These protective coverings are known as tarps or tarpaulins, which have been in use for well over a century and are available in different types in the market.



When people think of tarps, they often perceive the regular canvas type. However, there are many different kinds of tarps, including steel tarps. The types are polythene (poly) tarps, canvas and mesh, amongst others. The steel tarps are actually not made of steel, but of regular materials like mesh or polythene and used to protect and secure short loads into truck beds.

Poly tarps are made from plastic, and are commonly used for pool and boat covers. They are also used as storage and construction coverings and are ideal when waterproof protection is required.

Canvas tarps on the other hand are made from a natural and synthetic plain weave fabric that is closely woven. The cloth is very firm and used to make awnings, soft luggage or canvas tarps. Tarps made from this material are used for outdoor covering, and can also be used as covers for trucks carrying loads, as they are sturdy and wind resistant.

Mesh tarps comprise of nylon tarp threading, which is weaved to make a screen-like material. Mesh tarps are commonly used for tennis courts, enclosures, visual privacy, site barriers and much more.

Tarps have many practical uses. They are large, strong sheets of fabric that are usually water proof or at least water resistant. They are flexible, and are often coated in latex or plastic, which provides extra strength. Size wise, you can get small squares of fabric measuring a few small feet, and others big enough to cover a football field.

Additionally, some other uses range from covering baseball diamonds during rainstorms, to hauling lumber, and protecting campers from rain. Tarps can be used both as a roof or an extra layer of protection of a tent, or laid out on the ground to keep out the damp.

Overall, tarps can be used for any outdoor event from gardening, to camping and even military uses, and the fact that they are such a large part of many activities, yet their existence and practical usage is sometimes overlooked.

Tarps are made of different materials, and come in different strengths, styles and colors, and despite a wide range in prices, a little bit of shopping around will ensure that there will be one to meet your budget.