Tarp Buying Guide: What Thickness, Size and Type Do You Need?
Tarps are used for everything from temporary backyard cover and emergency roof protection to equipment covering, construction use, landscaping, storage, camping and bulk jobsite applications.
The right tarp depends on how long it needs to last, how much weather exposure it will face, whether you need water-resistant or waterproof protection, and how much tear resistance and strength the job requires.
This guide explains how to choose between 4.2 mil, 5 mil, 6 mil, 8 mil, 10 mil, 16 mil and 20 mil poly tarps, when to use fire-retardant tarps, how tarp colors affect use, and how to choose the right tarp size for your application.
For contractors, property managers, municipalities, landscapers and commercial buyers ordering in bulk, tarp selection should also consider weather exposure, tie-down points, grommet spacing, finished size, storage, pallet quantities and whether the tarp is being used for temporary coverage or long-term protection.
Quick Answer: Which Tarp Should I Choose?
- 4.2 mil blue tarps: Best for light-duty, temporary and economy applications.
- 5 mil better tarps: Best for general-purpose everyday use when you want a step up from basic blue tarps.
- 6 mil camo tarps: Best for outdoor, hunting, camping and camouflage applications.
- 8 mil green tarps: Best for medium-duty outdoor and jobsite use.
- 8 mil fire-retardant construction tarps: Best when fire-retardant performance is required for construction or jobsite use.
- 10 mil heavy-duty tarps: Best for equipment, jobsite materials, roof protection, outdoor storage and stronger waterproof coverage.
- 16 mil ultra-heavy-duty tarps: Best for more demanding long-term outdoor use and tougher jobsite conditions.
- 20 mil silver/black tarps: Best for the heaviest-duty applications and the strongest coverage in this lineup.
If you only need a short-term or economy cover, start with a 4.2 mil or 5 mil tarp. If you need stronger waterproof protection for equipment, jobsite use, roof coverage or more demanding outdoor exposure, start with a 10 mil tarp. For the toughest jobs, choose 16 mil or 20 mil.
Grextor tip: Do not choose only by thickness. Grommet spacing, reinforced corners, tarp size and how the tarp is tied down can matter just as much, especially in wind or long-term outdoor use.
Tarp Selection Chart
| Application | Recommended tarp | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary backyard cover | 4.2 mil blue tarp | Light-duty and economical |
| Short-term furniture or equipment cover | 4.2 mil or 5 mil tarp | Easy to handle and cost effective |
| Everyday outdoor cover | 5 mil tarp | Better durability than basic blue tarps |
| Camping or hunting cover | 6 mil camo tarp | Outdoor use with camouflage appearance |
| Landscaping or medium-duty outdoor use | 8 mil green tarp | Waterproof with stronger outdoor performance |
| Construction use requiring fire-retardant performance | 6 mil FR construction tarp | Meets listed fire-retardant standards |
| Equipment, material and roof coverage | 10 mil heavy-duty tarp | Waterproof and more durable |
| Longer-term outdoor storage | 10 mil or 16 mil tarp | Better durability and weather resistance |
| High-demand commercial or jobsite use | 16 mil tarp | Stronger than standard heavy-duty tarps |
| Maximum-duty tarp coverage | 20 mil silver/black tarp | Strongest tarp option in this collection |
Best Tarp by Buyer Type
| Buyer type | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Homeowner | 4.2 mil or 5 mil tarp |
| Camper or hunter | 6 mil camo tarp |
| Landscaper | 8 mil green tarp or 10 mil heavy-duty tarp |
| General contractor | 10 mil heavy-duty tarp |
| Construction buyer needing FR coverage | 6 mil fire-retardant construction tarp |
| Property manager or facility team | 5 mil or 10 mil tarp |
| Commercial bulk buyer | Choose by thickness, size, waterproofing and exposure level |
| Buyer needing maximum-duty cover | 16 mil or 20 mil tarp |
What Does “Mil” Mean in a Tarp?
