Choosing the Right Residential and Commercial Tarps for Your Needs

Whether you need commercial tarps, industrial tarps or tarps for use around your home, there are as many uses for tarps as there are types. In fact, there are so many options that you might be unsure how to choose the best tarp for your home or business.

This guide from the experts at A1 Tarps can help you better understand the different kinds of tarps so you can select the residential or commercial tarp that best fits your needs. If you're still unsure after reviewing this guide, contact us at A1 Tarps. We'll be happy to help.

Purpose-Designed Tarps

Some tarps are designed to serve specific purposes, which can make it easy for you to narrow down your options. A1 Tarps carries a wide variety of these kinds of purpose-designed tarps, including:

• Pond liners
• Firewood racks and covers
• Truck tarps
• Hay tarps
• Athletic field tarps

If you need a liner for a new water feature at your home or business, simply browse our selection of pond liners. If you need to properly protect a hay bale, shop for hay tarps. By starting with the project or purpose you need the tarp for and shopping accordingly, you can quickly find the best one.

Tarp Materials

Tarps are made from a variety of materials. The three most common types are:

• Poly tarps, made from a kind of plastic called polyethylene. Poly tarps are a popular choice because they're strong, yet lightweight and versatile. A1 Tarps' poly tarps are also waterproof, rot-proof and resistant to mildew and UV rays.
• PVC vinyl tarps, which are another type of plastic tarp. These tarps have the benefits of poly tarps, but they're even thicker, stronger and more durable. If you need an industrial tarp, these are often the best choice.
• Canvas tarps, are made of cotton and more breathable than the other two types of tarps. While not waterproof, they are resistant to water, mildew and UV rays.

So, if you're looking for a standard tarp (as opposed to one designed for a specific purpose), consider whether a poly, vinyl or canvas tarp would be best for your needs, and go from there.

Tarps with Special Features

Maybe you require specialty tarps that have a certain feature that not all tarps have. These might include fire-retardant tarps that can help protect your property or mesh tarps that feature a breathable open weave. At A1 Tarps, you can shop by those respective categories and find a wide range of options.

Tarp Size, Color and Strength

You should also keep size in mind when choosing a tarp. If there's a certain item or area you want covered or protected, be sure to measure it. We recommend adding a foot or two to that measurement, so if you want to cover a 3' x 5' space, you might order a 4' x 6' tarp.

You'll also want to consider the color of your tarp. For instance, you might prefer a bright-colored tarp for maximum visibility, or a silver tarp, which helps keep the tarp's contents cooler by bouncing light off it.

Finally, if you need a stronger tarp, look for tarps with a higher mil thickness, weave count and/or weight. For example, A1 Tarps offers everything from economy poly tarps, with 6-mil thickness, 8 x 10 mesh count and a weight of 4.5 ounces per square yard, to super-heavy-duty poly tarps, with 12-mil thickness, 14 x 14 mesh count and a weight of 7 ounces per square yard.