Why are canvas tarps so expensive?

Choosing the right tarp can be overwhelming due to the variety of materials and types available on the market. The three common options are vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps. Although all three serve similar purposes, such as protecting items from the elements or creating temporary shelters, they have distinct differences that make them more suitable for certain applications. In this article, we will explore the differences between vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps.

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Material and Durability

Vinyl tarps are constructed from vinyl-coated polyester (PVC), which resembles a rubberized sheet. This material results in high durability, strength, and resistance to water, mildew, and UV rays. They are frequently used in heavy-duty applications, such as construction sites and transportation, where they can withstand tough conditions.

On the other hand, canvas tarps are usually made from cotton or polyester. They are treated to resist mildew and are known for their breathability, allowing airflow through the material. However, they are not inherently waterproof like vinyl tarps. Although canvas tarps are treated with a water-resistant coating for wet conditions, they are generally less durable and may not withstand extreme weather or excessive use. Nevertheless, they remain popular for outdoor applications, camping, and equipment covers.

Poly tarps, made from polyethylene, are lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to tearing and UV rays. They are commonly used for temporary covers, landscaping, and construction. While not as durable as vinyl tarps, they are more affordable and provide waterproof protection for many applications.

Weight and Flexibility

Vinyl tarps tend to be heavier than canvas and poly tarps due to their thickness and material weight. While this can make them more challenging to handle, it also makes them suitable for applications where weight and bulk are not a concern, such as covering heavy machinery, flatbed truck hauling, or extreme weather conditions.

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Cost

The cost of vinyl, canvas, and poly tarps varies based on size and thickness of material. Generally, vinyl tarps are more expensive than canvas and poly tarps due to their superior durability and longevity. This cost is often justified if you need a tarp that can withstand extreme weather and heavy use.

Canvas tarps are generally more affordable than vinyl tarps but may require more frequent replacements over time. In terms of cost, canvas tarps are typically less expensive than vinyl but more expensive than poly tarps. This is because canvas is made of natural fibers, such as cotton or polyester, which are more costly to produce and process compared to the synthetic materials used in poly tarps. Additionally, canvas tarps are treated to be water-resistant and mildew-resistant, further increasing their cost. Poly tarps, made from lower-cost materials like polyethylene, are often less durable than canvas tarps. Hence, the cost difference between canvas and poly tarps ultimately hinges on the user's specific needs and intended tarp use.

Oilskin and canvas tarps are lightweight, easy to work with, and effective; however, finding similar products today can be challenging and sometimes expensive. This illustrates the current frustration in recreating historical styles and qualities. Many may assume that older tarps are too heavy or inefficient, but this perception stems from the limited options available today. For the most part, manufacturers no longer produce tarps of the same high-quality, tightly woven, highly water-resistant cotton fabric.

While heavyweight variants are still available for outfitter's wall tents, the lightweight materials appear to have disappeared from the market. Those that do offer lighter fabrics often coat them with wax or turn them into oil cloths, which is necessary because the material is not acceptably waterproof by itself. This transforms what could be a tarp into something resembling heavy waxed cotton packs, compromising on weight. Previously used good-quality, high thread-count cotton was naturally waterproof or at least highly water-resistant. Chemical treatments improving waterproofness have likely been phased out due to regulations.

In the early twentieth century, mills supplying the sailing industry also catered to the military and outdoorsmen with exceptional cotton offerings. This trend continued until the mid-20th century, but eventually, those producers faded, replaced by less desirable synthetic alternatives. It's disheartening to see numerous failed attempts to adapt bed sheets and drop cloths into serviceable shelter systems. Holding up a drop cloth to see the sky through it reveals a net-like barrier, which is ineffective for shedding water. This has contributed to misconceptions about the reliability of historical gear.

Having used some tents that are over a century old, the difference in today's materials and construction is striking in comparison. For those interested in older cotton tarp styles, they remain valuable yet scarce and often come with hefty price tags.

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