When choosing a tarpaulin, you’ll notice the letters GSM pop up a lot. But what does GSM actually mean, and why should it influence which product you buy?

Whether you’re protecting some gardening equipment, heading out camping or working on site, you need to be sure you’re getting the right tarpaulin for the job and that’s why you need understand GSM.

Read on to find out  everything you need to know GSM and how you can make sure you’re getting the perfect tarp for the job.

What does GSM mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre and indicates the weight and thickness of the tarpaulin material.

In simple terms:

• Lower GSM = lighter, thinner tarpaulin
• Higher GSM = heavier, thicker, more durable tarpaulin

GSM is a key indicator of a tarps

• Strength
• Durability
• Suitability for long-term or heavy-duty use
• Price

Why GSM matters when choosing a tarpaulin

Choosing the correct GSM will make sure your tarpaulin performs the job properly, saving time, money and frustration.

Using a tarpaulin with too low a GSM for a demanding job may result in tearing, water ingress or premature wear. On the other hand, using a very heavy, high GSM tarpaulin for a light task may cause unnecessary hassle.

At Tarpaulins Direct, we stock tarpaulins ranging from 110gsm to 570gsm, meaning we have a plastic sheet solution for every problem. Let’s take a look at the most common GSM weights and their uses.

Light – mid weight tarpaulins

Lightweight tarpaulins are easy to handle and perfect for everyday tasks, providing simple solutions for odd jobs. Ideal for collecting garden waste, dust sheets and den making.

Budget tarpaulin – 110gsm

A lightweight, versatile solution, this budget tarpaulin is excellent value for money when you’re looking for an entry level tarp for light work.

As our thinnest plastic sheet this tarp is ideal for everyday tasks such as protecting car interiors or shielding furniture while painting. It’s light and flexible making it easy to manoeuvre and drape.

Cargo net tarpaulin – 170gsm

Designed for flexibility and improved airflow, this tarpaulin is commonly used for securing loads, transport applications, skip covers and general outdoor use.

This cargo net tarpaulin offers a good balance between strength and manageability, while its slightly heavier construction provides added wind resistance and helps protect against tearing in more demanding conditions.

Mid – heavy duty tarpaulins

Midweight tarpaulins combine strength and versatility, making them ideal all-rounders for a wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks. From pop-up shelters and ground sheets to protecting machinery and woodpiles.

Topgrade tarpaulin – 200gsm

Made from super-strong, tightly woven polyethylene, this is our most versatile tarp, providing long-lasting protection against the elements. Despite their strength, topgrade tarpaulins are lightweight and easy to handle, even when wet. They are fully waterproof, rot proof and UV protected making them ideal for long term outdoor jobs such as protecting boats.

Flexi tarpaulin premium – 220gsm

The added weight of this sheet comes from the strong polypropylene rope grid design sandwiched between two durable, waterproof outer layers. Although not transparent, it allows a high level of light to pass through, making it ideal for working under or behind.

Monotex tarpaulin – 250gsm

A robust industrial-grade tarpaulin designed for strength and durability. Its core is a multi-filament grid sandwiched between two hard-wearing polyethylene sheets, providing excellent tear resistance and long-lasting protection.

Extra heavy-duty tarpaulins

Extra heavy-duty tarpaulins are built for the toughest jobs, offering maximum strength, durability, and long-lasting protection in even the most demanding conditions. These are some of the highest GSMs which makes them the best choice for groundsheets, roofing and camping.

Supergrade tarpaulin – 270gsm

One of our toughest and most durable options, built from a tri-laminate weave weighing 270gsm for maximum strength. Fully waterproof, rot-proof and UV protected, supergrade tarps are ideal for trailer covers and temporary roofing.

Profi tarpaulin – 570gsm

This is our strongest and heaviest tarpaulin yet, made from durable PVC and weighing an impressive 570 grams per square metre. Built for heavy-duty use, it’s designed to withstand the toughest conditions and provide long-lasting protection.

How to choose the right GSM for your needs

Ask yourself:

• Is this for temporary or long-term use?
• Will it face strong wind, heavy rain or UV exposure?
• Does it need to be easy to move or maximum strength?

If you need help selecting the right tarpaulin, our team is always happy to advise, just get in touch here or call 01904 698813