Poly Tarps

Poly tarps (polyethylene tarps) are practical, cost-effective covers made from woven, reinforced polyethylene — the most popular all-purpose tarp for jobsites, farms, roofs, and around the home. They're lightweight, waterproof, and UV-coated on both sides, and they come in a wide range of thicknesses (mil), colors, and sizes so you can match the tarp to the job and budget. Whether you need a quick blue roof tarp after a storm or a heavy duty silver cover that lasts for years, this collection has hundreds of sizes and styles to choose from.

Best Uses

Emergency and temporary roof tarps
Canopy and carport replacement covers
Construction, equipment, and machinery covers
Farm, hay, firewood, and landscaping cover
Boat, vehicle, and general outdoor protection

Quick Specifications

Poly tarp specs vary by duty tier — here's the typical range across this collection:

Material: Woven reinforced polyethylene (poly)
Construction: 3-ply — a woven polyethylene tape grid core laminated with a UV protective coating on each side
Thickness: 5 mil (economy) to 20 mil (premium Made-in-USA) — true measured thickness, never inflated
Weave count: 8 x 8 (economy) up to 14 x 14 (heavy duty)
Fabric weight: ~2.4 oz/sq. yd. (5 mil) up to ~7 oz/sq. yd. (12 mil)
Grommets: Every 3 ft (economy) to every 1.5 ft (heavy duty), rustproof
UV protection: Coated on both sides
Performance: Waterproof, mildew resistant, rot resistant, tear resistant
Colors: Blue, brown, green/silver, silver, white, silver/black, silver/white
Sizes: 5' x 7' up to 100' x 100'
Origin: Imported and Made-in-USA options

Poly Tarp Family — Compare by Thickness

All mil ratings are true measured thickness. Some sellers overstate mil; MyTarp lists actual thickness so you can compare honestly.

Poly tarp	True thickness	Finish / color	Best for
Brown Economy Tarps	5 mil	Brown (HOA-friendly)	Budget, short-term cover where blue isn't allowed
Blue Tarps	5 mil	Blue	Light-duty, emergency, and short-term roof cover
Green/Silver Tarps	8 mil	Reversible green / silver	Backyard, landscaping, and camping cover
Heavy Duty Silver Tarps	10 mil	Silver (heat-reflective)	All-weather canopy, roof, and equipment cover
Heavy Duty White Tarps	10 mil	White both sides	Bright, light-blocking shade cover
Brown/Silver Heavy Duty Tarps	10 mil	Reversible brown / silver	All-weather cover with a low-glare topside
Heavy Duty Silver/Black Tarps	11 mil	Silver / blackout black	Heavier cover with a light-blocking underside
Silver/White Tarps – Made in USA	12 mil	Reversible silver / white	Longer-life USA-made poly
Silver/Black Tarps – Made in USA	12 mil	Silver / blackout black	Longer-life USA-made, blackout underside
White Tarps Heavy Duty – Made in USA	20 mil	White	Heaviest poly; superior cold-crack resistance

How to choose: Step up in mil as your exposure time and wear increase. The 5 mil blue and brown economy tarps are best for short-term jobs; 8–11 mil green/silver, silver, white, brown/silver, and silver/black are the core heavy duty all-weather choices that differ mainly in color and reflectivity; the 12–20 mil Made-in-USA tarps deliver the longest poly service life. For the most heat reflection, choose silver or white.

Specialty Poly Tarps

Some jobs need a specific feature rather than a thickness tier. These poly tarps are selected by what they do:

Specialty poly tarp	Thickness	Key feature	Best for
Clear Poly Tarps	13 mil (string-reinforced)	Translucent — lets partial light through	Greenhouses, enclosures, patio/tent curtains
Flame Retardant Poly Tarps	11.5–14 mil	Flame/fire retardant	Construction, tent walls, jobsite roofing

Poly Tarps vs. Vinyl Tarps

Choose poly for lower cost, lighter weight, and short-to-medium outdoor use. Choose vinyl when you need the longest service life and the toughest abrasion and UV resistance for harsh, long-term exposure. For extreme heat and high-UV climates (Florida, Arizona, California), even heavy poly wears faster — step up to an 18 oz Vinyl Coated Polyester Tarp.

Shop Poly Tarps by Color

Blue · Silver · White · Brown/Silver · Green/Silver · Silver/Black

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poly tarp?

A poly tarp is a polyethylene (PE) tarp made from woven, reinforced plastic material. Poly tarps are lightweight, waterproof, and UV-coated on both sides, making them the most popular all-purpose tarp for roofs, canopies, equipment covers, and general outdoor protection. MyTarp offers poly tarps from 5 mil economy up to 20 mil Made-in-USA in many colors and sizes.

Are poly tarps waterproof?

Yes. Poly tarps are made from waterproof polyethylene. For best results, install them with enough slope and secure tie-downs so water runs off and does not pool, especially in wind and heavy rain.

What does mil mean for poly tarps, and how do I choose?

Mil is the thickness of the tarp material, and higher mil is generally heavier and more durable. Choose based on how long the tarp will stay outside and how much wear it faces: 5 mil for short-term cover, 8 to 11 mil for heavy duty all-weather use, and 12 to 20 mil for the longest poly service life. MyTarp lists true measured thickness and does not inflate mil ratings.

Which poly tarp is best for a roof?

For a temporary or emergency roof tarp, a 5 mil blue tarp is fast and economical. For longer-term roof cover, choose a 10 to 11 mil heavy duty silver, white, or silver/black tarp. For maximum durability in high-wind or high-UV conditions, step up to a 12 to 20 mil Made-in-USA poly tarp or a vinyl tarp.

What color poly tarp should I choose?

Color affects both appearance and performance. Silver and white reflect the most heat and sunlight. Brown is a low-glare, HOA-friendly alternative to blue. Blue is the classic economy choice. Silver/black and reversible styles add a light-blocking underside. All heavy duty colors share similar waterproof, UV-coated construction.

When should I choose a poly tarp vs a vinyl tarp?

Choose poly for lower cost, lighter weight, and short-to-medium outdoor use. Choose vinyl when you need the longest service life and the toughest abrasion and UV resistance, especially for harsh, long-term exposure or high-UV climates like Florida and Arizona.

How long do poly tarps last outdoors?

It depends on climate and exposure. A heavy duty poly tarp may last about 2 to 4 years in low-to-medium UV areas such as the Midwest and Northeast, but only a few months in very high heat and high-UV regions such as Florida, Arizona, and California. Thicker mil and reflective colors generally last longer.

Do you offer Made-in-USA poly tarps?

Yes. MyTarp offers Made-in-USA poly tarps, including 12 mil silver/white and silver/black tarps and 20 mil white heavy duty tarps, alongside imported options. Made-in-USA tarps are built for longer service life and demanding outdoor use.