8 Best Tarpaulins of 2024

Written by: - Garden Maintenance Expert

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The Best Tarpaulins

best heavy duty tarpaulin
  1. Best heavy duty tarpaulin - ANSIO 2x3m Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin

  2. Best multipurpose tarpaulin - SolaDirect 3x3m Heavy Duty Tarpaulin

  3. Best value double sided tarpaulin - GardenMate 3x4m Waterproof Blue Tarpaulin

  4. Best lightweight multipurpose tarpaulin - Onarway 3x4m Waterproof Tarp

  5. Best transparent tarpaulin - SolaDirect 4x4m Reinforced Mesh Clear Mono Sheet

  6. Best large tarpaulin made from polyethylene blend - Brackit Heavy Duty 5x8m Blue Polyethylene Tarpaulin

  7. Best value polyethylene / polypropylene tarpaulin - GardenMate 3x3m Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin

  8. Best extra heavy duty tarpaulin - Pro-Tec Extra Heavy Duty Builders Waterproof Tarpaulin

Tarpaulin Reviews

Editors Choice

1. ANSIO 2x3m Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin

Best heavy duty tarpaulin

best tarpaulin ANSIO 2x3m Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin
  • “Garden green” is an ideal colour for hiding your outdoor furniture or camping gear in a hurry. Compared with the blue Brackit tarp, it’s almost invisible.
  • The added protection of rubber reinforced corners is a handy feature. When tying down anything to protect it from the wind, the corners are almost always the first parts to break, so they should help.
  • Compared with the lightweight GardenMate tarp, the heavy 260 gsm material used here is tough and durable. You can walk on it and cover up rough materials without it easily tearing.

  • Some users have complained about poor quality control. In some products, the aluminium eyelets have been placed too close to the edge, or don’t line up with the holes properly.
  • I would love to see heavy duty tarps like this with more edge reinforcements. The corners have rubber strips, but if this had rubber around the whole edge it’d be the best tarp around.
Dimensions
2 x 3m
Material
Polyethylene/Polypropylene/Nylon
Density
260gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
4
Value for Money
5

One of those manufacturers who can be relied on to make all sorts of useful things for the home, ANSIO also make some of the best affordable tarpaulins.

Designed with outdoor use in mind, their 2x3m heavy duty tarpaulin is just what you need for your next camping trip. With reinforced corners and a stealthy dark green colour, this durable tarp will certainly protect against adverse weather conditions.

What makes this a particularly useful tarp is that it’s on the heavier end of the scale. Coming in at 260 gsm, it’s made from a polyethylene and polypropylene blend, ideal for durability and water resistance. The outside edges are doubled over and stitched with nylon thread, and you get rubber corner protectors for more peace of mind when tying down. It’s one of the heavier-duty tarps on my list, so it’s perfect for windy gardens and rainy camping trips.

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Runner Up

2. SolaDirect 3x3m Heavy Duty Tarpaulin

Best multipurpose tarpaulin

best tarpaulin SolaDirect 3x3m Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
  • Eyelets made from aluminium will not rust out in the elements. It means you can tie down the tarp without worrying about corrosion and failure.
  • Even though this is a 200 gsm tarpaulin, it weighs less than 2 kg. Even though it’s not the heaviest duty cover out there, it won’t add too much unnecessary weight.
  • Classic light blue tarps aren't particularly pleasing to the eye, and stick out like a sore thumb in a small garden. Granite grey is a more neutral and blends in anywhere.

  • Don’t expect tarps like this to stand up to heavy weather conditions or serious abuse. It’s a lighter weight cover that’s great for being portable but it’s not the most heavy duty tarpaulin.
  • Be aware that this tarpaulin may end up being 10% larger or 10% smaller than 3 x 3 metres. If you have a very specific size in mind, you might be disappointed!
Dimensions
3 x 3m
Material
Polyethylene
Density
200gsm
Reinforced Corners
No
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

With everything from slippers to garden hoses in their inventory, SolaDirect know how to get your home and garden looking at their best. Their 3×3 m square heavy duty tarpaulin comes in a wide range of colours and weights, but the best tarp they make is the granite grey version. It’s a light, durable tarp, but still does a good job at covering your outdoor gear.