A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. In tarp buying, the mil rating helps describe how thick the tarp material is.
- 4.2 mil = light-duty tarp
- 5 mil = better general-purpose tarp
- 6 mil = camo tarp weight in this lineup
- 8 mil = medium-duty waterproof tarp
- 10 mil = heavy-duty tarp
- 16 mil = ultra-heavy-duty tarp
- 20 mil = extra-thick severe-duty tarp
A thicker tarp is usually more durable, but tarp performance is also affected by material quality, edge reinforcement, grommet spacing, UV resistance and how the tarp is secured.
4.2 Mil Blue Tarps
Grextor’s 4.2 mil blue tarps are multi-purpose poly tarps designed for light-duty and temporary use. They are water-resistant, UV resistant, and include grommets approximately every 36 inches.
These tarps are best when you need an economical cover for short-term protection, not a long-term heavy-duty waterproof solution.
Best uses for 4.2 mil tarps
- Temporary outdoor cover
- Backyard and household use
- Short-term storage cover
- Light equipment cover
- Emergency temporary weather protection
- Jobsite material cover for short-term use
Important sizing note
4.2 mil BT tarps are listed in nominal size, not exact finished size.
Representative options
- Multi-purpose Blue Tarp, 5' x 7' 4.2 Mil
- Multi-purpose Blue Tarp, 8' x 10' 4.2 Mil
- Multi-purpose Blue Tarp, 10' x 12' 4.2 Mil
- Multi-purpose Blue Tarp, 20' x 30' 4.2 Mil
- Multi-purpose Blue Tarp, 50' x 100' 4.2 Mil
5 Mil All-Purpose Blue and Brown Tarps
Grextor’s 5 mil Better Blue and Better Brown tarps are a step up from basic blue tarps. They are designed for more dependable general-purpose use while still remaining lightweight and manageable. These tarps are water-resistant, UV resistant, and include grommets approximately every 36 inches.
Unlike the 4.2 mil tarps, these 5 mil tarp lines are generally listed as true size, although finished dimensions can still vary slightly in practice.
Best uses for 5 mil tarps
- General outdoor cover
- Backyard equipment protection
- Woodpile and firewood cover
- Temporary roof or material cover
- Jobsite use where a basic tarp feels too light
- Everyday property and facility use
Representative All-Purpose Blue options
- All-Purpose Blue Tarp, 5' x 7' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Blue Tarp, 8' x 10' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Blue Tarp, 10' x 12' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Blue Tarp, 20' x 30' 5 Mil
Representative All-Purpose Brown options
- All-Purpose Brown Tarp, 8' x 10' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Brown Tarp, 10' x 12' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Brown Tarp, 16' x 20' 5 Mil
- All-Purpose Brown Tarp, 20' x 30' 5 Mil
6 Mil Camo Tarps
Grextor’s camo tarps are 6 mil poly tarps designed for outdoor use where a camouflage appearance is preferred. They are UV resistant and suitable for camping, hunting, blending into outdoor environments and general-purpose outdoor cover.
Camo tarps are listed in nominal size.
Best uses for camo tarps
- Camping
- Hunting
- Trail or outdoor shelter cover
- Equipment cover in wooded or outdoor settings
- Outdoor storage where a less visible tarp color is preferred
Representative options
- Camo Tarp, 8' x 10' 6 Mil
- Camo Tarp, 10' x 12' 6 Mil
- Camo Tarp, 16' x 20' 6 Mil
- Camo Tarp, 20' x 30' 6 Mil
8 Mil Green Tarps
Grextor’s green tarps are waterproof, UV resistant, and suitable for medium-duty outdoor use. They include grommets approximately every 36 inches and are listed in nominal size.
