A canvas tarp is an inexpensive multipurpose cover good for anything from covering a leaking dog house to providing shade for farm animals. Canvas is made of cotton, making it a better product for the environment than other tarp materials. When kept properly treated, it is water resistant, yet it breathes to allow air through and reduce condensation. It is an especially good product for covering outdoor machinery vulnerable to water condensation damage.

Canvas is subject to damage from mold and mildew, so it should not be stored in damp, dank places. Buy treated canvas that is mold and mildew resistant. For extra protection, look for a flame resistant canvas tarp. Although canvas is durable, it will tear when stretched tightly in high winds.

1. Use a canvas tarp at the farm or ranch for weather protection, shade, a hay cover, a barn divider and even a water trough.

2. Protect any boat with a canvas tarp.

3. Locate discount or bulk tarps to save money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Protect farm and ranch equipment or supplies with a canvas tarp

Most farms and ranches would struggle without canvas tarp protection. Tarps cover hay and make windbreaks for animals. On top of that you can use canvas tarps to cover machinery, build animal feeders, make divider curtains and a whole barn load of other things too numerous to mention. Buying materials from a canvas tarp provider only makes sense.

I recommend: You can find canvas tarp information at Edwards Canvas of Pauls Valley, OK. Edwards Canvas provides canvas tarps for any farming or ranching need. You can get canvas tractor covers at the Tractor Supply Co.

Get a canvas tarp boat cover

A canvas tarp is perfect for covering your boat to protect it from ultraviolet damage from the sun. Some canvas tarps are generic to cover an assortment of boats, but you can also get custom covers from a canvas tarp provider.

I recommend: Get a custom canvas tarp or boat cover from J's Canvas World in Hesperia, CA. You can also get custom service for boats at All Marine Canvas.

Find a discount canvas tarp provider and save

Some tarp dealers provide everyday discounted prices while others give a discount when you buy in bulk. Either way, you can save big on tarps to protect anything that needs to be stored outside, such as heavy machinery.

I recommend: Tarps Plus of Los Angeles offers discounts on several tarps that are discontinued or overstocked. Find a canvas tarp list featuring discounted prices at MyTarp.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you use a canvas tarp while transporting materials in a truck, make sure you use a super heavy-duty tarp. Find one with a heavy weave. It should have heavy-duty brass grommets to resist rust and tearing. The grommets should be spaced no more than two feet apart on all sides. Heat welded corners help make a tarp tear resistant. Double stitched seams and hems and extra canvas around the grommets make the product stronger. Most importantly, fasten the tarp securely to the truck. Any tarp flapping in the wind is more prone to tearing.