Made from polyethylene, it’s a 200 gsm cover that is mould resistant as well as waterproof, so it’s the ideal protection for your garden furniture or barbecue. You get aluminium eyelets spaced around the outside for tying it up too. This is one of the most affordable 3x3m tarps on the market, so I think it’s well worth a try.

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Also Good

3. GardenMate 3x4m Waterproof Blue Tarpaulin

Best value double sided tarpaulin

best tarpaulin GardenMate 3x4m Waterproof Blue Tarpaulin
  • One of the least expensive tarps on my list, you get a lot of coverage for your money. If you don’t mind that classic blue tarp colour, it’s the best way to keep your garden stuff dry.
  • And if the blue colour really annoys you, flip it round to get at the green side! Although the edges are still blue, the dark green inside colour will blend in with your garden.
  • GardenMate guarantee that their tarps will be within 5% of the stated size. Compared with the 10% variation expected from SolaDirect tarps, this is a lot more reliable.

  • At just 90 gsm, this is one of the thinnest tarps on my list. Compared with the huge 260 gsm ANSIO tarp, don’t expect this to hold down cargo when weather conditions are bad.
  • The eyelets are a massive 100 cm apart. This means you only get four tie downs on the long side and three on the short side. That doesn’t give you many eyelets to work with.
Dimensions
3 x 4m
Material
Polyethylene/Polypropylene
Density
90gsm
Reinforced Corners
No
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
4
Value for Money
5

The clue’s in the name. If you’re looking for a helping hand in your backyard, German brand GardenMate have got you covered! Their collection of hoses, fixings, tarps, and even garden ornaments is brilliant, as is their no-nonsense 3x4m waterproof blue tarp. Made out in that classic blue tarp colour, it’s the ideal lighter weight protection for your garden or your next camping trip in the woods.

Constructed from a polyethylene and polypropylene blend, this woven tarp is actually double-sided. Blue on the outside and green on the inside, you get aluminium eyelets and reinforced double material around the edges. The whole thing has been UV stabilised as well, so it won’t fade in sunlight. It’s a basic garden tarp that won’t break the bank, but it’s still strong and durable enough to keep your stuff safe.

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4. Onarway 3x4m Waterproof Tarp

Best lightweight multipurpose tarpaulin

best tarpaulin Onarway Waterproof 3x4m Waterproof Tarp
  • 105 gsm is tough and durable enough to resist a fair bit of friction, but not so heavy that you can’t take it with you. Alongside the green colour, it makes tarps like this great for going camping.
  • Reinforced corners are essential if you want tarps to outlast storm winds. These ones feel like they’re built to last, whatever the weather conditions are like outside.
  • Never underestimate just how much tarp protection you’ll need for things like outdoor furniture or play equipment. With 3x4m of tarp to use, there’s more than enough for most situations.

  • This type of polyethylene is reliably waterproof, washable, and UV stabilised, but it can make a lot of noise in the wind. Softer polypropylene tarp covers aren’t as loud.
  • 105 gsm tarps are not going to be particularly heavy duty. Unless you need to take it with you, I would look for a heavier weight tarp for static garden use.
Dimensions
3 x 4m
Material
Polyethylene
Density
105gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

With a dazzling array of useful kit from collapsible dog bowls to magnetic learner driver plates, I’m a big fan of Onarway. Their 3x4m green tarp isn’t the thickest on my list, but it’s well made and ideal for all sorts of outdoor uses. The reinforced corners and dark green colour make it one of the best camping tarps you can get right now.

Made from 105 gsm 100% waterproof polyethylene, this tarp is green on the outside, so it’ll blend in with your garden, but silver on the inside. You get reinforced corners, doubled-up material around the perimeter, and aluminium eyelets to avoid nasty rust patches. If you want to cover up your log store, dog kennel, or a leaky shed roof, you can’t go far wrong with this Onarway tarp.