Best uses for 8 mil green tarps
- Landscaping projects
- Outdoor storage
- Equipment protection
- Material cover
- General outdoor waterproof use
- Backyard and property maintenance
Representative options
- Green Tarp, 9' x 12' 8 Mil
- Green Tarp, 10' x 20' 8 Mil
- Green Tarp, 20' x 30' 8 Mil
- Green Tarp, 30' x 60' 8 Mil
8 Mil Fire-Retardant Construction Tarps
Grextor’s fire-retardant construction tarps are 8 mil poly tarps designed for construction and jobsite applications where fire-retardant performance may be required. These tarps are waterproof, UV resistant, and suitable for more demanding site use.
Fire-retardant does not mean fireproof. Always confirm that the listed certifications match the jobsite, project, facility or authority requirements before ordering.
Best uses for FR construction tarps
- Construction sites
- Scaffolding and temporary protection
- Jobsite material coverage
- Temporary outdoor coverage where FR requirements apply
- Commercial and industrial projects
Representative options
- Fire Retardant Construction Tarp, 15' x 20' 6 Mil
- Fire Retardant Construction Tarp, 20' x 21' 6 Mil
- Fire Retardant Construction Tarp, 20' x 30' 6 Mil
- Fire Retardant Construction Tarp, 30' x 40' 6 Mil
10 Mil Heavy-Duty Tarps
Grextor’s 10 mil heavy-duty tarps are waterproof, UV resistant, and designed for stronger protection than economy or general-purpose tarps. These tarps include grommets approximately every 18 inches and have reinforced corners.
Grextor’s 10 mil lines are generally listed as true size, though finished dimensions can still vary slightly.
Best uses for 10 mil tarps
- Roof coverage
- Equipment protection
- Building materials
- Outdoor storage
- Heavy-duty commercial use
- Property maintenance
- Industrial and jobsite use
Available color families
- Silver/Black: Popular for heavy-duty outdoor coverage.
- White: Useful where a bright or cleaner appearance is preferred.
- Brown/Silver: Useful where a more natural or property-friendly exterior tone is preferred.
Representative options
- Heavy Duty Tarp, 8' x 10' 10 Mil, Silver/Black
- Heavy Duty Tarp, 10' x 20' 10 Mil, Silver/Black
- Heavy Duty Tarp, 20' x 30' 10 Mil, Silver/Black
- Heavy Duty Tarp, 10' x 20' 10 Mil, White
- Heavy Duty Tarp, 20' x 30' 10 Mil, Brown/Silver
16 Mil Ultra-Heavy-Duty Tarps
Grextor’s 16 mil tarps are designed for more demanding applications where a stronger, thicker tarp is needed. These tarps are waterproof, UV resistant, include grommets approximately every 18 inches, and have reinforced corners.
They are generally listed as true size, though finished dimensions can still vary slightly.
Best uses for 16 mil tarps
- Longer-term outdoor storage
- Equipment and machinery cover
- Tough commercial applications
- Material protection
- Property and jobsite use
- Applications where 10 mil is not enough
Available color families
Representative options
- Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp, 5' x 7' 16 Mil, Hunter Green
- Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp, 10' x 20' 16 Mil, Hunter Green
- Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp, 20' x 30' 16 Mil, Hunter Green
- Ultra Heavy Duty Tarp, 10' x 20' 16 Mil, Brown
Shop 16 Mil Ultra-Heavy-Duty Tarps
20 Mil Silver/Black Tarps
Grextor’s 20 mil silver/black tarps are the thickest tarp option in this group. They are waterproof, UV resistant, include grommets approximately every 18 inches, and have reinforced corners.
These tarps are generally listed as true size, though finished dimensions can still vary slightly.
Best uses for 20 mil tarps
- Severe-duty outdoor cover
- Longer-term storage coverage
- Large equipment cover
- Demanding industrial and commercial use
- Applications where maximum strength is required
Representative options
- Silver/Black Tarp 6' x 8' - 20 Mil
- Silver/Black Tarp 10' x 20' - 20 Mil
- Silver/Black Tarp 20' x 30' - 20 Mil
- Silver/Black Tarp 30' x 50' - 20 Mil
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Tarps
This is one of the most important tarp-buying questions.
