Waterproof Tarpaulin

Two numbers decide whether a tarpaulin does its job, and neither of them is the word on the label. The first is grams per square metre or thickness in millimetres. The second is what the corners are made of. Everything else is packaging.

These are new, unbranded tarpaulins. Not ex-issue, not graded surplus, and we describe them from the maker's specification rather than from rigging them ourselves.

Weight per square metre, not the word heavy

Heavy duty means nothing on its own, and buyers in this category know it. What counts is the figure: this shelf runs from around 350g per m² at 0.37mm up to 450g per m² at 0.45mm. Where the maker gives grams or millimetres we print them. Where a product is sold on adjectives alone, the listing says the figure is missing rather than borrowing one from the shelf next door.

Tarpaulins fail at the corners

The most common complaint in this category is not a hole in the middle of the sheet. It is an eyelet pulling through after a windy winter. That is why the listings say whether the grommets are reinforced, whether they are aluminium, and whether corner guards are fitted. A thinner sheet with strong corners will outlast a thick sheet with bare eyelets.

PVC, PU or PE

These are not interchangeable and the difference is worth knowing. We name the coating the maker states rather than writing coated and leaving you to guess. Where a tarpaulin publishes a hydrostatic figure we print it; most in this range give thickness and weight instead, and we say so.

Some of these are shade sails

Several products on this shelf are cut for sun rather than rain. They are rigged from fixed points, rated for UV, and some carry a light water figure while others carry none at all. Their listings open by saying so, because a shade sail bought as a wet-weather cover will disappoint you on the first bad night.

Delivery and returns

UK delivery is free. Orders are processed within 3 to 5 business days and arrive within 10 to 20 business days. Returns or exchange within 30 days of delivery, unused and in original condition, approved before being sent back, with the refund issued within 7 days of acceptance. Return postage is paid by the customer.