How Thick is a Heavy Duty Tarp? Covers | TarpsNow® (2024)

Tarps give protection for an almost unlimited number of applications to shield things such as materials, equipment, structures, and space. When the job requires the necessary strength, durability, and weight to withstand severe conditions and elements a Heavy Duty Tarp is needed. As you look for one of these covers, the question will arise, “How Thick is a Heavy Duty Tarp?”

A few important characteristics help make a tarp Heavy Duty including its dernier or thickness. These thicknesses usually show a measuring in mils, which are 1/1000 of an inch. Additional significant features in determining the Heavy Duty aspect of a tarp is the material weight per square yard as well as the mesh count also known as the weave.

Heavy Duty Thickness

With a wide variety of tarp materials including Canvas, Vinyl, Poly, and Mesh there can be some fluctuations in what is considered Heavy Duty. As a general starting point for many of these fabrics and types of covers, a thickness of 12 mils will typically begin to classify what is a Heavy Duty Tarp. Depending on your needs, covers are available in super heavy duty and even extreme duty. Some Poly Tarps are as thick as 24 mils, Canvas Tarps 30 mils, Hypalon Nylon Tarps 35 mils, and Vinyl Tarps up to 50 mils.

Heavy Duty Material Weights

Material weight of tarps are just as important, if not more so, in determining the merits of Heavy Duty covers. This weight is classified per square yard (3’ X 3’) of the material. Mesh Tarps are relatively thin, but for their strong material crafting they are considered Heavy Duty starting at 10 oz (ounces) per square yard. Poly Tarps begin around 6 oz while Canvas and Vinyl Tarps have Heavy Duty starting weight at approximately 15 oz.

Tarps Now has the Largest Selection of Heavy Duty Tarps

No matter what thickness, weight, fabric, or color Tarps Now has a tarp for you. Whether it is Heavy Duty, Lightweight, or anything in between along with the necessary accessories you will find it here. Contact our experienced team members at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com to learn more about or to order your tarps today. We look forward to speaking with you!

How Thick is a Heavy Duty Tarp? Covers | TarpsNow® (2024)

FAQs

How Thick is a Heavy Duty Tarp? Covers | TarpsNow®? ›

Heavy Duty Thickness

What is the thickness of a heavy duty tarp? ›

Mil thickness

The larger the number, the thicker the tarp. Lightweight tarps (often blue in color) are 5 to 6 mils. Heavy-duty tarps, on the other hand, can be 20 mils and thicker.

Is 12 mil thick for a tarp? ›

WEATHERPROOF – Our 12 mil thick large tarp is thicker than most tarpaulin available, super durable, waterproof, UV and dust resistant. Large tarps heavy duty waterproof are sure to last through many years of extreme weather conditions.

Is a 10 mil tarp thicker than a 5 mil tarp? ›

Poly tarp thickness is usually measured in mils, which represent one-thousandth of an inch. The higher the mil count, the thicker and more durable the tarp will be. Thicker tarps offer enhanced protection and longevity.

Is 16 mil a thick tarp? ›

Anti-tear Tarpaulin

This tarpaulin uses a thickness of 16 mils, which is a relatively thick material that can be found on the market. It will not be easily worn or torn and is very strong.

What is the difference between heavy duty and medium duty tarps? ›

Medium-duty poly tarps are suitable for covering boats, machinery, caravans, or pools. They can also be used to cover roofs if they're secured well. Heavy-duty poly tarps are suitable for covering roofs in exposed conditions.

What is the highest mil for a tarp? ›

Heavy Duty Thickness

Some Poly Tarps are as thick as 24 mils, Canvas Tarps 30 mils, Hypalon Nylon Tarps 35 mils, and Vinyl Tarps up to 50 mils.

What is thicker 30 mil or 60 mil? ›

While the thickness of 30 mil PVC is 50% less, the tensile strength at break is only 18% less than the 60 mil textured HDPE. Doubling the thickness from 30 mil to 60 mil for HDPE provides only slightly higher tensile strength than 30 mil PVC.

How thick is a 22 mil tarp? ›

We know: 22 mil doesn't sound like a lot. One mil is a thousandth of an inch, after all. But when it comes to tarps, it's hard to find a waterproof tarp that is thicker than that. If you are wondering what is the thickest tarp you can buy, our 22-mil vinyl laminated tarps are at the top of the list.

What is thicker 4 mil or 12 mil? ›

A higher mil value indicates a thicker plastic sheet.

What is the most useful tarp size? ›

For a solo camper, a tarp measuring 7' x 9' is a good size, while a 8' x 9' tarp will be big enough for two. If buying a tarp for hammock camping, you will want to consider the length of your hammock. You want a tarp that extends about 8-12 inches past the ends of your hammock.

Will a heavy duty tarp hold water? ›

Usually, only heavy duty PVC (vinyl) tarps are actually waterproof, though there are some exceptions to this rule on the market. Multipurpose tarps, such as nylon and polyethylene tarps, tend to have lower resilience with water than poly tarps, but they can still be water resistant.

How thick should a heavy duty tarp be? ›

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.

How thick is medium duty tarp? ›

These tarps offer very flexible thickness of 6 mils and a weight of 3.5 ounces per every square yard. The medium duty tarps are also very resistant to water and tearing. Use these large white tarps in refuse covers, construction containment or make shift curtains, and other industrial applications.

How many mil for a tarp under a tent? ›

A lightweight tarp will be at least 5 mills while a heavy-duty tarp will be at least 23 mils.

How thick is an 18 oz tarp? ›

Tarp Material Weight and Material Thickness
Material WeightMaterial ThicknessThickness in mils
18 oz.54 mm21.3 mils
22 oz.63 mm24.8 mils
50 oz1.46 mm57.5 mils

How thick is a blue tarp? ›

There are standard blue poly tarps, which are lightweight and commonly used to cover items like yard equipment or firewood. They are just 4 mils thick and weigh 3 ounces per square yard. Brown/Green poly tarps are the same thickness and weight.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 5617

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.