10Best.Guide

Tarp

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Heavy duty and durable
  • Good for covering boats, firewood, and outdoor equipment
  • Waterproof and weather-resistant
  • Great for transporting items in a pickup truck
  • Lightweight and has many grommets for securing
Cons
  • Inconsistent sizing
  • Sharp creases from packaging can cause leaks
Bottom Line
This heavy duty tarp is a great choice for covering and protecting outdoor items. It is durable, waterproof, and lightweight. However, buyers should be aware of potential sizing and quality control issues, as well as the possibility of coating degradation in direct sunlight.
Pros
  • Inexpensive solution for covering large areas.
  • Large size and durable material for outdoor activities.
  • Sturdy and thick material with long-lasting grommets.
  • Perfect for keeping things dry and protected against elements.
  • Good customer service with satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
  • Not as thick as expected.
  • Tearing and wearing thin after a short period of use.
Bottom Line
This tarp is a cost-effective solution for covering large areas and keeping things dry and protected against elements. It is durable and sturdy, but may not be as thick as expected and may cause damage to surfaces underneath. The customer service is good with a satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
  • Low cost
  • Waterproof
  • Good for covering items
  • Durable
  • Good for yard projects
Cons
  • Thin material
  • Grommets may fall out
Bottom Line
This blue tarp is a low-cost option that is good for covering items and protecting them from the elements. It is durable and waterproof, but may not be the best option for heavy-duty use. Buyers should be aware of the thin material and potential issues with grommets and size.
Pros
  • Good size for covering tents and patio furniture
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Quick delivery
  • Sturdy and well-made
  • Good value for the money
Cons
  • Not thick or durable enough for extreme weather
  • Runs off like a triangle, not square
Bottom Line
This tarp is a good value for the money and works well for simple uses like covering patio furniture or hauling leaves. However, it may not be durable enough for extreme weather conditions and some customers have received defective products.
Pros
  • Reasonable price
  • High-quality material
  • Accurate size
  • Good for temporary use
  • Heavy-duty and thick
Cons
  • Brittle and low-quality material
  • Not durable
Bottom Line
This tarp is a good option for temporary use and winter protection, but it may not be durable enough for long-term use. The material quality varies, so it's important to read reviews carefully before purchasing.

The Ultimate Tarp Buying Guide: Types, Key Considerations, Features, Prices, Tips, and FAQs

Overview

Tarps are versatile and useful items that can be used for a variety of purposes, from protecting your car from the elements to creating a makeshift shelter while camping. However, with so many types and features available, it can be challenging to know which tarp is right for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll take a closer look at the different types of tarps, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, essential features to look for, pricing, tips, and frequently asked questions.

Types

- Waterproof tarps: These tarps are designed to keep water out and are ideal for outdoor use.

- Heavy-duty tarps: These tarps are thicker and more durable than standard tarps, making them ideal for covering large items or protecting against harsh weather conditions.

- UV-resistant tarps: These tarps are designed to protect against the sun's harmful rays, making them ideal for outdoor use in sunny climates.

- Poly tarps: These tarps are made of polyethylene and are lightweight, making them ideal for temporary use.

- Canvas tarps: These tarps are made of canvas and are more durable than poly tarps, making them ideal for long-term outdoor use.

- Truck tarps: These tarps are designed to fit over the bed of a truck and protect cargo from the elements.

- Outdoor tarps: These tarps are designed for outdoor use and can be used for a variety of purposes, from covering a patio to creating a makeshift shelter.

- Camping tarps: These tarps are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for camping trips.

Key Considerations

- Size: Consider the size of the tarp you need based on the item you're covering or the space you're trying to protect.

- Material: Consider the material of the tarp, as different materials offer different levels of durability and protection.

- Grommets: Look for tarps with grommets to make it easier to secure the tarp in place.

- Color: Consider the color of the tarp, as different colors may be better suited for different purposes.

Features

- Waterproofing: Look for tarps with a waterproof coating or material to keep water out.

- UV resistance: Look for tarps with UV-resistant materials to protect against sun damage.

- Reinforced corners: Look for tarps with reinforced corners to prevent tearing.

- Double-stitched seams: Look for tarps with double-stitched seams for added durability.

Prices

Tarps range in price from around $10 to over $100, depending on the size, material, and features.

Tips

- Always measure the space you need to cover before purchasing a tarp.

- Consider purchasing a tarp with a slightly larger size than you need to ensure adequate coverage.

- Store your tarp in a dry, cool place when not in use to prolong its lifespan.

FAQs

Q: What size tarp do I need?

A: Measure the space you need to cover and choose a tarp that's slightly larger than that.

Q: How do I secure a tarp in place?

A: Look for tarps with grommets and use bungee cords or rope to secure the tarp in place.

Q: How do I clean my tarp?

A: Use a mild soap and water to clean your tarp, and avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach.

Q: How do I store my tarp?

A: Store your tarp in a dry, cool place when not in use to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right tarp is essential to ensure that your belongings or outdoor space are adequately protected. By considering the different types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips outlined in this buying guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect tarp for your needs.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Good value for size
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Sturdy for the price
Cons
  • Grommets can tear easily
  • No rope included
Bottom Line
This tarp is a good value for its size and is useful for temporary or light-duty use. However, it is not durable for long-term use and may tear easily. It is also not suitable for heavy rain or flash floods.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable material
  • Good quality
  • Thick tarp with strong grommets
  • Great for covering patio furniture
  • Good value for the money
Cons
  • Uneven tie down rings
  • Doesn't have as many eyelets as some other tarps
Bottom Line
This tarp is a good value for the money and is made of sturdy and durable material. However, it may not fit certain areas properly and has some issues with tie down rings and grommets.
Pros
  • Thick and durable
  • Good for dividing spaces
  • Sturdy enough to protect outdoor pool
  • Suitable as tent footprint
  • Good for providing shade
Cons
  • Expensive for the quality
  • May not withstand high winds
Bottom Line
This tarp is thick, durable, and suitable for various purposes such as dividing spaces, covering outdoor pools, and providing shade. However, it may not withstand high winds and tears easily. It is also relatively expensive for its quality.
Pros
  • Good quality and strong
  • Handleable and durable
  • Fits nicely and covers well
  • UV resistant
  • Reinforced metal eyelets
Cons
  • Inaccurate size
  • Rough crimps on grommets
Bottom Line
Tarpco tarps are generally strong and durable, with reinforced metal eyelets and UV resistance. However, some customers have experienced inaccuracies in size, rough crimps on grommets, and plastic reinforcement pieces being cut. Additionally, some tarps may tear or shred easily.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to manage
  • Reflects heat well
  • Good size for patio furniture and pool covers
  • Affordable price
  • Good for short-term use
Cons
  • Thin and not very durable
  • Missing grommets or grommets pulling away
Bottom Line
This tarp is a good option for short-term use, such as covering patio furniture or as a camping footprint. It is lightweight and affordable, but not very durable and may not hold up well in harsh weather conditions. Buyers should be aware of potential defects upon arrival.
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