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Home The blog space How to choose your tarpaulin?

How to choose your tarpaulin?

By Bâches Direct

Published on 13-01-2025

Last updated 06-11-2025

5

Buying guide
protective tarpaulin
protective tarpaulin

Find out everything you need to know to choose the right protective tarpaulin! Material, weight, dimensions, use... We guide you step by step in choosing your tarpaulin!

A protective tarpaulin is a wise investment to preserve your property, whether it be building materials, vehicles, garden furniture or goods. With so many models available on the market, it is crucial to clearly define your needs in order to make the right choice. Our guide ‘How to choose the right protective tarpaulin’ takes you step by step through the process of selecting the ideal tarpaulin.

Determine the use of your tarpaulin

First and foremost, ask yourself the right questions:

  1. What do you want to protect? (car, boat, wood, agricultural equipment, swimming pool, etc.)
  2. What type of use? (private, professional)
  3. Where will it be used? (indoors, outdoors, construction site, garden)
  4. What are the weather conditions? (wind, rain, sun, snow)
  5. How long will it be used for? (occasionally, regularly, intensively, permanently)

The answers to these questions will guide you towards the most suitable type of tarpaulin. For example, a lightweight polyethylene tarpaulin will suffice to protect garden furniture from the sun, while a sturdy PVC tarpaulin will be needed to cover a construction site.

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Choosing the right material: HDPE or PVC?

Two materials dominate the protective tarpaulin market:

  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE): Lightweight, economical and moisture-resistant, it is suitable for light and temporary use.
  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Heavier and more resistant, PVC provides long-lasting protection. It offers excellent protection against the elements, tears and wear and tear. This material is therefore ideal for regular and intensive use.

Choosing the right dimensions for your tarpaulin: standard vs custom-made

  • Standard tarpaulins: Available in HDPE or PVC and in standard sizes, they are suitable for the most common needs: gardens, roofing, greenhouses, wood, furniture, construction, building sites and even painting.
  • Customised tarpaulins: If you have specific needs, opt for a customised PVC tarpaulin that will fit your structure or requirement perfectly. You can choose the quality, dimensions, colour, finishes and fastenings, such as bungee cords. 
I am customising my tarpaulin!

What other features should be taken into account?

Several factors influence the durability and quality of a tarpaulin: 


1- Weight: Expressed in g/m², this indicates the weight of the tarpaulin per square metre. The higher the weight, the thicker and more resistant the tarpaulin, and therefore the better its quality. We generally distinguish between:

• Low weight (50-150 g/m²): For light, temporary, entry-level protection.

• Medium weight (150-210 g/m²): For mid-range protective tarpaulins suitable for regular use and offering good weather resistance.

• High weight (210-470g/m²): For high-end protection that allows for more regular use and very good resistance to tearing and wear.

• Heavy weight (470-900 g/m²): For a premium quality tarpaulin suitable for intensive/extreme use and offering excellent resistance to severe weather conditions.


2- UV protection: Essential for outdoor use, this prevents the tarpaulin from deteriorating in sunlight.

3- Waterproofing: A waterproof tarpaulin will effectively protect your belongings from rain and moisture.

4- Reinforcements: Reinforced eyelets, welded hems and reinforced corners increase resistance to tearing and wear.

5- Warranty: Some brands offer warranties that exceed the legal minimum. At BÂCHES DIRECT, you can benefit from the TECPLAST commercial warranty. This means you can enjoy a warranty ranging from 5 to 15 years (depending on the eligible products)!

Choose ease of handling/installation

  • Weight: Choose a lightweight tarpaulin if you need to handle it frequently.
  • Number of eyelets: Well-placed eyelets make it easier to attach and tension the tarpaulin.

Choosing the colour of the tarpaulin

The colour of the tarpaulin can influence its use:

  • Opaque tarpaulins: There is a wide range of dark colours (black, navy blue, dark green, etc.) and light colours (white, grey, beige, etc.). You have plenty of choice to find the tarpaulin colour that suits you.
  • Transparent tarpaulins: These let light through while protecting against rain, but offer limited protection against UV rays.
  • Specific colours: For professional use, choose a colour that suits your activity. 
  • Design aspect: In a garden, the colour of the tarpaulin can play an important aesthetic role. Choose a colour that harmonises with your environment and your tastes. Brightly coloured tarpaulins can add a touch of cheerfulness, while more neutral colours will blend into the background.
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