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  • If you’re making something like a DIY polytunnel to grow veg all year round, this is one of the most affordable ways to do it. It’s tough and water resistant but still lets in essential sunlight.
  • The strength of this tarp comes from a mixture of the polyethylene sheet and the mesh embedded inside of it. Tarps like this are more durable than the cheaper woven tarp construction.
  • You get aluminium eyelets with rubber reinforced corners for extra protection. It makes it more weatherproof, and the corners shouldn’t get ripped out easily.

  • Compared with the heavy duty 260 gsm ANSIO tarpaulin, this is less than half the weight. Even with the mesh reinforcement, you can’t expect it to last as long.
  • One of the benefits of solid colour tarps is protection from damaging UV rays. A clear cover like this doesn’t protect against them, so you shouldn’t use this over light sensitive items.
Dimensions
4 x 4m
Material
Polyethylene
Density
100gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

Another quality tarp from the people at SolaDirect, this is a rather different beast from regularly woven tarps. This clear reinforced mono sheet is brilliant when you want to cover something up but don’t want to block out all the light. Use it to cover an awning or to keep the weather out of a structure without losing the view.

The construction of this tarp differs from other tarps on my list. Instead of woven strips of plastic, this is a single span of 100 gsm polyethylene that’s reinforced by a fibre mesh. It means it’s strong and durable but still almost completely transparent. And this one, at 4x4m, is big enough to cover huge spans if you need it to. You won’t be able to hide anything behind this sheet, but it’s one of the best clear tarps you can get for the money.

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6. Brackit Heavy Duty 5x8m Blue Polyethylene Tarpaulin[ SAVE 3% ]

Best large tarpaulin made from polyethylene blend

best tarpaulin Brackit Heavy Duty 5x8m Blue Polyethylene Tarpaulin
  • This tarp is massive. Compared with the little 2x3m ANSIO tarp, you could easily cover a car or shed to protect against adverse weather conditions. With this much tarp to play with, you could also double it up.
  • The aluminium eyelets and UV stabilisation means this tarp is well suited for outdoor use. It’s not going to rust, lose its strength in the sun, or get degraded by moulds or mildew.
  • The doubled up edges have been nylon stitched and heated, so they stick together. It makes for a reliably strong perimeter which is ordinarily the most vulnerable part of any tarp.

  • If you wanted to keep your garden furniture out of the worst of the weather but also out of sight, tarps like this are not ideal. The bright blue colour isn’t exactly stealthy!
  • It’s not so much of an issue with huge size tarps, but having the eyelets spaced at 100 cm is not always great. It makes tying them down a bit trickier.
Dimensions
5 x 8m
Material
Polyethylene/Nylon
Density
140gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

DIY gurus Brackit sell, amongst a lot of other things, brackets, fixings, and hand tools. They also sell an absolutely enormous 5x8m blue polyethylene tarpaulin that will cover just about anything you can think of in your garden. It’s thick, it’s tough, it’s made of a strong weave, and it’s bright blue.

Made from tightly woven polyethylene, this extra large tarp is completely weatherproof and resistant to nasty moulds and mildew. With a bright blue UV stabilised outer and silver inner, it’s 140 gsm which keeps it under 6 kg, but tough enough to cover your outdoor gear and building materials without it tearing. With reinforced corner pieces and nylon stitching all around for extra protection, it’s one of the best heavy duty tarps on my list.

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7. GardenMate 3x3m Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin[ SAVE 30% ]

Best value polyethylene / polypropylene tarpaulin

best tarpaulin GardenMate 3x3m Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
  • Polypropylene and polyethylene blend tarps are usually the best types in my experience. You get the benefits of more flexible PE with the added light weight characteristics of PP.
  • The rubber reinforced corners make tarps like this much more wind resistant compared with budget grommet only covers. They’re less prone to being torn out in the breeze.
  • One of the things that makes PE/PP tarps better for the environment is that they’re groundwater neutral. This means that nasty compounds don’t leach out in the rain.

