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Tarps for Sale: A Guide to Different Types of Tarps

Posted by DeBrovy's on Apr 14th 2025

When protecting cargo or equipment from rain and sun and other sources of wear and tear, tarps (short for tarpaulins) provide the shield and shade necessary. 

Tarps come in many sizes and materials, but what all these strong flexible materials have in common is water-resistant or waterproof qualities that make for a wide range of applications. 

However, choices of tarpaulins can make a difference, especially in weights and colors of material. 

For instance, heavy-duty truck tarps are for protecting cargo while driving at high speeds on an expressway. Other lightweight tarps would not do well in those circumstances; otherwise, they would provide excellent protection in different contexts. 

This blog discusses the various types of tarps available for sale from Debrovy's, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Poly Tarps: Affordable and Waterproof Protection

These synthetic waterproof tarps are a combination of polyethylene plastic and plastic tape. 

Polytarps withstand weather conditions such as rain, snow, and strong winds, and are lightweight, easy to store, and come in various sizes and colors. Debrovy's domestic tarps resist water, mildew, tearing, and sun damage. 

Poly tarps are available in multiple colors, such as blue, black, brown, silver, and green, which can help with visibility and aesthetic preferences.

Canvas Tarps: Durable with Multiple Uses

Canvas tarps are made from closely woven natural or synthetic fibers, typically cotton or polyester. 

Canvas tarps are coated and non-coated, not waterproof but non-coated can be treated with a water-repellent coating to improve their resistance to moisture.

Strength, longevity, and natural breathability are the key features that make these tarps an excellent option for protecting valuable items that need air circulation or are sensitive to moisture buildup. Canvas tarps are commonly used for boats, camping, construction, covering supplies, equipment, hot steel, roofing, and awnings or tents for outdoor events and camping trips. 

Natural fibers offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

Truck Tarps: Heavy-Duty Protection for Long-Distance Hauling

Truck tarps are designed specifically for covering cargo during transportation and protecting goods from rain, dust, dirt, and other environmental hazards encountered on the road.

These heavy-duty polyvinyl-coated polyester tarps withstand the rigors of long-distance travel by truckers and delivery drivers. 

Truck tarps usually feature heavily reinforced brass spur grommets along the edges for secure fastening and easy tie-down.

Many truckers invest in truck tarp systems to make covering and uncovering easier and safer. DeBrovy offers such tarp systems as kits as a whole and individual parts for replacements. 

Mesh Tarps: Ventilation with Privacy Protection

Mesh tarps are made from nylon polyester fibers that are loosely woven to allow air and water to pass through. This protects items underneath the tarp while maintaining ventilation. 

Mesh tarps are particularly useful for covering fences, trucks, scaffolding, privacy tarps, shade structures, canopies, construction sites, waste/ refuse containment, nurseries, refuse trucks, greenhouses, livestock, shade crop covers, or outdoor equipment, and are ideal for situations where airflow and visibility are essential. 

Mesh tarps commonly cover items such as construction materials, agricultural equipment, and privacy screens around pools and patios.

Vinyl Tarps: The Most-durable Tarps on the Market

Whether you are a trucker, a roofer, or a contractor for construction projects, vinyl tarps are the go-to tarp for when durability is a must. 

These tarps' have many industrial applications that demand the ability to resist wear and tear in inherently challenging circumstances. 

Vinyl tarps typically come in a variety of weights, the typical range measures in ounces per square yard, being: 

  • 10
  • 12
  • 14
  • 16
  • 18
  • 22
  • 40

Waste-management Tarps

These tarps are specially made to meet the demands of an industry that needs durable tarps. 

Debrovy's offers tarps specifically designed for applications in the waste industry. Materials we offer include heavy-duty black mesh, mega mesh, multi-color mesh, polyester mesh, and a wide range of fabrics for the landfill cover industry.

We know that truck roll-off systems are standard in the waste management industry, so we offer auto tarps with high tensile strength and weatherproof qualities. Breathability and versatility are other draws for using these Mega Mesh™ tarps. 

Great Tarps Available from Debrovy's 

Tarps come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for a specific purpose. Some, by design, are fit for particular applications and industries, while others are versatile across many applications. 

Whether you need a simple canvas tarp for outdoor storage or a heavy-duty auto tarp for waste management systems, there is a tarp for every situation. 

By understanding the different types of tarps available for sale and their unique features, you can make an informed decision and ensure you choose the right tarp for your needs.

Contact Debrovy's today to learn more about the variety of tarps we offer. No matter what industry you are in or what application you have for the tarp, we can find the perfect tarpaulin for your purpose.