Tarps are one of the most versatile items to have in your home or garage. The wide variety of sizes and materials make them useful in many applications, from protecting your car or boat from the elements to using them to transport leaves and debris around your yard.
When new, these covers can protect just about anything, but they do wear out eventually. Like most things, they can be reused and reused when they have outgrown their original function. Instead of throwing them away, here are some creative uses for an old tarp.
Reusing your tarps
What you reuse a tarp for depends on the type of material it is made of. Polyester materials are excellent for waterproofing applications, while canvas is better suited for protecting items that need breathability. With some good scissors and a little creativity there is no limit to what you can do with an old tarp!
Protect smaller items from the elements
Just because a tarp is damaged in one area doesn’t mean everything is wrong. With a little creativity, you can reshape the old stuff for use in the same application. For example, the deck of a ship can crack and weaken over time at the top, which is where it receives direct sunlight, rain, wind, and snow most directly. But the sides could still be in mint condition. If so, you can easily cut the damaged parts out of the canvas and cut the good parts to fit other applications. A boat cover can be cut to make an engine, seat or battery cover, used to wrap fishing tackle or protect your trailer’s spare tire. Use bungee cords to keep them in place.
Probably one of the most common uses for tarps, old and new, is to cover your backyard woodpile to keep your firewood dry. You can go a step further by covering your backyard fire pit if you know you’ll be using it soon but rain is forecast. When a tarp wears out, check for sections that are still in good shape, then cut them down to a manageable size and use them to create a handy log carrier.
Protect delicate areas
The canvas offers protection against moisture but allows air to circulate. In their prime, canvas drop cloths are often used by painters as drop cloths and to protect outdoor items from rust. Once worn, rips, tears, and holes make it difficult for these tarps to remain waterproof, but they still have many functions. They can be used to protect plants, flower beds and garden crops from early or late frost, or as trunk or truck liners if you are hauling muddy or dirty materials or want to protect the interior surface of your vehicle.
fun for kids
You can use your old tarps in just about any situation where you need to protect or cover something, but they can also be used for some old-fashioned fun. Put the tarp on a rope that hangs between two trees and make a tent for your children. Use it to cover a sandbox or kiddie pool or create an awning to provide a shaded area to play. Place it on the floor and let them sit on it during messy activities like play dough or finger painting. Cleanup will be a breeze!
The next time you’re faced with a worn-out tarp, take a minute to think of other ways you could use it or parts of it. You’ll be amazed at the number of ways an old tarp can be reused. In the process, you’ll save money by not having to purchase new products for these uses, and you’ll also extend the life of your tarp.