options are easier to manage but may wear faster under harsh conditions.
If you are covering a boat that only moves a few times a year, vinyl is perfect. For a pile of firewood you shift often, poly or canvas works better. Portability isn’t just convenience. It determines whether you will actually use the cover properly.
Size and Fit
A tarp that does not fit can be almost worse than having none at all. If it is too small, rain, dust, or debris can slip underneath. If it is too large, it will flap endlessly in the wind.
Length, width, and height all matter, so measure carefully and add a few inches for overlap or tucking if needed. Grommet placement is also critical when tying the tarp down. Secure points at the corners & along the edges help prevent sagging. Loose wraps leave gaps, allowing water, dirt, & even pests to get inside.
A tarp that looks big enough in the store might leave half your equipment exposed. So, always double check measurements before making a purchase.
Purpose and Protection
What are you trying to protect? Lawn equipment, patio furniture, a boat, construction materials? Different items need different materials.
This is exactly where protective covers make a difference. Not just sheets of plastic. They shield, preserve, and extend the life of what you own. A garden tractor needs something sturdier than a stack of firewood. That difference is obvious in thickness, edges, and weather resistance.
Securing the Cover
Even the strongest tarp is useless if it cannot be secured. Reinforced edges, grommets, or tie points are not optional; they are essential.
Ropes, straps, or bungee cords all work depending on shape and location. Weighted options, like sandbags or water bags, can help when wind is unpredictable.
Flapping covers do not protect anything. They stress the material, and over time, even vinyl can tear if left loose in heavy wind.
Maintenance and Longevity
Some covers can sit and be forgotten. Others require occasional attention. Canvas shrinks if wet, so hanging it to dry helps. Vinyl wipes clean easily and resists stains. Poly tears quickly at sharp edges, so inspect it regularly.
Even the toughest materials wear faster if neglected. A little maintenance goes a long way. Folding properly, cleaning off dirt, and checking grommets can extend life by years.
Practical Considerations
Sometimes it’s simple practicality. Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
- How often will you move it?
- Odd-shaped objects or standard forms?
- Does it need to blend in, or be highly visible for safety?
Finding the right balance between durability, convenience, and cost saves both frustration and money.
Picking the Right Tarp Made Easier
There is no perfect tarp for every job. Poly, canvas, vinyl, mesh – they all have strengths and weaknesses. Choose based on environment, size, weight, & securing needs. Consider care and how often it will be moved or handled.
For those who want a wide selection of durable options, Tarps Plus offers a variety of tarps, protective covers, and accessories to suit different projects. Their range includes everything from lightweight poly tarps to heavy-duty vinyl, making it easier to find exactly what you need.
Explore their collection today and find a covering that fits your needs and keeps your equipment and belongings protected for the long haul.
