Flatbed Tarps Explained Lumber Tarp vs Steel Tarp and How to Choose
Tarps Guide
Tarping is the part of flatbed work nobody enjoys and everybody gets judged on. A shipper who loads finished steel or kiln-dried lumber expects it to arrive dry and clean. If it does not, the claim lands on the carrier.
The right tarp makes the job faster and the result better. The wrong one leaves cargo exposed, or leaves you wrestling 40 extra pounds of vinyl you did not need. This guide covers the main types of flatbed tarps, how sizing works, which fabric weight to buy, and a method for tarping a load safely.
In This Guide
Why Tarp Type Matters
A tarp is sized by two things: the top section that covers the load, and the drop, which is the length of material hanging down each side. A tall load needs a long drop. A low load does not.
Using a tall tarp on a low load leaves several feet of loose vinyl on each side. That excess has to be folded and strapped, and whatever is not controlled will flap, wear, and tear. Using a short tarp on a tall load leaves the bottom of the freight open to road spray. Matching the tarp to the load height solves both problems.
Lumber Tarp vs Steel Tarp
These are the two tarps most flatbed drivers carry, and the lumber tarp vs steel tarp question comes down to load height.
Lumber tarps
A lumber tarp is built for tall, boxy loads. It typically has a drop of 6 or 8 feet on each side and a flap at one end that folds down to cover the back of the stack. They are usually sold and used in pairs, one for the front half of the load and one for the rear, overlapping in the middle.
They are large and heavy. That is the price of covering a load that can stand 8 feet off the deck.
Use one for stacked lumber, plywood, drywall, insulation, crated goods, and any freight that stands tall and square.
Steel tarps
A steel tarp is made for low-profile freight. The drop is usually 4 feet and there is no end flap. It is a simple rectangle, lighter and easier to handle than a lumber tarp.
Use one for steel plate, sheet, bar, rod, cable reels laid flat, and other loads that sit low on the deck.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Lumber tarp | Steel tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Typical drop | 6 to 8 feet | 4 feet |
| End flap | Yes | No |
| Best for | Tall, square loads | Low, flat loads |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Common size | 24' x 27' with 8' drop | 16' x 27' with 4' drop |
Most drivers who haul general flatbed freight carry both sets. You can compare both styles in our Tarps collection.
Other Tarp Types Worth Knowing
Coil tarps
A coil tarp is shaped like a fitted cover with a rounded top and side slits, so it drapes cleanly over a steel or aluminum coil. Using a flat tarp on a coil leaves bunched material that catches wind. If you haul coils regularly, a dedicated coil tarp is worth having.
Smoke tarps
A smoke tarp is a small tarp that covers only the upper front of the load. Its purpose is to keep exhaust soot off the freight. Shippers of PVC pipe and similar products often ask for one.
Machinery tarps
These are heavy-duty tarps with many D-rings, cut to cover irregular equipment. They protect machinery from weather without the fixed drop dimensions of the standard types.
Understanding Tarp Sizes
Tarp sizes are written as width by length, with the drop noted separately. Take a 24' x 27' lumber tarp with an 8' drop as an example:
- The 24 feet runs across the trailer. That covers a trailer about 8 feet wide, plus 8 feet down each side.
- The 27 feet runs along the trailer. Two tarps of this length overlap in the middle and cover a 48-foot load.
A 16' x 27' steel tarp works the same way: about 8 feet across the top and 4 feet down each side.
To choose a size, measure the height of the loads you haul most often. If your freight regularly stands 6 feet or more, you need an 8-foot drop. If it is usually around 4 to 6 feet, a 6-foot drop saves weight. Low steel needs only 4 feet.
Fabric Weight: 14 oz vs 18 oz
Vinyl tarp fabric is described by weight per square yard. The two you will see most are 14 oz and 18 oz.
18 oz vinyl is the traditional heavy duty tarp material. It resists tears and abrasion well and stands up to sharp corners and daily use.
14 oz vinyl is lighter. The same size tarp weighs noticeably less, which matters when you are lifting it onto a load several times a week.
Some tarps combine both, with 18 oz on the top where wear is highest and lighter fabric on the sides. If you haul freight with sharp edges, full 18 oz is the safer choice. If your freight is smooth and you tarp constantly, a lighter tarp may be easier on your back.