- 4.2 mil and 5 mil tarps: Water-resistant
- 8 mil, 10 mil, 16 mil and 20 mil tarps: Waterproof
If you only need short-term cover or general protection, a water-resistant tarp may be enough. If you need stronger rain protection or more demanding outdoor use, choose a waterproof tarp.
Grextor tip: Waterproof tarp material still needs to be installed properly. Water can still enter through poor tie-downs, open sides, sagging areas, pooling water, wind lift or uncovered edges.
What Tarp Color Should I Choose?
Tarp color is not only about appearance. It can also affect how the tarp fits the application.
- Blue: Common general-purpose tarp color for everyday temporary use.
- Brown: More natural-looking for outdoor property use.
- Green: Good for landscaping and outdoor blending.
- Camo: Best for hunting, camping and wooded outdoor settings.
- White: Cleaner, brighter appearance where visibility or presentation matters.
- Silver/Black: Popular for heavy-duty outdoor cover and stronger weather protection.
What Size Tarp Do I Need?
To choose the right tarp size, measure the area or item you need to cover and add extra material for drape, tie-down points and edge coverage.
One common mistake is buying a tarp that only covers the top of the item. For equipment, firewood and stacked materials, allow extra size for the sides and for tying the tarp down securely.
For flat coverage
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover.
For covering equipment, wood or stacked materials
Measure the top, both sides and any needed overhang. A tarp that only matches the top dimensions may not be large enough once it drapes down.
Important size note
Some tarp lines are listed in nominal size and some in true size.
- Nominal size lines: BT 4.2 mil, GT 8 mil, CAMO 6 mil
- Generally true size lines: all other tarp lines in this guide
Even with true-size lines, finished dimensions can still vary slightly. Customers who need exact coverage should allow for a little tolerance and confirm fit before ordering for critical applications.
How Do I Secure a Tarp Without Tearing It?
Tarps last longer when they are secured correctly.
- Use the grommets rather than puncturing new holes.
- Do not overtighten the tarp.
- Use bungee cords, rope or tie-down straps that allow a little movement.
- Avoid sharp corners and abrasive edges.
- Choose a heavier tarp when wind or tension is expected.
- Take advantage of reinforced corners when available.
Grextor’s grommet spacing varies by line:
- 4.2 mil BT: every 36 inches
- 5 mil BLU/BR5T: every 36 inches
- 8 mil GT: every 36 inches
- 10 mil ST/WT/BS: every 18 inches
- 16 mil HGT/BR16T: every 18 inches
- 20 mil ST20: every 18 inches
Reinforced corners are included on all lines in this guide except 4.2 mil BT and 8 mil GT.
What Is the Best Tarp for a Roof Leak?
For temporary roof protection, a 10 mil tarp is usually the practical starting point because it offers waterproof protection and stronger durability than lighter tarp options.
For tougher conditions or longer exposure, move up to 16 mil or 20 mil.
What Is the Best Tarp for Equipment?
For light temporary equipment coverage, a 5 mil tarp may be enough. For more serious outdoor protection, choose a 10 mil heavy-duty tarp. For more demanding commercial or long-term use, choose a 16 mil or 20 mil tarp.
What Is the Best Tarp for Firewood?
For ordinary backyard firewood cover, many customers can start with a 5 mil tarp. If the tarp will stay outdoors longer or face harsher weather, move up to an 8 mil or 10 mil tarp.
Firewood should still have airflow. Cover the top and protect the stack from rain, but avoid sealing wet wood tightly on all sides.
What Is the Best Tarp for Construction?
For ordinary construction and jobsite cover, a 10 mil heavy-duty tarp is a strong starting point. If the job requires listed fire-retardant performance, choose an 8 mil fire-retardant construction tarp and confirm the required standard before ordering.
Buying Tarps in Bulk
For contractors, municipalities, facilities, distributors and jobsite buyers, tarp selection should be based on more than thickness alone. Consider the application, expected exposure time, waterproofing needs, grommet spacing, reinforced corners, finished-size requirements, storage space and freight handling.