  • Some users have complained about the quality control employed with these tarps. Eyelets placed too close to edges can be a real pain as they will tear out easily.
  • You’ll want to go for a much heavier weight tarpaulin if you want to cover items with jagged edges or sharp corners, like building materials. 140 gsm is light weight, but not the sturdiest thickness of material.
Dimensions
3 x 3m
Material
Polyethylene/Polypropylene
Density
140gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
4
Value for Money
5

Supplying an impressive range of clever products to help you keep your outdoor spaces looking in ship shape, GardenMate have made what we think is one of the best tarpaulin sheets you can buy right now.

We’re probably all familiar with plastic tarps that are as strong as a carrier bag, so it’s refreshing to see such a well-made covering. The strong, durable and water resistant PP/PE plastic mix makes for a superior blend, as you might expect from a German-made product.

The attention to detail is what sets this apart though; the aluminium eyelets won’t rust, all the seams are double stitched, and the rubber corner protectors add strength exactly where it’s needed. Add to that the UV and mould resistance and you’ve got the best tarpaulin sheeting money can buy.

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8. Pro-Tec Extra Heavy Duty Builders Waterproof Tarpaulin

Best extra heavy duty tarpaulin

best tarpaulin Pro Tec Extra Heavy Duty Builders Waterproof Tarpaulin
  • This is a serious tarp. Pro Tec have used really heavy weight polyethylene to make this tarpaulin as strong and durable as possible. If you need to protect something, this is the best choice.
  • Opting for brass eyelets is a mark of quality materials from the manufacturer. Hardier than aluminium and just as weatherproof, they’re only found in the best quality tarps.
  • For ultimate durability, strength and water resistance, they’ve included a heat-sealed rope reinforced border. Rather than relying on the strength of the material alone, this rope adds a lot more muscle.

  • All this extra durability comes at a cost. It’s only a little larger than 3x3m, but the thick material makes this a heavy lump. It’s not a lightweight backpacking tarpaulin.
  • It’s also quite expensive for the size. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to justify spending this much on a relatively small tarp. If you need a larger size, it’s even more money to spend.
Dimensions
3 x 3.6m
Material
Polyethylene
Density
270gsm
Reinforced Corners
Yes
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
5
Value for Money
4

Specialising in a huge range of coverings for everything from your chicken coop to your caravan, Bradford’s Pro-Tec have got your back when it starts to rain. It’s hard to choose the best heavy duty tarpaulin from their extensive range, but we think that their super quality water resistant groundsheet is a real contender.

At 270 grams per square metre of material, this durable tarp is one of the heaviest on our list, so it should stand up to a real beating. It comes as part of the Pro-Tec “Naturals” range, which boasts a more neutral range of colours than the standard bright blue tarps we’re used to.

You can flip this tarpaulin over, there’s a green side and a silver side which are both made from durable woven Polyethylene. The brass eyelets are chunky and reinforced with rubber, so they shouldn’t tear out any time soon as well. Perfect for emergency repairs to a shed roof or when you fancy going camping under tarpaulin sheeting.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best tarpaulin sheets should be made from either polyethylene or a polyethylene / polypropylene / nylon blend. PE is more flexible and makes less noise in the wind whilst PP is softer and lighter.
  2. PE/PP tarpaulins are also better for the environment as they’re groundwater neutral. This means that nasty compounds don’t leach out in the rain.
  3. Tarps should be both water-resistant and mould resistant. They are woven and then laminated with the strands running in different directions for extra durability. This structure ensures 100% water resistance and extra resilience against rubbing and puncturing.
  4. Some heavy-duty tarpaulins even have heat-sealed ropes embedded in the perimeter. This extra protection adds an incredible amount of strength and helps them to resist abrasion, high winds and adverse weather conditions in general.
  5. Eyelets should be made from either aluminium or the more hardy brass – neither will rust out in the elements. More eyelets mean closer spacing (every 50cm is reasonable) and give you more options to tie down the tarpaulin.
  6. Rubber-reinforced corners are another useful feature. The added protection makes tarps much more wind resistant compared with budget grommet-only covers and they’re less prone to being torn out in the breeze. 