Whatever the weight, look for these features
- Rows of D-rings along the sides, typically three rows on taller tarps, so you can secure the tarp at different heights
- Grommets around the full hem
- Heat-sealed seams, which keep water out better than stitched seams alone
- Reinforced webbing behind the D-rings
How to Tarp a Flatbed Load
There is more than one good method. The steps below describe how to tarp a flatbed load in a way that keeps you on the ground as much as possible.
- Secure the cargo first. Straps or chains go on before the tarp. The tarp protects freight. It does not hold it.
- Pad the sharp points. Cover corners and protruding edges with corner protectors, moving blankets, or carpet scraps so they do not punch through the vinyl.
- Get the tarp on top. Ask the shipper whether they will set the rolled tarp on the load with a forklift. Many will. If not, use a tarping station where one is available.
- Start at the rear. Place the rear tarp first with its flap at the tail of the load, then unroll it forward.
- Place the front tarp second, overlapping the rear tarp by a foot or two. The front tarp must lie on top at the overlap, so wind and rain pass over the seam and do not get under it.
- Square it up. Center the tarp so the drop is even on both sides.
- Fold the corners. At the front and rear, fold the excess flat against the load like wrapping a package. Flat folds do not catch wind.
- Tie it down. Hook rubber tarp straps from the D-rings to the rub rail or stake pockets. Work from front to back and keep the tension even.
- Check for loose areas. Anywhere the vinyl balloons, add a strap. Some drivers throw a 2-inch ratchet strap over the top of the tarp for extra control.
Staying safe while tarping
Falls from the load are one of the most common ways flatbed drivers get hurt. Reduce your time on top wherever you can. Use the shipper's forklift or tarping station, avoid tarping in high wind when you have the choice, wear boots with good grip, and never walk backward on a load. A tarp that catches a gust can pull a person off the trailer.
How Many Tarps Do You Need?
For a 48-foot trailer, the usual setup is two lumber tarps and two steel tarps. A 53-foot trailer loaded to full length may need a third piece or longer tarps. Add a coil tarp if you haul coils and a smoke tarp if your shippers ask for one.
You will also need plenty of rubber tarp straps. Carry more than you think you need, in a couple of lengths, because they wear out and go missing.
Caring for Your Tarps
A good tarp is a real investment, and care makes a large difference to how long it lasts.
- Patch small holes early. A vinyl patch and vinyl cement fix a puncture in minutes. Left alone, it becomes a tear.
- Dry tarps before storing them for any length of time. Folded wet, they mildew.
- Fold or roll them the same way each time so you can deploy them quickly.
- Keep them off sharp deck hardware and away from exhaust heat.
- Store them in a toolbox or rack where they will not rub against chains and binders.
Replace a tarp when the fabric has gone brittle, the seams are separating, or D-rings are pulling out in several places. At that point patches will not hold.
Conclusion
Choosing among flatbed tarps is mostly a matter of load height. A lumber tarp with a long drop and end flap covers tall, square freight. A steel tarp with a short drop covers low loads with less weight to handle. Add a coil or smoke tarp if your freight calls for it, pick a fabric weight that suits your cargo, and protect the vinyl from sharp edges. Tarp from the ground whenever you can, tie the tarp down tight, and it will protect the freight for years.
Need a Tarp That Fits Your Load?
Shop lumber tarps, steel tarps and coil tarps, shipped to 48 states.
Shop TarpsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lumber tarp and a steel tarp?
A lumber tarp has a long drop, usually 6 to 8 feet, and an end flap for tall loads. A steel tarp has a 4-foot drop and no flap, which suits low-profile freight.
Can I use a lumber tarp on a steel load?
You can, but you will have several feet of extra material on each side to fold and secure. It works in a pinch. The shorter tarp is faster and less likely to flap.
How many tarps does a 48-foot flatbed need?
Two tarps of about 27 feet in length cover a 48-foot load with overlap. Most drivers carry two of each type.
Is 18 oz vinyl better than 14 oz?
It is tougher and more resistant to tears. It is also heavier. Choose 18 oz for sharp or abrasive freight and consider lighter fabric if handling weight is your main concern.
What holds a tarp down?
Rubber tarp straps hooked through the D-rings and grommets to the trailer. Some drivers add bungee cords or a strap over the top for extra control.