Outdoor furniture can take a beating from the climate, whether it’s summer sun and humidity, winter season, or spring and fall rainstorms.
A tarp can be an easy and inexpensive way to protect your furniture when it’s not in use. However, with so many types of tarp on the market, it can be difficult to know which the best tarp for outdoor furniture is right for you.
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a tarp:
- Material
- Size
- Weight
The most common materials are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and woven polyethylene (WPE). PE is the most budget-friendly option but also the least durable.
PP is more expensive but more resistant to tearing and UV damage. Finally, WPE is the most robust and durable option but also the most expensive.
Size is another important consideration. Make sure to measure your furniture before you buy a tarp so you know what size you need. If you’re covering a picnic table, for example, you’ll need a much larger tarp than if you’re covering a patio chair.
Finally, think about weight. If you’re using your outdoor tarps in windy conditions, you’ll want something heavy enough to stay in place but not so heavy that it’s difficult to move around or put away when you’re done using it.
Different types of tarps
Polyethylene tarps
Polyethylene (PE) is the most popular choice for a camping tarp as it is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. It is generally available
in two weights, 6 oz. and 8 oz. per square yard. The 6 oz.
Tarps are a bit lighter but not as durable as the 8 oz. tarps; they have affordable options.
The heavier-duty 8 oz. tarps will last longer and provide more protection from the elements, but they are also too heavy for some backpacking applications.
Polypropylene (PP) tarps are also popular for camping, as they are lightweight and inexpensive.
However, they are not as durable as polyethylene tarps and may not provide as much protection from the climate.
Canvas tarps are much heavier than polyethylene or polypropylene tarps, but they are highly durable and provide a high level of protection from the weather. However, canvas tarps are more expensive than poly tarps and can be difficult to find in some areas.
PVC tarps
PVC tarps are made of polyvinyl chloride and are waterproof and resistant to tearing. They are often used as temporary outdoor furniture covers, as they can be easily removed when no longer needed.
PVC tarps are available in various colors, so you can choose one that will complement your outdoor décor.
Canvas tarps
Canvas tarps are one of the more popular choices for covering outdoor furniture and other items. Canvas is a durable fabric that can withstand harsh weather conditions and is also known for being a water-resistant tarp.
Polyester tarps
Polyester tarps are waterproof and rot-proof, making them ideal for covering outdoor furniture. They are also very lightweight and easy to store.
The best tarps for outdoor furniture:
Tarping is an old-fashioned way to cover patio furniture. It’s a low-cost and easy way to keep your furniture clean and protected from the environment.
Our Picks Tarps For Outdoor Furniture
| 10×12 Heavy Duty Tarp
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| Super Heavy Duty 16 Mil Brown Poly Tarp Cover
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| B-Air Grizzly Tarp Multi-Purpose Waterproof Tarp
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| Trademark Supplies Tarp Cover
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| AKEfit Patio Furniture Cover Outdoor sectional Furniture
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Factors to consider when Buying a tarp
Regarding tarps, there are a few factors you need to consider, such as size, material, and weight. You also need to decide if you need a waterproof tarp or not. If you’re unsure what tarp is right for you, keep reading.
This article will go over the different tarp types and factors you need to consider before making your purchase.
Material
The material is one of the first factors to consider when choosing a tarp. Polyethylene, canvas, and polyester are the most common materials used for making tarps.
However, each of these materials has different properties that make them more or less suitable for different purposes.
Polyethylene is the most common material used for making tarps. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and waterproof. However, it is not very durable and can tear easily.
Canvas is a heavier-weight fabric than polyethylene and is more durable. It is also waterproof and breathable material, making it a good choice for covering outdoor furniture. However, canvas tarps can be more expensive than polyethylene tarps.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is strong and durable. It is also waterproof and UV-resistant. However, polyester tarps can be more expensive than polyethylene or canvas tarps.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tarp is size. It would be best to ensure that the tarp you choose is large enough to cover all of your outdoor furniture.
If you have a lot of furniture, you may need to purchase a larger tarp than the standard size.
Weight
Weight is an important factor when choosing a tarp. If the tarp is too light, it may not be able to hold down the patio furniture covers in strong wind. On the other hand, if the tarp is too heavy, it may not be easy to move and put on the furniture.
