It's fair to say that the humble tarpaulin is a virtuoso of versatility. And here at Tarpaulins Direct, we know this better than anyone else.

From saving lives to gardening, waterproof covers to groundsheets, the tarpaulin truly is the ultimate accessory. But did you ever stop to consider what the top uses of this ever-useful product are?

If you’ve ever wondered what tarpaulins are used for, then read on and discover the top uses for tarps.

Using tarps for shelter, humanitarian relief and emergencies

1. Making and maintaining shelter: tarps are commonly used to make temporary shelters, repairs for roofs and walls, and many other uses in emergencies and disaster zones. This is perhaps the biggest use of tarps and the way in which you might say tarpaulins have made a positive difference in the world. For more information, see our blog on the development of the perfect tarpaulin for emergency relief work.
2. Preserving stores and equipment: tarps are used extensively to provide protective and waterproof covering for equipment, stores, provisions, firewood, fire itself and many more things.
3. Weather protection: whether you’re sleeping under tarps in a survival situation, creating windbreaks when you’re on the beach or fending off the rain at your latest music festival, these waterproof covers offer protection from the elements when the weather suddenly changes.
4. Carrying or capturing water: in a survival situation you may not have access to a water container but if you have tarps then you can use it to catch rainwater or craft a container to carry water.
5. Carrying injured people: with just a few other materials you can fashion a tarpaulin into a stretcher to carry injured people. This is a vital skill for anyone interested in the outdoors and is taught to survivalists across the world.
6. Staying afloat in an emergency: you may use tarps as waterproof covers but it’s because of these properties that they can actually be used to make boats or floatation devices. Don’t believe us? Check this incredible tarpaulin boat in our blog.

Using tarps for camping

1. Tarps in place of a tent: a tarpaulin can often be a great alternative to a full tent as it’s often lighter and easier to carry and erect.
2. Using tarps as a ground sheet: use a tarp to protect the bottom of your tent or as a groundsheet for other shelters.
3. Weather protection: span tarps across trees or poles to use as a windbreak or waterproof covers against adverse weather. A tarpaulin can be strung up in seconds when the weather changes and is just as quick to put away when the weather clears again.
4. Create a hammock: when you’re camping, just string it up between two trees, jump in and you have the perfect sleeping arrangement.
5. Using tarps for privacy: tarps are great for creating a shower area when you’re in the great outdoors, or indeed for creating privacy dividers in communal areas of your campsite.

Waterproof covers for vehicles and machinery

1. Covering machinery: tarps are often used for covering equipment, goods and cargo – both inside trucks and in the open (flatbed trucks for example), or even as side panels for some kinds of trucks and vehicles.
2. Coverings for bikes and cars: prolonged exposure to the elements can harm bicycles, motorbikes, cars or other vehicles. But with the right tarp, you can create a weatherproof barrier to help protect your vehicle.
3. Boats and yacht covers: tarps can make an excellent and inexpensive cover for all sizes of boat, yacht, dinghy or other marine vessel. The tarp can prevent the vessel from filling with water in the rain and even offer protection when stored on dry land.
4. Makeshift windows: clear tarps can be used to quickly create a window in a boat or other vehicle when other materials, like glass or hard plastics, aren’t available.
5. An improvised sail: tarps can even be used as very effective sails for boats, if perhaps your main sail fails.

Home and garden tarpaulin

1. Ground covering: maybe you need to cover a section of lawn, protect a plant from frost or shelter some groundworks, tarps can come in handy when you’re trying to protect a surface from the weather.
2. Cover your indoor furniture: if you’re decorating your home or performing DIY, you’ll know just how messy it can be. Tarps offer the perfect protection for your furniture or other surfaces while you finish your renovations.
3. Protect your garden furniture: tarps are the perfect weatherproof covers to protect patio or garden furniture through the colder or wetter weather.
4. Collecting garden waste: a garden tarpaulin can be used to collect or cover garden waste such as grass cutting, leaves, felled or firewood and much more.

Use your tarps for fun

1. Create a play area: tarps can act as wipe-clean play areas for the kids – inside or out. Perfect for parties, and play days for the little ones.
2. Building a fort: tarps are the perfect building material, especially when it comes to constructing a fort or den. Head out into the woods for a day out in nature and build your own little shelter.
3. Slip ‘n’ Slide: this is a great one. Just lay out your tarp, get the hose pipe on it and slip and slide to your heart's content.
4. Build an ice rink: when the weather turns and the temperature drops, you can use tarps to create a backyard ice rink. Simply use a tarp or other plastic sheeting as a base and allow the water to freeze in a layer on top.

Do you need more help on choosing the right tarps for you?

Whether you’re in need of waterproof covers for some outdoor furniture or a shelter for your beloved classic car, a garden tarpaulin to collect your grass cuttings or a fort, tarps are a versatile material, perfect for a whole host of purposes both inside and outside of your home.

If you need more information on tarps and their uses, or any help on choosing the right tarps for you, get in touch with us here at Tarpaulins Direct, we’re always happy to help.