Grextor can help with case, pallet and project-based quantities across light-duty, heavy-duty, ultra-heavy-duty and fire-retardant poly tarps.
Common Tarp Buying Mistakes
Choosing only by price
A lower-cost tarp can work well for temporary applications, but it may not be the best value if the project needs durability or long-term outdoor protection.
Ignoring nominal vs. true size
A tarp listed in nominal size may not measure exactly the same as the advertised size. Always account for this when fit matters.
Buying too light a tarp for the weather
Wind, sun and long-term exposure can damage a tarp that is too light for the application.
Overtightening tie-downs
A tarp that is pulled too tight is more likely to tear around the grommets or corners.
Using a water-resistant tarp where waterproof protection is needed
4.2 mil and 5 mil tarps are water-resistant, not waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tarp thickness do I need?
It depends on the job. For temporary light-duty use, start with 4.2 mil or 5 mil. For waterproof and stronger outdoor protection, start with 8 mil or 10 mil. For tougher and longer-term applications, choose 16 mil or 20 mil.
Is a 5 mil tarp enough?
For many general-purpose and temporary uses, yes. A 5 mil tarp is a good step up from a basic blue tarp, but it is still water-resistant rather than waterproof.
What is the difference between 5 mil and 10 mil tarps?
A 5 mil tarp is lighter and water-resistant, while a 10 mil tarp is thicker, waterproof, has grommets every 18 inches, includes reinforced corners, and is designed for heavier-duty applications.
Is a 10 mil tarp heavy duty?
Yes. In this collection, 10 mil is the main heavy-duty tarp category.
What tarp should I use for a roof leak?
A 10 mil tarp is the practical starting point for temporary roof protection. Move up to 16 mil or 20 mil for tougher conditions.
What tarp should I use for equipment cover?
For better outdoor equipment protection, start with 10 mil. Use 16 mil or 20 mil for more demanding or longer-term use.
What tarp should I use for firewood?
For ordinary backyard firewood cover, start with 5 mil. For longer outdoor exposure or harsher weather, choose 8 mil or 10 mil.
Are all these tarps poly tarps?
Yes. The tarp lines in this guide are all poly tarps.
Are these tarps UV resistant?
Yes. All the tarp lines covered in this guide are UV resistant.
Are the tarp sizes exact?
Not always. BT 4.2 mil, GT 8 mil and CAMO 6 mil tarps are nominal size. Other lines are generally true size, but finished dimensions can still vary slightly.
When do I need a fire-retardant tarp?
Use a fire-retardant tarp when the project, customer, site requirement or specification calls for it. Grextor’s FR construction tarps are associated with ASTM E84 Class A, CPAI-84 and NFPA 701.
Shop Tarps by Type
Light-Duty Blue Tarps
Choose 4.2 mil blue tarps for economy coverage, temporary use and short-term protection.
Better 5 Mil Tarps
Choose Better Blue or Better Brown tarps for stronger general-purpose use.
Camo Tarps
Choose camo tarps for camping, hunting and outdoor applications where a camouflage pattern is useful.
Green Tarps
Choose 8 mil green tarps for medium-duty outdoor and landscaping applications.
Fire-Retardant Construction Tarps
Choose FR tarps when a listed fire-retardant construction tarp is required.
Heavy-Duty Tarps
Choose 10 mil, 16 mil or 20 mil tarps for more demanding waterproof and long-term outdoor applications.
Need Help Choosing?
Tell the Grextor team:
- What you need to cover
- Whether the use is temporary or long-term
- Whether the tarp needs to be water-resistant or waterproof
- Whether wind or strong weather is expected
- The exact coverage size you need
- Whether nominal or true size matters
- Whether fire-retardant performance is required
- Whether you need case, pallet or project-based quantities
We can help narrow down the right tarp thickness, size, color and type for your project, including case, pallet and bulk quantities.
