The Best Tarps
Our Review Process
Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Tarps
- 1. Trademark Supplies Waterproof Heavy-Duty Tarp, 8 X 10-Foot
- 2. AmazonCommercial Water-Resistant Double-Sided Tarp, 5 X 7-Foot, 4-Pack
- 3. Kotap Poly Reinforced-Edge Tarp, 20 x 30-Foot
- 4. B-Air Grizzly Tight-Weave Tear-Proof Tarp, 6 x 8-Foot
- 5. Xpose Safety Rip-Proof All-Weather Tarp, 6 X 8-Foot
- 6. Hanjet Four-Season Rust-Resistant Grommet Tarp, 15 x 20-Foot
This heavy-duty, waterproof tarp comes in different colors and 19 sizes and offers outstanding protection against the elements. It can even be used as a pool cover.
Top Quality and DurableGuard your belongings and yourself against the elements all year long with this dependable, durable tarp.
Priced affordably for four pieces, these waterproof tarps come in four sizes and weigh less than three pounds apiece. They have two-sided polyethylene laminate coating, heat-sealed seams and built-in 1/2-inch metal grommets along the edges.
Coated on Both SidesThese tarps are washable, and their sturdy construction will hold up through years of tough use.
This heavy-duty 20- by 30-inch rip-stop, all-purpose tarp is constructed from woven, coated polyethylene, has rust-proof aluminum grommets, is shrink- and rot-proof. It's perfect for covering outdoor equipment or as a canopy.
A Real WorkhorseCover and secure your belongings with this trustworthy tarp, and you’ll never worry about any damage.
Durable and lightweight, this tarp has true 8-by-8 weave polyethylene fiber construction, built-in aluminum grommets and reinforced border piping. They are 5-mil thick to reduce the risk of tearing.
A Sturdy SolutionThese tough and sturdy tarps will exceed your expectations no matter what the job requires.
Buying Guide
Tarps can be an extremely versatile tool, despite how simple they really are. They can be used to protect cars and boats from inclement weather and shelter campers when it starts to rain. You can also use them as truck bed covers and even make tents from the larger ones. Tarps are made out of different materials like canvas and vinyl, but polyethylene is one of the most common types.
This material is a standard plastic that is naturally waterproof, although it is not flame retardant unless it is treated with chemicals. Polyethylene is also mildew- and UV-resistant.
If you only plan to use your tarp indoors to cover furniture and floors, you won’t need to be as concerned with keeping it secured. For outdoor use, look for ones that have grommets or other secure openings. You can thread bungee cords, zip ties or rope through these to tie the tarps down tight. Another good feature to look for is reinforced edges, which prevent rips and tears.
Tarps come in different colors, sizes and thicknesses. Thicker ones are obviously heavier but provide more protection. This protection is essential if you want to protect your car during a winter storm, for example. Otherwise, you can use something that is thinner and lighter.
Outdoor tarps should always be waterproof and UV-resistant, too. The most common tarp shape is a rectangle or square, and these have multiple tie-down points on the edges. You can use these tarps for truck covers, awnings and canopies for shade.
What to Look For
- When using a tarp, try to make a central, elevated point as this helps rain and snow to run off down the sides.
- Use every grommet to tie down the tarp, as this prevents too much pulling of the material and creates less stress on the individual grommets.
- The tarp should be as taut as possible, with no stress on the material, when it’s tied down.
- Most tarps do not harbor bacteria growth, but you should remove any standing water nearby.
- Diamond-shaped tarps can be used as hammocks.
- Hexagonal tarps have tie-down points that you can attach to poles or stakes to create canopies for activities like craft shows and camping. You can use valance tarps in the same way.
- Before ordering a tarp, take measurements of what needs to be covered and order appropriately.
More to Explore
Groundskeepers use tarps to cover sports fields to protect the grounds from the elements, and they can be huge. They are laid down by field crew members and secured with grommets and stakes, weighted covers, staples, sandbags and other means.
Back in July 2021, a Birmingham Baron’s crew member was working with his colleagues to secure a tarp on the baseball diamond during a storm. He was holding onto the tarp when the wind suddenly picked up, and he ended up “flying” over the top. No injuries were thankfully reported.
Latest Reviews
