General Purpose Tarps

General purpose tarps provide temporary protective coverage for equipment, materials, supplies, vehicles, work areas, and outdoor spaces. Commonly used by maintenance teams, contractors, facilities, property managers, and site crews, these tarps can help shield covered items from moisture and exposure. Choose based on the coverage area needed, polyethylene or breathable canvas construction, duty level, weather-resistance needs, and available grommet tie-down points.

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Helpful Buying Guide

Choose a General Purpose Tarp for Practical Temporary Coverage

A tarp can help protect or conceal materials, equipment, and work areas during general maintenance, storage, and outdoor tasks. Start with the area you need to cover, then consider whether the application calls for waterproof polyethylene or water-resistant, breathable canvas. Tie-down details, reinforced edges, and the intended level of exposure can also guide the selection.

Visual Guide

Popular examples in this category

Brown Super Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 18 x 24 ftBrown Super Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 18 x 24 ftFS-GLO-BR18x24Brown Super Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 20 x 40 ftBrown Super Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 20 x 40 ftFS-GLO-BR20x40Tan Heavy-Duty Water-Resistant Cotton Duck Canvas Tarp, 4 x 6 ftTan Heavy-Duty Water-Resistant Cotton Duck Canvas Tarp, 4 x 6 ftFS-GLO-CTW-10-01-0406-TanHeavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 12 ft x 25 ft, 10 MilHeavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarp, 12 ft x 25 ft, 10 MilFS-GLO-STH-1225
Use Cases

Cover and protect outdoor items

Use general purpose tarps to cover equipment, tools, machinery, vehicles, stored materials, supplies, and outdoor work areas. They can also provide temporary coverage where moisture and outdoor exposure are concerns.

How to Choose

Match material, coverage, and securement

Select a tarp with coverage suited to the item or area, then compare the construction and protection needed. Polyethylene options provide waterproof coverage, while canvas offers water-resistant, breathable coverage where airflow is useful. Review grommet placement and edge construction for tie-down needs.

Applications

Useful across maintenance and jobsite work

Tarps are used by facility teams, maintenance crews, contractors, property managers, farmers, and site crews for temporary protection of materials and work zones in outdoor conditions.

Additional Information

Consider handling and exposure conditions

For demanding coverage tasks, look for heavy-duty construction, reinforced hems, sealed seams, and frequent attachment points. UV-treated options can support outdoor exposure, while listed resistance to mildew, tearing, or acid exposure may be relevant to the job.

WaterproofPolyethylene coverage

Polyethylene tarps are described as waterproof for moisture-resistant temporary coverage.

BreathableCanvas option

Cotton duck canvas provides water-resistant coverage while allowing airflow.

Heat-sealedSeams and hems

Many polyethylene examples feature heat-sealed seams and hems.

GrommetsTie-down points

Perimeter grommets provide attachment locations for securing a tarp.

Comparison Guide

Compare General Purpose Tarp Materials and Duty Levels

Use the material and construction details to align a tarp with the coverage conditions and handling needs of the application.

OptionBest fitKey considerations
Heavy-duty polyethyleneDemanding temporary coverage of equipment, materials, and outdoor work areasWaterproof construction; examples may include reinforced hems, sealed seams, grommets, and listed resistance to mildew, tearing, acid exposure, or UV exposure.
Light-duty polyethyleneEveryday general-purpose coverage needsWaterproof construction with heat-sealed seams and grommets; examples list wider grommet spacing than certain heavy-duty options.
Cotton duck canvasCoverage applications where airflow is usefulWater-resistant, breathable fabric with double-stitched edges and brass tie-down grommets.
Planning Guide

Plan the right fit before choosing

Plan the Coverage Area

Size the tarp for the item or space being covered

Measure the equipment, materials, vehicle, or work area before choosing a tarp. Allow for the coverage needed around edges and for securing the tarp where applicable. Available examples include compact formats for supplies and equipment as well as broader covers for larger materials and outdoor work areas.

  • Measure the area or item to be covered before selecting a size.
  • Consider whether the tarp needs to cover only the top or extend down the sides.
  • Choose a format that supports the way the tarp will be positioned and secured.
Choose the Right Material and Duty Level

Balance moisture protection with airflow and application demands

Polyethylene tarps are available in light-duty and heavy-duty constructions and are described as waterproof. Some heavy-duty polyethylene options also list resistance to mildew, tearing, acid exposure, and UV exposure. Cotton duck canvas provides water-resistant coverage with breathability, making it useful where airflow is a priority.

  • Choose polyethylene when waterproof coverage is needed.
  • Consider breathable canvas for general coverage applications where airflow is useful.
  • Match light-duty or heavy-duty construction to the demands of the intended task.
  • Review listed weather-resistant properties for outdoor exposure concerns.
Secure the Tarp for the Task

Review grommets, hems, and seam construction

Grommets provide tie-down points around the tarp perimeter. Some polyethylene options feature grommets approximately every 18 inches, while light-duty examples list approximately 36-inch spacing. Reinforced or rope-reinforced hems, poly twine in hems, heat-sealed seams, and double-stitched canvas edges can support repeated handling and tie-down use.

  • Check grommet spacing when multiple tie-down locations are needed.
  • Look for reinforced hems and sealed seams for repeated handling.
  • Use available perimeter attachment points to secure the tarp in place.
FAQ

Common questions before buying

What are general purpose tarps used for?

They are used for temporary coverage of equipment, materials, supplies, vehicles, work areas, and outdoor spaces.

Should I choose polyethylene or canvas?

Choose waterproof polyethylene for moisture-resistant coverage. Choose water-resistant canvas when breathable coverage and airflow are useful.

Why do grommet spacing and reinforced hems matter?

Grommets provide tie-down points, while reinforced hems and finished seams support handling and securing the tarp.

Are all tarps intended for the same level of use?

No. Available examples include light-duty and heavy-duty polyethylene options, along with heavy-duty canvas, so select construction based on the task and exposure conditions.

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