How to Use Multiple Tarpaulins for Large Area Coverage

Sometimes one tarp just will not cut it!  If you use tarps to cover a large truck, build a temporary shelter, or protect a large stack of firewood, you will need to conjoin several tarps together.  Using multiple Tarpaulins can be difficult, but with the correct methods, it can be done to act like one large sheet.  Here is how to cover space effectively with tarps. 

Plan Before You Begin

Before you lay out any tarps, measure the area you are covering.  Know if you are covering a length and width.  Knowing this will help you determine how many tarps you will need.  Planning will also help you determine how the tarps should lay out and ensure that you report no overlap gaps where rain or wind can penetrate. 

If the area is outdoors, determine the wind direction in which the tarps will lie.  Lay the tarps so that the wind blows them flat, not up.  Some planning now will reduce the stress and frustration later.

Select the Right Tarps

Tarps are not all equal. For larger landscapes, try to get tarps of similar thickness and material. When mixing lighter and heavier-duty tarps, you will likely create weak points. Heavy-duty tarps usually work best outside to withstand rain, wind, and sun without ripping. 

If possible, buy tarps that are close in size. Matching sizes makes them easier to join and keeps a neat, clean coverage.

Overlap the Edges

When combining more than one tarp, always overlap the edges. Ideally, overlap around 6 to 12 inches. This will prevent leaks from the opening when two tarps come together.

Make sure to lay your tarps so that the top tarp overlaps the bottom tarp, much like shingles on a roof. This allows rain to run down with ease and slope off without getting caught between the layers.

Joining Tarps with Eyelets / Grommets and Rope

Most tarps have eyelets (grommets) on the sides, making it easy to tie together by lining up the eyelets of the overlapping tarps and running a rope or cord through them. Then pull the rope tight so that the tarps stay flat against each other. 

In the event that the eyelets do not line up, you can always put your own eyelets using a grommet kit. This creates flexibility in deciding where to join the tarps together.

Use Clips or Clamps for Extra Hold

There are times when you need a fast or temporary means to connect tarps. In that case, Canvas Tarpaulin clips or clamps are suitable. They work well for gripping fabric, they do not require eyelets, and they may be placed anywhere along the edge.

Clips are particularly useful when covering odd shapes, like a boat or stacked goods, and the tarps do not effectively line up. They keep everything tight and secure.

Fix the Tarps to the Ground

Once the tarps are connected, they will need to be fixed to the ground as part of a cover system or fixed to a frame as part of a 3D booth or shelter. The edges of the tarp cover can be weighted down with stakes or sandbags, or heavy objects. When the tarps are loose, the wind may catch the edge and lift it, and rain or water may spill in underneath the edges of the tarps.

If you are covering a very large area, securing the tarp to poles or a frame stabilizes the tarp structure. It will help prevent sagging in the middle, which may cause water in rain events.

Avoid Sagging and Water Pools

A common concern when covering a large area with multiple tarps is water pooling in the middle of the tarps. Oftentimes, water can pool if the tarps are not stretched tight and sloped downward. If the tarps are set up correctly, they should enable rainwater to run to the sides.

If you are building a shelter out of tarps, do your best to form a peak or slope, similar to a roof. This simple concept will help you stretch out your tarp and provide a drier camping experience.

Closing Thoughts

Placing multiple tarp covers over a large area is quite easy, as long as you sit down and plan. Pick the appropriate size tarps, overlap them correctly, and fasten them together with clips, ropes, or eylets. You should tighten down the tarps to secure, and enough tension and slope will help rainwater run off and not create a pooled area in the middle of your tarps. There you go! You have turned several tarps into one big, reliable tarp cover.