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Making The Right Choice In Poly Tarps



Common "poly tarps", are among the most versatile of all 'tools', having a useful purpose on the farm, on a camping trip, in your backyard, at a fair, or in the industrial yard. Because they are so adaptable, poly tarps provide excellent coverage anywhere, anytime you need shelter and protection from the sun, rain, or wind.

 

The varieties of polyethylene is extensive. They can be found in a several choices of weights, sizes, construction design, shapes, and colors to meet specific needs.

Choosing Poly Tarps

  • Color: There are several colors available, but the most common are blue and green. They are lighter and less durable than other types, but are also the least expensive. Camouflage tarps are often used by hunters and campers, but there are fewer size options. Silver is used for its' reflective characteristic, and is roughly twice as thick and durable.
  • Exposure Tolerance: Reinforced polyethylene is water repellant, mildew and rot resistant, and it can be formulated to resist the build-up and retention of electrostatic charges that may be harmful to certain sensitive equipment. Most quality polyethylene is treated to provide UV protection, even more so with silver poly tarps.
  • Construction: Standard design will include sewn or heat-sealed seams, sometimes a rope sewn into the hem, grommets every 2-3 feet along the edge, and reinforced corners. Tarp straps allow easy placement of your tarp.

  • Fabric Strength: Typical lightweight materials are 700-800 denier(thread size) material in a 8x8 thread mesh, with 5-6 mil(thickness) and up polyethylene laminate on each side. Heavy-duty silver tarps generally have a 14x14 mesh, 1000 denier thread, and a 11-12 mil thick laminate. Obviously, the greater any of these measurements, the stronger the tarp.

You'll find that poly tarps are a good multi-purpose choice for weather protection needs.

If you know the size you want, we've put together a poly tarp comparison chart to help you locate the right size at the right price. Or you can take a look at the recommended suppliers below.


Recommended Poly Tarps

We've done the comparisons, and for both quality and price, we recommend these silver or blue poly tarps. Lots of size options, and fabric quality is top-notch. Blue and camo poly is a 10x8 weave and 900 denier, while the silver poly is 14x14 and 1000 denier fabric. Need extra large sizes ? For anything larger than 20x20, these are the lowest prices we’ve found. So what is the bargain ? Simply this: Shipping is included. The larger the tarp, the greater the savings - 25% or more. Sizes go all the way up to 100 x 100, and most will ship in just 24-48 hours.

If you’re shopping for the strongest poly tarps, Gemplers has some of the toughest we've seen. Both green and silver tarpaulins have a 14x14 weave, 10 mil, 1000 denier. They also have a premium grade silver tarp with a solid 1600 denier, 12 mil thickness, and grommets every 2 feet instead of the usual 3 feet. Do a search for "tarps" when you get to their site.

Northern Tool also has a very good selction of high quality and low price poly tarps. Strong nylon chords are laminated with a polyethylene coating that repels water, rot, and mildew. Blue, green, camoflage, and silver tarps are availabe in sizes from 6' x 8' up to 30' x 60', including several special-purpose designs. Do a search on their site for "poly tarps".

For More Information:

Specialty Tarps: A quick look at lumber, drain, coil, and machine tarps.

Poly Tarp Sizes: Looking for a specifc size ? Here are 3 quick sources

Tarp Shelters: A better choice for backpackers and light-weight campers.

Drain Tarps: Where to get quick delivery of drain tarps and ceiling leak diverters.

Tarps: An overview of the main choices in protective tarp coverings: polyethylene, canvas, and mesh.

Mesh Tarps: The choice when you need airflow and modest shade, and where water proofing is not required.

Canvas Tarps: A stronger and flame retardant alternative to poly tarps.

 

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