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Think of a tarp as an umbrella for your possessions — only tougher and much more useful. Whether you need to shield a stack of firewood, cover a patio set, protect a roof after a storm, or lay down a groundsheet for a weekend camping trip, the right tarp keeps water, wind, and grit at bay. In a country where rain can arrive uninvited, a dependable waterproof cover isn’t a luxury; it’s a small investment that saves time, money, and heartache.
If you’re ready to buy, it helps to know which retailers stock quality tarps and covers. Below are popular UK options where you can compare styles, materials, and prices. Each has strengths depending on whether you want cheap, heavy-duty, or specialised covers.
B&Q is a go-to for homeowners who want a balance of quality and convenience. You’ll find a wide range of polyethylene tarps in sizes from small 4 ft x 6 ft sheets up to larger 20 ft x 30 ft covers, often with reinforced grommets and cord. They’re great for garden projects, temporary shed repairs, and DIY jobs. Plus, in-store pick-up means no waiting if you need something today.
Homebase specialises in outdoor living and garden needs, so their tarps and protective covers often match garden furniture and barbecue protection styles. Look for weatherproof furniture covers and medium-duty tarps in sizes measured in feet. Their selection is solid for homeowners wanting to protect patios and sheds without paying for industrial-grade materials.
Wickes leans more toward the building side of things, offering heavier-duty tarps suitable for construction sites and tradespeople. If you need thick, reinforced covers for scaffolding, roofing, or long-term storage, Wickes’ tarps — often measured in yards and feet — are designed to handle tougher conditions.
Screwfix is the place for trades and DIYers who want durable tarpaulins with professional features. Expect heavy-duty polyethylene and PVC tarps, robust eyelets every few feet, and reinforced hems. Sizes commonly start at around 6 ft x 8 ft and go up to huge 30 ft x 40 ft sheets for large site work.
Toolstation provides competitive pricing for builders and keen DIYers. Their tarp range often includes contractor-grade options at sensible price points. If you’re juggling multiple jobs or need stronger covers frequently, Toolstation’s mix of size options and easy online ordering makes it worth a look.
Argos is handy for quick buys and budget-friendly covers. Their tarps tend to focus on everyday uses — garden furniture, small roof patches, and camping ground sheets. Expect practical sizes like 6 ft x 8 ft and 10 ft x 12 ft, often in polyethylene. Argos’ extensive UK network makes home collection simple when time is tight.
Amazon offers vast variety: from cheap, thin tarps to professional-grade PVC covers. The advantage here is choice — you can quickly compare customer reviews and find exact sizes in feet or even odd dimensions like 9 ft x 11 ft. Watch out for misleading specs and check thickness, reinforced edges, and grommet spacing in the product details.
For trade-quality options and heavy vinyl sheets, Travis Perkins is a trusted supplier. Their stock suits builders, landscapers, and anyone needing heavy-duty protection for long-term outdoor storage. Sizes are often listed in feet or yards, and the materials chosen are intended for durability on serious jobs.
Wilko is a budget-friendly option for household needs, while eBay is ideal if you want rare sizes or secondhand, low-cost tarps. eBay can be especially useful when you need an unusual dimension measured in feet and inches, but always check seller ratings and return terms before buying.
Not all tarps are created equal — material determines lifespan, breathability, and strength. Here’s a quick guide to the main types you’ll see in UK stores.
PE tarps are the bread-and-butter option: lightweight, waterproof, and inexpensive. They’re usually made of woven polyethylene laminated on both sides and often come with brass or steel grommets around the edges. Sizes are usually listed in feet, and thickness is commonly described in mils — a mil is a thousandth of an inch, so a 10 mil tarp is 0.010 inches thick. For everyday garden use, 6 mil to 10 mil is common; for heavier-duty jobs, look for 12 mil or thicker.
Canvas tarps breathe better and are less prone to condensation, making them great for covering wood, machinery, or anything that can’t tolerate trapped moisture. They’re heavier in weight and measured in ounces per square yard or described by heaviness — in other words, think of them as thicker, more cloth-like covers. Canvas is best when you need durability and breathability rather than absolute waterproofing.
PVC and heavy vinyl tarps are the champions of longevity. They’re thicker, often measured in mils, and are highly UV-resistant and abrasion-proof. These are the tarps to choose for long-term outdoor storage, boat covers, and marine applications. They cost more but can last for years if cared for properly.
