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The Best Tarps

Last updated on January 28, 2022
Best Tarps

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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.

Our Picks For The Top Tarps

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Trademark Supplies Waterproof Heavy-Duty Tarp, 8 X 10-Foot

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Trademark Supplies

Waterproof Heavy-Duty Tarp, 8 X 10-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.

Overall Take

Top Quality and DurableGuard your belongings and yourself against the elements all year long with this dependable, durable tarp.

 Runner Up

AmazonCommercial Water-Resistant Double-Sided Tarp, 5 X 7-Foot, 4-Pack

AmazonCommercial

Water-Resistant Double-Sided Tarp, 5 X 7-Foot, 4-Pack

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.

Overall Take

Coated on Both SidesThese tarps are washable, and their sturdy construction will hold up through years of tough use.

 We Also Like

Kotap Poly Reinforced-Edge Tarp, 20 x 30-Foot

Kotap

Poly Reinforced-Edge Tarp, 20 x 30-Foot

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.

Overall Take

A Real WorkhorseCover and secure your belongings with this trustworthy tarp, and you’ll never worry about any damage.

 Strong Contender

B-Air Grizzly Tight-Weave Tear-Proof Tarp, 6 x 8-Foot

B-Air

Grizzly Tight-Weave Tear-Proof Tarp, 6 x 8-Foot

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.

Overall Take

A Sturdy SolutionThese tough and sturdy tarps will exceed your expectations no matter what the job requires.

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.

More to explore