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • ANSIO 2x3m Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin ANSIO 2x3m Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin
    • 4.5
    • 2 x 3m
    • Polyethylene/Polypropylene/Nylon
    • 260gsm
    • Yes
  • SolaDirect 3x3m Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin SolaDirect 3x3m Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
    • 4
    • 3 x 3m
    • Polyethylene
    • 200gsm
    • No
  • GardenMate 3x4m Waterproof Blue Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin GardenMate 3x4m Waterproof Blue Tarpaulin
    • 4.5
    • 3 x 4m
    • Polyethylene/Polypropylene
    • 90gsm
    • No
  • Onarway 3x4m Waterproof Tarp
    best tarpaulin Onarway Waterproof 3x4m Waterproof Tarp
    • 4
    • 3 x 4m
    • Polyethylene
    • 105gsm
    • Yes
  • SolaDirect 4x4m Reinforced Mesh Clear Mono Sheet
    best tarpaulin SolaDirect 4x4m Reinforced Mesh Clear Mono Sheet
    • 4
    • 4 x 4m
    • Polyethylene
    • 100gsm
    • Yes
  • Brackit Heavy Duty 5x8m Blue Polyethylene Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin Brackit Heavy Duty 5x8m Blue Polyethylene Tarpaulin
    • 4
    • 5 x 8m
    • Polyethylene/Nylon
    • 140gsm
    • Yes
  • GardenMate 3x3m Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin GardenMate 3x3m Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
    • 4.5
    • 3 x 3m
    • Polyethylene/Polypropylene
    • 140gsm
    • Yes
  • Pro-Tec Extra Heavy Duty Builders Waterproof Tarpaulin
    best tarpaulin Pro Tec Extra Heavy Duty Builders Waterproof Tarpaulin
    • 4.5
    • 3 x 3.6m
    • Polyethylene
    • 270gsm
    • Yes

How to Choose The Best Tarpaulin

They might look similar, but not all tarpaulin sheets are made to the same levels of quality and durability. The best tarpaulin sheets make use of clever construction techniques to keep your things safe and dry outside.

Construction

Most tarpaulin sheets are made from a form of plastic called polyethylene, which is an economical and stable material that’s perfect for weaving into useful sheets. For heavy-duty tarpaulins, polyethylene is often combined with polypropylene or nylon to add greater resilience.

Individual strands on their own are tough, but when woven together and heat sealed, they create tarpaulin sheets that are resistant to extreme weather conditions, UV rays, friction rubbing and stretching in any direction.

The best tarpaulins are woven and then laminated with the strands running in different directions for extra durability. This design also makes them more resistant to rubbing and puncturing. Tarpaulin sheets are also both water-resistant and mould resistant.

Quality

Tarpaulin quality is measured in grams per metre squared, or gsm for short. The higher the number, the heavier the sheet material must be. Most groundsheets range from 100 to 300 grams per square metre. Choose heavier-weight heavy duty tarpaulins if you want to cover items with jagged edges or sharp corners, particularly building materials. 140 gsm is relatively lightweight, and not the sturdiest thickness. Heavy-duty tarpaulins often include a heat-sealed rope-reinforced border. Rather than relying on the strength of the material alone, this rope adds a lot more muscle.

Dimensions

The best tarpaulins are available in an almost infinite range of sizes because manufacturers can join single sheets together to form a larger overall size. The seams are heat-treated and sealed together to make a waterproof and tear-proof bond that is as strong as the rest of the sheet.

Features

The features we look out for are rust-proof eyelets made from brass or aluminium which will keep the tarpaulins safe when they’re left out in the elements. And the best new development in tarpaulin technology has to be the rubber-reinforced eyelet surrounds that make torn-out corners a thing of the past.

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