5 Types of Tarpaulins and When to Use Each One

Tarpaulins are one of the most versatile and practical protective covers available across a wide range of industries and everyday applications. From covering garden furniture during the winter months to protecting construction materials on a busy site, the right tarpaulin can make a significant difference in how well your belongings and projects are shielded from the elements. However, not all tarpaulins are designed for the same purpose, and choosing the right type helps ensure you get the durability, protection, and value your project requires.

In the UK, tarpaulins are used across residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial settings, making it essential to understand what each type offers. This blog covers the five main types of tarpaulins available at Tarps Uk, explaining their key features and best-use scenarios so you can make a confident, informed decision before you buy.

1. Economy Tarpaulins – Affordable Covers for Everyday Use

Economy tarpaulins are the most accessible option in the range, and for many everyday tasks, they are genuinely all you need. Lightweight, easy to handle, and available at a low price point, they are the sensible starting point for anyone who needs basic, short-term cover.

Key Features

Economy tarps are manufactured from polyethylene and typically range from 70 to 90 GSM. That weight gives them basic waterproof and UV-resistant properties, making them rot-proof and shrink-proof under normal conditions. Reinforced eyelet rings along the edges allow them to be tied down securely, and their light weight makes them easy to fold, move, and store.

Best Uses

Economy tarps are the right call for:

• Covering garden furniture during mild weather or short winter periods
• Temporary ground sheets for DIY, decorating, or home renovation work
• Light debris coverage during outdoor projects
• Camping ground sheets and casual outdoor use
• General storage protection in garages, sheds, or outbuildings

Looking for a reliable cover without overspending? Browse our range of Economy Tarpaulins for practical, everyday protection. Whether you need to cover garden furniture, equipment, or materials, these cost-effective covers offer excellent value.

2. Medium Duty Tarpaulins – The Balanced Option for Regular Use

Medium duty tarpaulins sit between economy and heavy duty, offering a meaningful step up in strength and longevity without the cost of a premium cover. They are the right choice when you need something that will hold up under regular use or moderate outdoor conditions over a longer period.

Key Features

Typically ranging from 100 to 120 GSM, medium duty tarps are noticeably more robust than economy options. They offer improved waterproofing, better resistance to tearing, and reinforced hems with metal eyelets that create a more secure hold when tied down. They handle regular exposure to rain and wind far better than economy alternatives, without adding the bulk or cost of a heavy-duty cover.

Best Uses

Medium duty tarps are well suited for:

• Covering vehicles left outdoors for extended periods
• Protecting garden equipment, timber, or building materials stored outside
• Agricultural use — covering compost heaps, feed stores, or equipment between seasons
• Landscaping work where the cover needs to stay in place through changing weather
• General outdoor use where an economy tarp might degrade too quickly

Need a cover that offers a balance of strength, durability, and value? Explore our range of Medium-Duty Tarpaulins, designed to provide reliable protection for gardening, DIY projects, storage, and general outdoor use.

3. Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins – Tough Covers for Demanding Conditions

When conditions are harsh, and the cost of failure is high, heavy-duty tarpaulins are the standard. These are covers designed to be used hard, left out in difficult weather, and relied upon to protect things that matter.

Key Features

Heavy-duty tarps range from 140 GSM up to 200 GSM and beyond. They are made from thicker, reinforced polyethylene or PVC materials with robust hem reinforcements and heavy-gauge eyelets capable of handling significant tensile strain. Many options carry UV protection, and some are available with flame-retardant properties — an important consideration on construction sites and in industrial settings.

The step up from medium to heavy duty is not just about weight. Heavy-duty tarps are built to withstand abrasion, sustained wind load, and constant moisture without degrading at the edges or splitting at the eyelets. They are covers intended for weeks and months of exposure, not days.

Best Uses

Heavy-duty tarps are the right choice for:

• Construction sites — protecting scaffolding, tools, and building materials through all weather
• Roofing emergencies — providing immediate temporary protection for a damaged or exposed roof
• Covering plant machinery, plant equipment, and vehicles on exposed sites
• Securing large loads during transport or haulage
• Long-term outdoor storage where the cover needs to perform reliably without regular replacement

For tougher jobs and long-lasting outdoor protection, our Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins are built to handle demanding conditions. Explore the range to find a durable cover for construction, storage, vehicles, and more.