Durability
The durability of a tarp is important to consider because you want a tarp that will last through multiple seasons and weather conditions. A tarp’s durability is affected by several factors, including its material, thickness, and construction.
Polyethylene tarps are some of the most durable tarps on the market. They are made from a thick, sturdy, waterproof material that withstands heavy wear and tear.
In addition, the seams on polyethylene tarps are double-stitched and reinforced, so they can handle being pulled tight without ripping. Canvas tarps are also very durable but not as impervious to weather as polyethylene tarps.
Canvas is a natural fiber that will mildew if it gets wet, so it’s essential to ensure your canvas tarp is protected from rain and moisture. If you’re looking for a canvas tarp, look for one treated with a waterproofing agent.
Waterproofing
Waterproof tarps are vital to have on hand during the rainy season. Waterproof tarps cover outdoor furniture, protect floors and walls from rain damage, and even line roofs to prevent leaks.
When choosing a waterproof tarp, a few factors must be considered to ensure you select the best possible product for your needs.
Waterproofing is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a tarp. Tarps are made from various materials, including plastic, polyethylene, and PVC.
While all these materials are waterproof, some are more durable than others. Polyethylene tarps, for example, are less likely to tear or leak than plastic tarps. PVC tarps are the most expensive option but are also the most durable and longest-lasting.
The size of the tarp is also an important consideration. Tarps come in various sizes, from small enough to cover a single piece of furniture to large enough to cover an entire roof.
Choose a large enough size to cover the area you need without being too large or bulky to store or transport. Finally, consider the weight of the tarp when making your selection.
Heavier tarps may be more challenging to move and handle but will be more durable in high winds or heavy rains. Lighter tarps may be easier to transport but may not hold up well in severe weather conditions.
UV protection
When trying to find the best tarp to cover your outdoor furniture, one of the most important factors is how much UV protection the tarp will provide.
UV rays from the sun can cause severe damage to your furniture, and even the best quality furniture will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear if it is not properly protected.
A tarp that provides good UV protection will help prolong your furniture’s life and keep it looking new for longer. There are a few different things that you should look for when you are trying to find a tarp that provides good UV protection.
The first thing is to look for a tarp made from a material specifically designed to block UV rays. The most common materials used for this purpose include polyethylene and PVC.
The second thing you should look for is a tarp treated with a UV protectant. This treatment will help to block UV rays further and prevent them from causing damage to your furniture.
Finally, it would help if you also look for a large tarp to cover all of your furniture. If possible, it is also a good idea to choose a tarp with grommets or other reinforced eyelets to secure it in place quickly.
Best Tarp For Outdoor Furniture (FAQ)
What PVC tarps are used for?
PVC tarps are commonly used for temporary waterproof covering and protection in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Their durability makes them well-suited for outdoor use.
Can you use a tarp to protect your car from the sun?
A tarp can be an effective way to protect your car from sun damage. If you live in an area where the sun is intense, you may want to consider using a tarp to cover your car. A tarp can also help protect your car from wind and rain.
Can you use a tarp to cover a pool?
A tarp will not be as durable as a pool cover specifically made for the job. Tarps are also not as easy to put on and take off as a pool cover, and they don’t typically have the same safety features.
That said, if you have a small above-ground pool and live in an area with relatively mild weather, a tarp may be sufficient to protect your pool when it’s not in use.
Just be sure to choose a heavy-duty tarp larger than your pool, and ensure it is secured well so it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
How to store a tarp?
If you are storing a tarp for long periods, it is best to keep it rolled up. If you must fold it, do so along the seams and not in the middle of the tarp.
It will help to prevent cracking and tearing. It is also a good idea to keep your tarp out of direct sunlight when storing it, as this can cause the material to break down more quickly.
What’s better PVC tarps or poly tarps?
PVC tarps tend to be more heavy-duty and weather resistant, while poly tarps are lighter-weight and often cheaper. For long-term outdoor use exposed to the elements, PVC is generally the better choice.
Conclusion
After considering all the factors, we believe that the best tarp for outdoor furniture is the KING-A-MA-JIGS Heavy Duty Tarp.
It is made of thick, durable material that will stand up to the environment and protect your furniture from damage. It is also large enough to cover a wide range of furniture pieces and has grommets for easy attachment.