Choosing the correct tarp size is half measurement and half planning for overlap. Measure the item in feet and allow at least 1 ft to 2 ft of overlap on each side for tying down and tucking under. For example, a stack of pallets 6 ft x 4 ft should be covered by at least an 8 ft x 6 ft tarp. If wind is a factor, add more overlap.
Thickness is crucial for durability. For light, temporary covers (e.g., picnic shelters or ground sheets), a 6 mil to 8 mil PE tarp might suffice. For longer-term outdoor protection or heavy wear, aim for 12 mil or thicker. PVC tarps often run much thicker and are better for heavy-duty protection where you might be leaning ladders or tools against the cover.
When comparing options, pay attention to these features: reinforced hems, grommet spacing (eyelets every 2 ft to 3 ft is common), UV treatment for sun resistance, and straps or rope attachments. A tarp with a rope sewn into the hem reduces tearing and helps you secure it more tightly. Brass grommets resist rust better than steel, especially near the coast where salt air accelerates corrosion.
Start by measuring the length, width, and height of what you want to cover in feet and inches. Always round up to the nearest available tarp size and allow overlap. If you’re covering an irregular shape, sketch the outline and measure the longest and widest points. For boats or curved roofs, consider a slightly oversized tarp and use bungee cords to shape it without stressing corners.
Screws and nails are not your friends with tarps — they create holes that grow. Use rope through grommets and secure to fixed points like stakes, tie-down anchors, or heavy-duty bungee cords. If you’re covering something for wind protection, position the tarp so wind doesn’t catch it like a sail. For roofs, create a slight slope to encourage water run-off — anything that ponds water will shorten your tarp’s life.
Tears happen, but many tarps can be patched with repair kits that use adhesive and patch material designed for PE or PVC. For canvas, a heavy-duty wardrobe-style sewing repair or specialist patch is best. Clean off grit and sap with mild soap and water, dry completely, and fold loosely when storing to avoid sharp creases. Store in a cool, dry shed or garage — prolonged exposure to sunlight and wet storage speeds deterioration.
Not every tarp suits every task. For quick roof repairs, choose a heavy-duty PE tarp at least 12 mil thick with brass grommets and rope-reinforced hems. For camping ground sheets, a lightweight 6 mil or 8 mil PE tarp in a smaller size like 6 ft x 8 ft is ideal. For boat or trailer covers, invest in a PVC or marine-grade tarp with UV treatment and straps. And if you’re covering furniture long-term, breathable canvas wrapped under a waterproof PE layer can prevent mildew.
If sustainability matters to you, look for tarps made from recyclable materials or from companies that offer take-back schemes. Canvas is biodegradable over long periods but often treated with water-resistant coatings that complicate recycling. Polyethylene tarps can sometimes be recycled with specialist plastic recycling facilities — check local guidance. Reuse is the simplest eco-win: repurpose old tarps as weed control, drop cloths, or temporary shelters.
Cheap tarps can be tempting, but they may tear in a single season. Think of price as an investment: a slightly more expensive 12 mil tarp that lasts several seasons costs less per year than replacing a thin 6 mil tarp twice a year. Compare features like grommet type, reinforced hems, and UV treatment. Often the best deals come from buying during sales at major retailers, or from trade suppliers like Screwfix and Travis Perkins if you need high-quality covers regularly.
Late summer and early autumn are great times to buy tarps because stores often discount outdoor items. However, if a storm is forecast, don’t wait — getting the right tarp quickly from a nearby retailer like B&Q, Homebase, or Argos can prevent costly damage. For tradespeople planning ahead, buying out of season can net better prices on bulk buys from suppliers like Toolstation.
Tarps are simple products with big impact: they protect, prolong life, and save money when used smartly. From lightweight polyethylene ground sheets to heavy PVC covers for long-term outdoor storage, UK stores like B&Q, Homebase, Wickes, Screwfix, and Travis Perkins offer solid options. Measure in feet and inches, choose thickness measured in mils to match the job, look for reinforced edges and brass grommets, and don’t skimp on quality when the item being protected matters. With the right tarp and a little know-how, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather throws at you.
Tarps | Price | |
---|---|---|
Tarpaulin 650 G M 4 X 8 M Green | kr. 1.116,- |