subject: The Many Outdoor Uses Of Tarps [print this page] The Many Outdoor Uses Of Tarps The Many Outdoor Uses Of Tarps
Everyone knows that household tarps (or tarpaulins) is a very flexible sheet of either cloth, canvas, or plastic that they've either used themselves or seen someone use in outdoor work. There are a lot of very functional and useful applications for tarpaulins in yardwork and other outdoor tasks. Campers, workers in many different fields, hunters, and homeowners all make use of tarpaulins at some point.
When it comes to purchasing any tarp, it's usually a good idea to buy one that's fairly versatile. In terms of size, the most appropriate tarpaulin for most people is probably the smaller types, which are around 6 feet by 8 feet. This size of tarpaulin is useful for most of the different types of yardwork that a homeowner will require or the shelter that an individual camper will make use out of. One other thing to make sure of is that the tarp has grommets around the edges for maximum versatility.
Some common uses of an outdoor tarp are: leaf removal, covering up outdoor projects and equipment, and camping. Using a tarp as a way of helping get rid of leaves is an obvious choice, since it's one of the fastest and cheapest ways of moving leaves from place to place (just rake the leaves on top, pull the corners of the tarp together, and pull)! Grills and outdoor fireplaces often need covering during the rain and winter months so that they don't rust, and a waterproof plastic tarpaulin will serve this need perfectly.
When camping, a plastic tarp can be used as either a barrier between a tent and the ground or as a makeshift shelter itself. There are many guides online that show how to set up a tarp as an A-Frame using tent stakes and trekking poles.
In a pinch, tarps can also be used as a trap for animals, a catch for rainwater, or even a stretcher for a wounded person! However, one downside of a tarp is that they do have a finite lifetime in terms of durability, and many of the plastic ones are not biodegradable. Nonetheless, tarpaulins are extremely useful tools to have around the house, campsite, or workspace.