4. Clear Tarpaulins – Transparent Protection Across Multiple Settings

Clear tarpaulins solve a problem that standard covers cannot: how to keep weather out without making a space dark, enclosed, or unusable. They provide genuine waterproof protection while allowing natural light to pass through — which makes them the right tool in a specific set of situations where visibility and light are just as important as shelter.

Key Features

Clear tarps are typically manufactured from PVC or transparent polyethylene. Heavier options, often 310 GSM to 350 GSM, offer superior strength, cold-temperature flexibility, and UV resistance. Many include reinforced mesh inserts within the sheeting that add structural durability without affecting transparency. This makes them genuinely robust covers, not simply thin sheeting.

Best Uses

Clear tarpaulins are the smart choice when:

• Enclosing a patio, veranda, or outdoor seating area to extend its use through autumn and winter without creating a dark or oppressive feel
• Covering a greenhouse, polytunnel, or cold frame — allowing sunlight to reach plants while protecting them from frost, wind, and rain
• Creating temporary event shelters or market canopies where a dark overhead cover would detract from the space
• Protecting work areas where workers need natural light to operate safely and effectively

Need protection without blocking natural light? Our Clear Tarpaulins are ideal for greenhouses, outdoor enclosures, and sheltered work areas. Explore the range to find a practical solution for your project.

5. Super Heavyweight Tarpaulins – Extra-Strong Covers for Tough Jobs

Super heavyweight tarpaulins are the top tier of the range. They are not the right choice for garden furniture or a weekend DIY project — but for industrial, commercial, and large-scale outdoor applications, they are in a different class from everything below them.

Key Features

Super heavyweight tarps typically exceed 300 to 400 GSM and are built with extra-thick reinforced materials throughout. The eyelets and hem reinforcements are engineered to withstand very high loads and repeated, intensive use. Abrasion resistance, tear strength, and puncture resistance are all significantly higher than even standard heavy-duty options.

These covers are designed to stay in place under extreme conditions, handle heavy contact without splitting, and provide reliable protection for months or years at a time without needing replacement.

Best Uses

Super heavyweight tarps are built for:

• Shipping yards, quarries, and waste management sites where covers face constant mechanical stress
• Covering heavy plant machinery and industrial equipment in exposed outdoor locations
• Containing bulk materials — aggregates, waste, agricultural produce — during storage or transit
• Creating long-term outdoor enclosures for industrial or commercial operations
• Any application where lighter tarps have failed, torn, or worn through too quickly

When maximum strength and long-term durability matter, our Super Heavy-Weight Tarpaulins are up to the task. Browse the range to find extra-tough covers designed for demanding outdoor storage, construction, and industrial applications.

How to Choose the Right Type: A Quick Reference

FAQs

Q. What's the difference between economy and medium duty tarpaulins?

The main difference is durability and weather resistance. Economy tarps are suited to short-term, light-duty use in mild conditions. Medium duty tarps handle regular outdoor exposure over longer periods without degrading as quickly — making them the better investment if the cover needs to stay in place for weeks or months.

Q. Are clear tarpaulins strong enough for use in a greenhouse or polytunnel?

Yes, clear tarpaulins allow light through while protecting plants from weather. Choose a UV-stabilised option for longer outdoor durability.

Q. Can I use a heavy duty tarpaulin as an emergency roof cover?

Yes — heavy duty and super heavyweight tarps are both suitable for temporary roof protection. Secure through every eyelet using UV-resistant rope and ensure enough overhang at the edges to direct water clear of the structure.

Q. How do I know if I need a super heavyweight tarpaulin?

If you've already gone through heavy-duty tarps that wore out, torn, or failed under the conditions, super heavyweight is the next step. They are also the appropriate choice from the outset for industrial applications, high-contact environments, and long-term outdoor enclosures.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tarpaulin comes down to how and where you plan to use it. Lightweight economy tarpaulins are ideal for everyday tasks, while medium and heavy-duty options provide greater durability for regular outdoor use. Clear tarpaulins offer protection without blocking natural light, and super heavyweight tarpaulins are built for the toughest environments and long-term applications.

By understanding the strengths of each type, you can invest in a cover that provides the right level of protection without paying for features you do not need. Whether you are covering garden furniture, protecting building materials, or safeguarding valuable equipment, selecting the right tarpaulin will help keep your items secure and protected throughout the year.

Once you have the right type, the next step is making sure it is measured correctly and secured properly. Our guide to measuring, choosing, and securing a tarpaulin walks through both in straightforward, practical terms.