What is tarpaulin?

From the adventurer to the labourer, anyone can benefit from the many uses of tarpaulin. This incredibly versatile material is a cheap solution that can be incorporated into a whole host of activities, especially as it’s weather-resistant, lightweight and strong. Because it’s a material that can be used again and again, it’s easy to see why tarps have been used by people across the globe for years. So, if you’ve got some tarpaulin stored away in your shed and you’re looking for some alternative ways to make use of it, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know (and more) about how you can experience its full potential. 

What are the practical uses of tarpaulin?

Tarpaulin for camping

For all of you wilderness lovers out there, you’ll be familiar with just how useful tarps can be when you’re going off on an adventure. If you’re not, get these on your camping checklist, pronto. Especially for those that enjoy camping in the Great British countryside, inconvenient weather conditions are inevitable, so simply arming yourself with tarpaulin will prevent anything from ruining your getaway. 

Due to the metal eyelets that are situated along the rim of tarpaulins, you can use these to secure the material down by using bungee cords and bungee hooks. In doing this, you’ll be able to set up a waterproof shelter for heavy showers, perfect for keeping the ground dry for long periods. 

You can also use tarpaulins as campsite flooring, preventing any shoes from drowning in mud and allowing you to walk without fear of slipping. Not only this, for campers who need fresh rain water, either to drink or wash their clothes, you could create your own tarpaulin rain catcher. Find sturdy trees to wrap around, again using your bungee cords and bungee hooks to tie up four corners of the tarp, and allow the centre to dip downwards to form a crater. 

Swimming pool cover

Keep your outdoor swimming pool protected throughout the seasons by using tarpaulins to create your own cover. The material is ideal for this purpose, as it’s waterproof, mould-resistant and rot-proof. A detailed step-by-step guide on doing this is mentioned in our swimming pool maintenance checklist article; when paired with bungee cords and tent stakes to secure everything in place, you’ll be able to keep your pool as clean as possible when it’s not in use. 

DIY tarpaulin hammock

DIY Tarpaulin hammock

Kick back and relax in style, without the added cost, by making your very own DIY tarpaulin hammock. Start by scouring out a couple of trees that are a suitable distance apart for hanging your hammock. To support your weight, you’ll need heavy duty bungee cords and bungee hooks. Once you’ve acquired the materials, loop the ends of the bungee cords around the trees and hang your hammock by making a lark’s head knot. Now you’re ready to lounge around to your heart’s content.  

Transportation

Tarpaulin’s durability makes it the best material to use for a variety of transportation uses. Each type of tarp can be used for a different purpose, meaning that your choice will vary depending on whether you’re looking to protect taller (lumber tarp), or shorter loads (steel tarps). 

Alternatively, you could use smoke tarps to protect your loads from being coated in fumes and dirt, or use the material to line the bottom of a trailer to prevent any damage from manure, gravel, sand, etc. This makes cleaning up a lot easier, and all you’ll need to do is give your tarpaulin a wash so it’s ready for the next use. 

Other outdoor uses

Keep your lawn protected throughout the changing seasons by using tarpaulin as a cover. With it being waterproof, you’ll be able to keep your grass as healthy as possible as tarps are great insulators against the sun and wind. Not only this, if any leaves start to collect on the surface, simply bundle up your tarpaulin and shake off for an easy cleanup. 

Tarpaulins can also make great plant covers by protecting against the frost. To prevent the material from blocking out the sun, you could use a clear PVC curtain, steel fence posts and grommets to hold everything in place without suffocating the plants. 

Whatever you’re planning on using bungee cords for, whether it be a DIY project involving tarpaulin, or for unleashing your inner adventurer, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for some of the best quality cords and bungee accessories around.