Tarp Types Guide: PE, Canvas, Vinyl & Silage Tarps Compared

The 5 Main Tarp Types

1. Polyethylene (PE) — Most Common

Polyethylene tarps are woven PE fabric laminated with PE film on both sides. They account for the majority of tarps sold in the US.

Ratings:

• Thickness: 2–12 mil
• Weight: 90–200 GSM (grams per square metre)
• Water resistance: Excellent
• UV resistance: Moderate (degrades without UV inhibitor)
• Cost: Low to moderate

Best for: General purpose outdoor covering, casual and medium-duty applications, woodpiles, vehicles, camping, short to medium-term outdoor storage.

Not best for: Permanent installation (UV degrades unprotected PE in 1–3 seasons), applications requiring breathability, flatbed trucking (too light).

Labels to look for: “HD poly” (heavy duty), “UV treated” or “UV stabilized” for outdoor longevity.

2. Canvas / Cotton-Poly Blend

Traditional canvas tarps are woven cotton or cotton-poly (polyester) blend with a water-repellent treatment (typically wax or urethane coating).

Ratings:

• Thickness: Measured by oz/sq yard (10–18 oz)
• Weight: Heavy (300–550 GSM)
• Water resistance: Good (water-repellent, not waterproof)
• UV resistance: Good (natural fibers degrade slowly)
• Cost: High
• Breathability: Excellent — unique advantage over PE

Best for: Woodpiles (breathable — prevents moisture trapping and mold), equipment that needs airflow, applications where condensation is a concern, painting drop cloths, moving blankets. See How to Choose the Right Tarp Size for woodpile sizing formulas.

Not best for: Full waterproofing (canvas is water-repellent, not waterproof — it will eventually wet through in heavy sustained rain), pool covers, hay stacks.

3. Vinyl / PVC — Heaviest Duty

Vinyl (PVC) tarps are the commercial-grade option. They are solid PVC sheet with polyester reinforcement fabric, or PVC-coated polyester mesh.

Ratings:

• Thickness: 10–22 mil
• Weight: 400–800 GSM
• Water resistance: 100% waterproof
• UV resistance: Excellent (PVC is UV-stable without additives)
• Tear resistance: Very high
• Cost: High (3–10× the cost of PE)

Best for: Flatbed trucking (DOT-approved), permanent or semi-permanent outdoor installations, construction site covers, roll-up doors, applications requiring 5–15-year lifespan. See How to Calculate Flatbed Tarp Size for truck and trailer coverage.

Not best for: One-time use (overkill), lightweight camping (too heavy to carry), budget-sensitive projects.

4. Mesh / Shade Cloth

Woven PE or polyester mesh that allows air and partial light penetration while blocking UV radiation and debris.

Ratings:

• Shade factor: 30–90%
• Water resistance: Low (allows water through)
• UV resistance: Excellent
• Weight: Light

Best for: Sun shade over seating areas, crop protection from birds and insects, windbreak, privacy screen, tennis court/sports facility shade.

Not best for: Rain protection, anything requiring waterproofing, hay or silage (moisture will enter freely).

5. Silage Film / Agricultural Plastic

Thin, UV-stabilized PE film used specifically for hay, haylage, corn silage, and fermented forage storage. Not a traditional “tarp” — sold by the roll.

Ratings:

• Thickness: 3–6 mil
• Weight: Very light
• Water resistance: Excellent
• UV resistance: High (specifically formulated for outdoor UV)
• Reusability: None — single-season use

Best for: Silage pits, bunker silos, silage piles, haylage piles. Must be weighted with tires continuously (every 3–4 ft in both directions) to exclude air. Air exclusion is the primary goal — even small gaps cause spoilage. See the Silage Tarp Guide for sizing, weighting, and edge-sealing requirements.

Not best for: Any application not related to fermented forage storage.

Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Read a Tarp Label

“Heavy duty” is a marketing term, not a specification. Always check the actual mil rating (for PE) or oz/yard (for canvas).

Use the Tarp Size Calculator to find the right size, then choose the material above based on your use.

See also: Standard Tarp Sizes Guide and How to Calculate Hay Tarp Size.