Tips for Storing and Transporting Your Tarp

Keep your tarps well-organized and ready to go while not in use with these handy tarp transportation and storage tips.

To roll or to fold: that is the question
You'll want to determine the best space-saving technique for your tarps based on whether or not you can compact them better by rolling or folding. This really depends on the size. If you're working with a smaller tarp, you'll likely want to roll it. Larger tarps are more difficult to roll, so getting the air out may be best completed by folding. Place them in a protective bin or on a shelf in a safe place for easy access later.

Make sure to fold your tarp correctly

Hang or stack
If you're able to fold or roll your small and large tarps, you can save extra space by stacking them on a shelf in your storage area. You can also hang your tarps on a strong clothes hanger so you can more easily access them when the time comes to put them to use. Compressing a set of tarps, stacking them on top of each other and then securing them with a rope is a great way to get your tarps from point A to point B without hassle.

Keep it hospitable
Be sure to store and transport your tarps in an environment that's hospitable for the material. While many types of tarps are waterproof and mold and mildew resistant, it's still important to store your coverings in a cool, dry place that's not going to encourage the accumulation of moisture. You'll want your tarps to be completely dry and fresh when you're ready to put them to use.

Get Creative Decorating with Tarps

Decorating with tarps sounds a bit primitive, but if you consider the amazing advancements tarps have made over the last few decades, you'll find beautiful, unique ways to enhance any outdoor living space. Tarps are no longer facets of utility. Instead, gorgeous new tarp styles have become upscale accessories coveted by the most high-style yet practical home décor enthusiasts.

Decorate with sun shade sails

Sun shade sails are artistic outdoor coverings that look exquisite but also provide unmatched real-world utility. These gorgeous canopies come in a huge variety of colors, shapes and sizes, all of which offer a truly unique, geometric overhead covering that will draw the eyes upward. Forego the traditional dull canopy and instead double- or triple-up on a lovely triangle shade tarp sail to create an amazingly intriguing in-air sculpture.

Choose a shade tarp to cover your patio, pool, porch or entrance-way. These breathable tarps are made from a tight weave, poly mesh fabric that blocks up to 90 percent of harmful UV rays, making them a great way to keep your green space cool and safe throughout the warm-weather months. Configure your sun sails to your precise outdoor space with triangle or square sun shade sails that match your home's color scheme.

Other ways to decorate with tarps include using a tan or black mesh tarp to create a stylish privacy fence surrounding the perimeter of your property, taking your sun shade sails indoors to complement high or vaulted ceilings, creating uniquely shaped canopy covers outdoors that feature one or two-peak tops and using waterproof tarps to create a sound base for an outdoor fountain or koi pond. No matter your precise landscaping or exterior décor vision, a tarp can go a long way toward helping you achieve your goals.

Incorporate Tarps into Your Next Event

The next time you have a special occasion to plan for, you don't have to hire an expensive event planner to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Instead, get yourself some tarps. You'll be amazed at all tarps can do for and during events.

Use tarps while you're setting up to protect place settings and decorations.

You can also use tarps to erect canopies to protect guests or to simply make a dynamic statement about the event itself. Tarps as tents or canopies also help organize an event, serving as a check-in point or a prep/staging area for those working at the event. And if the event will have food, a tarp can help protect the food or serve as a staging or serving area.

If your event will take place in a sunny climate or during a sunny time of year, a tarp can help provide much-needed shade for guests and/or allow them to cool off for a bit.

Remember: No longer are tarps just bright blue and made out of a crunchy material. PTM Tarps

Tarp colors for every occasion

carries a full range of tarps made out of a variety of materials to serve all your event needs. Tarps are much more affordable than canopies or tents and serve the same basic function, so they are ideal for cost-conscious consumers or for those on a budget. Your guests will think you've sprung for an elaborate setup and your secret will be safe with us. Plus, they couldn't be easier to install and to take down, which means you can devote your time and attention to ensuring the rest of the event runs smoothly. They can also easily be attached together, giving you as much or as little overhead space as you need.

And don't forget the ground. If there's been inclement weather recently and the ground is soggy, simply place a tarp down to protect guests' feet and shoes. It's a small gesture that will be very much appreciated.

Features to Consider when Buying a Tarp

Today's tarps come with many high-tech advancements, and choosing the right one of your unique needs can be a challenge. Reference this guide when you need to know which features to consider when buying a tarp.

Thickness - Tarps come in a variety of weights, including light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty. Choose the one that best matches your job. Tarps range in weight from lighter, easier-to-manage 6-mil tarps to extremely heavy-duty 23-mil tarps that are ideal for super tough jobs.

Size - A huge variety of tarp sizes are available, ranging from small tarps that measure just 5 feet by 7 feet to large tarps that go all the way up to 100 feet by 100 feet. Covering small things like wood piles may require a more compact tarp, while large tarps like RV covers, tarps for home renovation and other uses, may require a wider surface area.

Waterproof - Poly tarps are generally made of 6-ounce, 12-mil polyethylene material that is

Everything stays nice and dry

supremely waterproof. Tarps for camping, covering materials outdoors, fixing leaking roofs and other uses should be fully waterproof. More pliable canvas tarps are water resistant but not 100 percent waterproof, so they're better suited for indoor or temporary outdoor usage.

UV protection - Opt for a UV protective tarp if you're looking for something to block out harmful UV rays. A great choice for canopies, gardening and agriculture and covering cars, boats and RVs, UV tarps will keep your outdoor items free from sun damage.

Fire retardant - Flame resistant tarps can actually help prevent flames from spreading, making them a great choice for camping, car repairs and emergency use. Choose a flame retardant tarp every time you're going to be working with high heat.

Mold and mildew resistant - Choose this feature if you know you're going to be using your tarp in a damp environment, like the basement, garage or outdoors. A mildew and rot resistant tarp will not only last longer, it will also help prevent your items from accumulating mold and mildew themselves.

Color - Tarps come in dozens of unique colors. Tan, camouflage and green tarps are great for landscaping use, while silver and clear tarps are especially well-suited for gardening and agriculture. Versatile white and blue tarps are terrific for a wide variety of applications.