What Are Tarps Made Of?
Tarpaulins, or “tarps,” are one of those products that just work, you know? They’re incredibly easy to set up and super versatile. And the higher quality heavy duty tarps are durable as all heck and will practically last forever. But what are tarps made of, exactly?
There are lots of different types of tarps on the market, like ground covers, mesh sun shades, and more. You’ll find different styles in construction sites, campgrounds, and loaded onto flatbeds as truck tarps. And there's lots of different weave patterns and feature sets to differentiate these products, too.
Related: Are Blue Tarps Recyclable?
Traditional tarp materials include canvas, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, too. For instance, polyethylene makes for a more water resistant or waterproof tarp than, say, canvas or nylon. Polyethylene tarps are typically stronger and more durable than other types of tarpaulins, too.
Here at Tent and Table, we sell mostly heavy duty poly tarps, nylon ground covers/drop cloths, polyethylene mesh tarps, and other commercial grade tarpaulins. The vast majority of our customer base works in event and party rentals; they need strong, durable, reliable tarpaulins that can withstand the rigors of the party equipment rental industry. Flimsy cheap tarpaulins simply aren’t going to cut it for event professionals.
Commercial Grade Tarpaulins at Great Prices
We sell tarpaulins for big, challenging jobs. And we’re one of the very few companies around that tests our products in actual rental environments. And we’re confident we’ve challenged our tarpaulins on job sites in most of the ways our customers might, and then some.
Related: Are Colored Tarps Coded?
Heavier materials make for heavier tarpaulins. A large tarp made from polypropylene will usually outlast and outperform a canvas one. Not only is the poly tarpaulin lighter (around 7 pounds, as opposed to 30 or 40 pounds), it will also resist water easier and remain durable longer. Hence the global popularity of blue poly tarpaulins versus their heavier, more antiquated canvas siblings.
Mesh nylon tarpaulins are ideal for providing minor sun shade while still allowing air to get through. They’re great for bunching items that don’t need to be protected from the rain, too. They can reduce wind and are great additions to fencing or even party tents. Having a few mesh tarps around is always a good idea.
Give our sales team a call today at 1-716-832-8368 and let us answer all of your tarpaulin-related questions. We’d love to help you find the perfect tarpaulin for your application and guide you through choosing the right equipment for the job. And don’t forget to ask about our financing options and our weekly sales, too!