When it comes to choosing the right tarp for your needs, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various materials and types of tarps available on the market. Three common options are vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps. While all three are used for similar purposes, such as protecting items from the elements or creating temporary shelters, they have distinct differences that can make them more suitable for certain applications. In this blog, we will explore the differences between vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps.
Material and Durability
Vinyl tarps are made from Vinyl coated polyester (PVC) material, which is similar to a rubberized sheet, and makes them highly durable, strong, and resistant to water, mildew, and UV rays. They are commonly used for heavy-duty applications such as construction sites, transportation, and industrial settings, where they can withstand tough conditions.
Canvas tarps, are commonly made from cotton or polyester. They are treated to resist mildew and are known for their breathability, allowing air to flow through the material. However, they are not a waterproof material such as vinyl tarps. Canvas tarps are treated with a water-resistant coating to be used in wet conditions. While canvas tarps are less durable than vinyl tarps and may not hold up well in extreme weather or heavy use, they are still popularfor outdoor applications, camping, and equipment covers.
Poly tarps are made from polyethylene, which makes them lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to tearing and UV rays. They are commonly used for temporary covers, landscaping, and construction. While they may not be as durable as vinyl tarps, they are more affordable and offer waterproof protection for many applications.
Weight and Flexibility
Vinyl tarps are often heavier than canvas and poly tarps, due to their thickness and material weight. While this can make them more difficult to handle and maneuver, it also makes them ideal for applications where weight and bulk are not a concern. For example, vinyl tarps may be used to cover heavy machinery, Flatbed truck hauling, or extreme weather conditions.
Cost
The cost of vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps can vary depending on the size and thickness of material. Generally, vinyl tarps are more expensive than canvas and poly tarps due to their superior durability and longevity. However, the cost is often justified when you need a tarp that can withstand extreme weather and heavy use.
Canvas tarps are generally more affordable than vinyl tarps but may require more frequent replacements over time. When it comes to cost, canvas tarps are generally less expensive than vinyl but more expensive than poly tarps. This is because canvas is made of natural fibers, such as cotton or polyester, which are more costly to produce and process than the synthetic materials used in poly tarps. In addition, canvas tarps are often treated to make them water resistant and resistant to mildew, which further increases their cost. Poly tarps, on the other hand, are made of lower cost materials such as polyethylene, and are often less durable than canvas tarps. Therefore, the cost difference between canvas and poly tarps depends on the specific needs of the user and the intended use of the tarp.
FAQs
While canvas tarps are less durable than vinyl tarps and may not hold up well in extreme weather or heavy use, they are still popular for outdoor applications, camping, and equipment covers. Poly tarps are made from polyethylene, which makes them lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to tearing and UV rays.
Which is better, vinyl or poly tarps? ›
With higher thicknesses, vinyl can withstand super harsh weather for long exposures. Poly is designed from a common plastic material and thus lacks in quality. It is not suited for harsh outdoor environments. Poly tarps have the potential to be waterproof, but are better off for lighter applications.
What is better, vinyl or canvas? ›
If you are dealing with high temperatures (above 250 degrees F), canvas is the best choice. If you require waterproofing, vinyl is your best choice.
What is the best material for outdoor tarps? ›
Tarps made mostly of polyethylene are more durable, stronger, and have a more waterproof ability as compared to other types of material like canvas. Nylon ground covers and polyethylene mesh tarps are more lightweight and allow shade from the sun while still being breathable.
Which tarp material lasts the longest? ›
In conclusion, the lifespan of a tarp varies depending on the material used, environmental conditions, and maintenance efforts. If durability is your primary concern, vinyl tarps offer exceptional longevity, making them ideal for long-term use.
What type of tarp is most waterproof? ›
Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl is a commonly used waterproof tarp material due to its durability and water-resistant properties. Vinyl is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 10oz to 40oz, which affects the weight and cost of the tarp. Vinyl tarps are one of the most heavy-duty and long-lasting options on the market.
What is a canvas tarp used for? ›
Customers commonly utilize Water Resistant Canvas Tarps for applications in construction, painting, manufacturing, landscaping, commercial, trucking, farming, camping, hunting, and for covering equipment and supplies.
Why are canvas tarps so expensive? ›
This is because canvas is made of natural fibers, such as cotton or polyester, which are more costly to produce and process than the synthetic materials used in poly tarps.
Is a canvas tarp better than plastic? ›
However, vinyl tarps are much more durable than canvas as they do not damage easily. Resistance to environmental factors– Vinyl is waterproof, while canvas provides water resistance. Waterproof means the water cannot damage the material, while a water-resistant material can prevent water penetration to some extent.
What material is better than vinyl? ›
Fiberglass is highly durable and requires little maintenance. It's stronger and more warp-resistant than vinyl. A fiberglass window can look great 50 years after installation, whereas a vinyl one will last around 30 years.
Black tarps: Usually treated with UV coatings to provide extended life in sunlight, black tarps absorb heat and allow your covered objects to remain cool. If you're looking for a tarp designed to withstand continuous, extended outdoor exposure, black is the way to go.
What color tarp is the strongest? ›
They are one of the best construction tarps you can buy for handling landscaping work or a temporary shelter. Dark blue, grey, or black tarp colors are the strongest and the heaviest. This is because they often are treated with UV coating.
What is a good thickness for outdoor tarp? ›
The larger the number, the thicker the tarp. Typical light weight blue tarps found in most retail or hardware stores are about 6 mils. If you are planning a heavy duty use, such as covering a carport, consider a heavy duty tarp at 11 to 12 mils or a super heavy duty tarp at 23 mils.
What is better, vinyl or polyester? ›
If you are storing your car or furniture indoors, Vinyl can be a less expensive solution that still protects your furniture. For outdoor storage, use Polyester vehicle or furniture covers because they are more breathable and sturdier than Vinyl.
Are poly tarps good? ›
Weather Resistance: Poly tarps excel in providing reliable protection against the elements. They are UV resistant, meaning they can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without deteriorating. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor applications where constant exposure to the sun is expected.
What are cheap tarps made of? ›
Inexpensive modern tarpaulins are made from woven polyethylene; This material has become so commonly used for tarpaulins that people in some places refer to it colloquially as "poly tarp" or "polytarp".
Which is better, polyethylene or vinyl? ›
Adaptability and Durability
High density polyethylene plastic offers a thickness and clarity which allows more customisation. Vinyl by comparison is thinner and less able to be customised. In addition, vinyl fences are prone to warping and shrinking when there's significant fluctuation in temperature.
Which is better polycarbonate or vinyl? ›
PVC is a plastic and it is the polymer of vinyl chloride monomer – a plastic formed from chloride. Polycarbonate is the same material used to make bullet proof glass, meaning it is stronger than PVC, resulting in polycarbonate usually carrying a longer warranty than PVC products.
Which is better vinyl or polypropylene? ›
Vinyl tiles therefore withstand higher loads and also have better impact resistance. Polypropylene is more brittle, for example, can damage it even a dropped hammer. Many people think that the grooves on the bottom of polypropylene tiles are intended for moisture drainage, but this is not the case.
