6 Types of Tarpaulins You Can Buy at Tarps UK Online
When it comes to protecting your property, outdoor equipment, or workspace from unpredictable British weather, nothing is as versatile as a high-quality tarpaulin. From covering garden furniture to shielding construction materials or setting up professional outdoor stalls, tarps are a cost-effective way to guard against rain, wind, and UV exposure.
At Tarps UK Online, we make choosing the right product simple by grouping our range into six main categories. Each is designed for a specific use case, from light DIY projects to industrial-grade protection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the features, benefits, and best uses of each type so you can confidently pick the tarp that matches your project.
Economy Tarpaulins – Affordable Everyday Covers
For short-term or lightweight use, Economy Tarpaulins are the most budget-friendly option. They’re waterproof, easy to handle, and simple to fold away when not in use. Perfect for households and small jobs, they provide quick protection without overcomplicating things.
Typical uses include:
- Throwing over garden furniture before a storm
- Using as ground sheets for camping
- Covering logs or small equipment temporarily
Because economy tarps are so versatile, many customers combine them with Market Stall covers during summer fairs to create quick side walls or backdrops.
Medium Duty Tarpaulins – Reliable General Use
For projects that need a balance between affordability and strength, Medium Duty Tarpaulins are the answer. They’re thicker than economy sheets, often with UV stabilisation and reinforced hems, which makes them suitable for repeated outdoor use.
Best uses include:
- Temporary roof sheets after storm damage
- Protecting small boats, trailers, or garden sheds
- Covering building supplies such as sand or timber
Medium duty tarps are popular in autumn and winter, when outdoor tools and machinery need reliable coverage. Builders often combine them with heavy-duty sheets for scaffolding or exposed materials.
Heavy Duty Tarpaulins – Built for Tough Jobs
When the conditions are demanding, you need a tarp that can keep up. Heavy Duty Tarpaulins are designed for rugged use, with high GSM ratings, strong waterproofing, and tear resistance. They’re engineered to last through wind, rain, and prolonged exposure.
Common uses include:
- Protecting scaffolding on construction sites
- Covering machinery, vehicles, or haystacks
- Providing reliable shelter for outdoor events
For storm season, heavy-duty tarps are an essential choice for farms and industrial sites. Some customers also add clear sheets for visibility inside temporary shelters.
Clear Tarpaulins – Weather Protection with Visibility
Sometimes you need protection without sacrificing light. Clear Tarpaulins are made from transparent PVC or polyethylene, creating bright, sheltered spaces. They’re a favourite among gardeners, market traders, and event organisers.
Perfect uses include:
- Greenhouses or polytunnels
- Outdoor dining areas, cafes, or pop-up shops
- Market stalls where visibility is key
During the darker months, clear tarps are especially useful for letting daylight into covered spaces. Many stallholders pair them with market stall tarps for customer-friendly displays.
Super Heavy Weight Tarpaulins – Maximum Strength
At the top of the range are Super Heavy Weight Tarpaulins, built for the harshest conditions. With very high GSM ratings, they’re ideal for industrial, agricultural, and marine environments where ordinary tarps wouldn’t last.
Typical uses include:
- Long-term industrial storage
- Covering shipping containers, lorries, or heavy equipment
- Agricultural shelter for crops or livestock
These tarps are designed for all-year outdoor use. Farmers often choose them for machinery that can’t be stored indoors.
Market Stall Tarpaulins – Designed for Traders
Finally, Market Stall Tarpaulins are crafted with traders in mind. Lightweight enough to handle daily setup but strong enough to withstand the elements, they’re waterproof, UV-resistant, and available in professional colours.
Best uses include:
- Outdoor food markets and farmers’ stalls
- Craft fairs and seasonal pop-up shops
- School or charity fundraising events
For summer fairs, stallholders often add clear tarps as side panels, keeping stalls bright and visible while staying protected from showers.
How to Choose the Right Tarpaulin
To select the right tarp, start with your use case and duty level:
- Occasional cover? → Economy
- Reusable outdoor use? → Medium Duty
- Construction or farming? → Heavy Duty
- Visibility required? → Clear
- Extreme durability? → Super Heavy Weight
- Outdoor trading? → Market Stall
If you’re unsure, browse the full range on the Tarps UK Online homepage or simply contact our team for personalised advice. Many customers use multiple types together for example, combining clear tarps for light with heavy-duty tarps for weatherproofing.
FAQs About Tarpaulins
1. Are all tarpaulins waterproof?
Most are, but the level of protection varies. Economy sheets handle short-term jobs, while super heavy-duty tarps are built for extreme weather.
2. Which tarpaulin is best for winter?
For UK winters, heavy duty or super heavy weight tarps are recommended, sometimes paired with clear sheets for daylight.
3. What GSM should I choose?
- Light tasks: economy or medium duty
- Construction/farming: heavy duty
- Industrial or long-term exposure: super heavy weight
4. Can I use tarpaulins for events?
Yes market stall tarps are designed for traders, fairs, and outdoor events.
Conclusion
From budget-friendly sheets to professional-grade covers, our six categories cover every scenario:
- Economy for affordable, everyday use
- Medium Duty for reliable, repeated protection
- Heavy Duty for rugged outdoor jobs
- Clear for visibility and light transmission
- Super Heavy Weight for maximum toughness
- Market Stall for traders and events
At Tarps UK Online, we pride ourselves on offering the right tarp for every project. Explore our categories today and find the perfect fit and if you need help deciding, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts.
Strong, Reliable Tarps. UK-Wide.